What's the difference between Hey Monika and a real work placement?

A real work placement gives you something Hey Monika can't: an actual employer's name on your CV, real colleagues, and the unpredictability of a genuinely live business. What Hey Monika gives you that a placement often doesn't is repeatable, structured practice across a deliberately varied set of situations — a sole trader resistant to MTD, a fast-growing company with debtor problems — without needing anyone to take you on first, and with detailed feedback on every single task rather than occasional, informal correction. They solve different parts of the same problem, and most trainees benefit from using Hey Monika to get placement-ready rather than as a substitute for ever getting one. More detail A placement gives real employment history; Hey Monika gives structured, repeatable practice. Hey Monika doesn't require anyone to take you on first. Feedback on every task is more detailed and consistent than typical informal placement correction. The two are complementary, not interchangeable.Frequently asked questions Should I do Hey Monika instead of seeking a placement? It's better used as preparation for a placement or first job, not a replacement for one — use it to arrive at a real opportunity already more confident and competent. Will employers think less of me for using Hey Monika instead of having a placement? Most employers respond well to evidence you've taken initiative to build practical skills without being handed the opportunity — it's a point in your favour, not a substitute they'll penalise you for lacking. Get started If you're actively job-hunting, keep applying for placements while you use Hey Monika in parallel — they work better together than either does alone.