Project placements are special programs which give qualified applicants the opportunity to gain hands on experience with the development and implementation of technologies. Project placements can occur nationally or internationally, and it is an effective method of disseminating knowledge and technical expertise from college students to corporations.

While no two project placement programs are exactly alike, they all have a number of similarities. First, these programs will typically allow students with unique designs to build and test them in an environment controlled by the corporation offering the program.

If the design is a success, it may also be quickly introduced into multiple corporate environments. Many large corporations that compete in technically oriented fields such as manufacturing or engineering will offer project placement programs with colleges such as MIT or Berkeley in order to recruit students who are highly talented, skilled, and creative. It is important to bear in mind that project placements are closely related to internships, and by understanding the internship programs, this will make it easier to understand the importance of project placement programs.

Internship Programs

Generally, internship programs are designed to offer assistance to the project placement environments that are established by corporations and other enterprises. The relationship between internships and project placement allows for a unique level of training as well as research and development, where talented young students are brought in from around the world to contribute to developments which are being made in the scientific and technical fields. This experience is very beneficial to students because it allows them to hone their skills while simultaneously gaining the work experience which is necessary for them to find suitable employment after graduation.

Internship programs are not limited to the continental United States. In contrast, students may also be able to work in foreign countries as well. The location in which the student works is dependent on their skills, as well as the needs of the organization for which they work as interns. Some of the positions available will be hands on, while others will place an emphasis on marketing and business development. For instance, engineering students may be expected to be involved in a great deal of research and development during their internships. However, it is important to bear in mind that interns are distinct from volunteers.

Interns and Volunteers

To many people, internships sound remarkably similar to volunteer work. While they do share some similarities, the two are actually quite different. When you work as a volunteer, especially in a foreign country, you will often be required to pay for many of your expenses out-of-pocket. However, internships and project placements typically require candidates to have a much higher level of expertise. Because of this, these programs will give candidates the opportunity to become interns, and their basic living expenses will be paid for.

With many project placement programs, both the food and housing of the participants will be covered by the program. This is important because it reduces the cost for participants who want to work. Depending on your project placement, you may be working in design, field tests, or the creation of technologies which are related to your major. Students who are science or engineering majors may work with solar technology, hydroelectricity, or other forms of construction. Business students may be given marketing challenges to complete.

Requirements for Applicants

Most project placements are designed for graduates or undergraduates who are looking to gain work experience. In technical fields such as Engineering, work experience is critical and many companies will not hire employees who do not have a great deal of real world experience. At the same time, other project placement programs are less restrictive, and are designed for anyone who is passionate and excited about gaining experience and knowledge. Project placement programs require all applicants to be talented, as well as mature, friendly, flexible, and enthusiastic.

Project placements are similar to full time jobs and will require participants to work forty hours per week. Participants may also have to work on weekends if they need to travel on field trips or perform installations. While the length of time will vary from program to program, on average, most project placements last approximately three months.