Insights from Placement Students: Gaining Practical Experience Across Various Industries

Don't know what to expect on a placement year? Our undergraduate students share their experiences on placement, from the key skills they developed to their most memorable experience. 

Embarking on a placement year can be a transformative experience, providing invaluable insights into real-world work environments.

We spoke with nine placement students who shared their unique experiences and the skills they've developed during their time at renowned organisations.

Here’s a glimpse into their journeys and the lessons they've learned along the way…

Thomas Barrot, Bank of England

Thomas, BSc in Management with Finance Pathway. An average day for me involves working on a mix of both team and personal projects. It’s been a great pleasure to learn in an open environment, it’s helped develop a deeper understanding of the banking sector.

Memorable Experience: Participating in the Lord Mayor's Show, being a beekeeper in the parade, if you didn’t know, a unique fact is the Bank of England produce their own honey!

Skills Acquired:

1. Coding
2. Deeper understanding of the banking sector
3. Gaining practical experience of theory.

Advice: "Meet as many people as you can and work well!"

Amelia Leslie, Honda Motor Europe

Amelia Leslie, a BSc Management student. I’m currently working as a Customer Experience Undergraduate at Honda Motor Europe. I spend a lot of time analysing customer surveys and collaborating with branches to enhance customer experience. My routine is definitely varied.

Skills Acquired:

1. Communication - Essential for interacting with international colleagues.
2. Patience - Understanding different roles and priorities.
3. Teamwork - Collaborating effectively within a small team.

Memorable Experience: Presenting at a major annual workshop the organisation hosts, it was both challenging and rewarding for me, I gained a lot of confidence.

Advice: "Ask as many questions as possible. Be proactive and don't be afraid to seek help."

Kelly Zhu, L’Oreal (U.K.) Limited

Kelly Zhu, BSc Management. I am the Skincare Marketing Intern at L’Oreal. Everyday on my placement looks completely different being in a marketing role, there are so many diverse tasks like assisting with product launches and brainstorming marketing campaigns.

Skills Acquired:

1. Time Management
2. Problem Solving
3. Teamwork

Memorable Experience: Working on the Age Perfect campaign was particularly fulfilling, it was great to help promote and contribute to a change in the beauty industry.

Advice: "Make the most out of your placement. Network and seize every opportunity."

Mehak Jain, Burberry Limited

Mehak, BSc Management. I am part of the Planning Team at Burberry. My day is filled with a variety of meetings, from 1-2-1’s and collaborative work to independent work. If you’ve seen "The Devil Wears Prada", that’s basically what my placement resembles.

Skills Acquired:

1. Adaptability
2. Practical Skills
3. Networking

Memorable Experience: Participating in a Hackathon and working with senior colleagues was an eye-opening experience, it was a great opportunity to network with people outside of my direct team.

Advice: "Set personal development goals and establish regular check-ins with your manager."

Keneilwe Mosweunyane, HelloFresh (Grocery Delivery E-Services UK Ltd)

Kene, BSc Accounting & Finance. I would say no two days are the same at HelloFresh. I tend to be assigned to projects that are aimed at improving operational efficiency but it always depends!

Skills Acquired:

1. Communication
2. Analytical Skills
3. Data Management

Memorable Experience: In the first week of the placement, interns have to help on the assembly line of HelloFresh boxes, it left a lasting impression on me, it was a very intimate experience to see how we deliver the product.

Advice: "Be yourself. Everyone is just a person, so don't feel intimidated when you start somewhere new."

Mehar Guram, Warner Bros. Entertainment UK Limited

Mehar, BSc Management. I am an Analyst in the EMA Theatrical Distribution team at Warner Bros. The tasks vary depending on the film release stage, from pre-release, film release to post-release, it’s great fun to work across all stages.

Skills Acquired:

1. Analytical and Research Skills
2. Adaptability
3. Networking

Memorable Experience: Joining the company during the vibrant pre-release period of Barbie, everything was pink! I don’t think I will forget that.

Advice: "Focus on your role first, then explore other areas. Don't be afraid to ask for more responsibilities and to network with other teams."

Kevin Chan at Jaguar Land Rover

Kevin Chan, BSc Management. I worked within the commercial business function at Jaguar Land Rover. I’ve enjoyed experiences hybrid working and working on a variety of tasks, my schedule includes meetings, data analytics, and self-development tasks.

Skills Acquired:

1. Communication
2. Technical Skills such as Python and Tableau.
3. Self-Motivation

Memorable Experience: Going on a ride and drive tour at the Solihull manufacturing plant where I was able to test drive a Range Rover Defender.

Advice: "Network and familiarise yourself with the environment. It will help you achieve more."

Aaron Patel at IBM

Aaron Patel, BSc Accounting & Finance. My position is a Financial Analyst at IBM. An average day starts with checking emails and prioritising tasks which consistently vary, followed by attending social events in the evening.

Skills Acquired:

1. Time Management
2. Communication
3. Excel Proficiency

Memorable Experience: Hosting a Diwali celebration event for the South Asian community at IBM, it was incredibly successful, we didn’t expect so many people to turn up!

Advice: "Take every opportunity that comes your way and put your all into it."

These students’ experiences underscore the diverse skills and valuable insights gained from placement years.

If you would like to learn more about our courses which allow you to take a placement year see our Undergraduate Brochure for more information.