Student academic performance and professional training year

Abstract

This paper studies the relationship between students’ academic performance and the likelihood of attaining work experience as part of their undergraduate studies. The econometric analysis based on a sample of students from the School of Economics at the University of Surrey shows that the average of first-year marks is positively associated with subsequently securing a placement year. The mean predicted probability of obtaining a placement position is approximately 50% if a student's average first-year grade is 50, and the probability rises to 67% and 80% if the student achieves an average first-year grade of 60 and 70, respectively. Other relevant factors that affect the likelihood of securing a placement year are the course of study, the student's nationality and ethnic group. On the other hand, school type and A-level grades in mathematics or in economics have no effect on the chance of securing a placement year.