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.