Students put workplace learning on show at first Dundee Business School showcase event 

Students who completed placements as part of their module participated in a poster exhibition, reflecting on their learning, professional development and the skills gained during their time in industry.  

Among the students presenting their work was Stanley McDonald, who undertook a 10-week strategic research placement with Aviva, looking at how AI and automation will change the future of financial services. Reflecting on his experience, Stanley said: 

What surprised me most was how much responsibility we were given, as well as how relaxed the working environment was. We were able to speak openly and informally with senior leaders, which I didn’t expect. The highlight of the placement was presenting our final piece of work – it was the moment everything we had done came together and felt like it genuinely mattered.

The event also offered employers and local industry partners the opportunity to see first‑hand the outcomes of placement learning and to engage directly with students about their work, experiences and career aspirations. 

Natalie McKnight, Marketing and Events Manager at MSIP, hosted student Rian Harley during her placement at the innovation parc. She said: 

It was a real pleasure to host Rian at MSIP and to support her throughout her placement. She approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism, quickly becoming a valued member of the team. The placement gave Rian the chance to gain first‑hand insight into working within an innovation-led environment, while also allowing us to experience the value that fresh perspectives and academic learning can bring to our work. Opportunities like this are hugely valuable, and we’re proud to support Abertay students through meaningful placement experiences at MSIP.

The afternoon concluded with an informal networking session, providing students with the opportunity to build professional connections, explore future career opportunities and gain insight into industry expectations, while employers engaged directly with emerging talent. 

Angus Brodie, Lecturer in Business Management, said: 

Embedding work placements within the curriculum is central to how we support students’ professional development at Dundee Business School. Events like the Placement Showcase allow students to step back and reflect on their learning, articulate the skills they have developed, and recognise the real-world impact of their work. It also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the strength of our partnerships with employers, whose engagement is essential in providing meaningful, high‑quality placement experiences. Seeing students present their work with confidence is a clear demonstration of how placements enhance both employability and academic learning.

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