Placement Year Review at Zolfo Cooper LLP

The Role

Role Description

My placement is situated in one of the case progressions teams in corporate recovery. My placement involves working on cases such as administrations and liquidations on a day to day basis. I hvae gained experience dealing with creditor correspondence, case checklists and reporting to the bank and creditors. My role revolves around making sure that cases are compliant with industry regulation.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I am half way through my placement and I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunities and experience that I am gaining. All of these experiences will be extremely helpful when I return to university and in my future career.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I feel that I work well with the people that are in my team. They are all really helpful and quick to explain new cases and tasks that I haven’t carried out before. Placement students are treated like anyone else in the office and we are offered the same opportunities and responsibilities if you are willing to work hard. I am always thanked for the effort and hard work I put in when I complete a task.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My manger has always been encouraging and I feel I could talk to her if did have a problem. All the managers and partners in my office have been welcoming of the new placement students, which allowed me to settle in quickly. Additionally, there is a buddy system throughout the placement; this person offers day-to-day support and help. The friendly office environment also means that support is readily available.

I have also been given the opportunity to receive feedback, which has helped me complete university assignments and improve at doing my job.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There are definitely some days that are busier than others but this is just the nature of the work. Overall I think there is a good balance which means you are not staying at work late every night.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

From the beginning of the placement I was given responsibility. I was given tasks and parts of cases that I would be responsible for which has allowed me to learn more. I think that as my placement goes on I will be able to gain more responsibility.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

On a basic level my time management and ability to write in a professional manner has improved greatly. This will help me when I return to university, as I will be able to manage my time more effectively and complete assignments to a higher written standard.

I also have had the opportunity to work in a professional environment and get used to a 9 to 5.30 job which will help me when I return to the workplace when I complete my degree.

In terms of the knowledge I have gained, I have learnt a lot about a very technical industry that I had a number of misconceptions about. I also have a much more rounded understanding of the economy and this is very important as I am studying a financial course and intend to take a graduate job in the finance industry.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The office environment is professional, friendly and welcoming. People work hard but are still willing to have a laugh and joke with each other. There is always someone around who is willing to help you if you have a question.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The placement set up is very organised –placement students are placed in a specific team and given a buddy. Our roles are clearly defined and we were integrated into our teams quickly.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Since joining the firm I have had the opportunity to attend an accountancy course, a session to improve my Microsoft Excel skills and sessions to learn how to use the systems that my department use on a daily basis.

Additionally, placement students are encouraged to attend weekly best practice courses were we are taught about different topics and tasks, which we carry out in our day-to-day jobs.

The training team has also set up weekly training sessions for the placement students, where we present to each other about different insolvency topics. This has firstly improved our presentation skills and secondly allows us to learn more about insolvency.

I have also had the opportunity to present to the whole office, which was rather daunting but was a great opportunity to improve my presenting skills.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Opportunities to re-join the firm upon graduating will be looked at on an individual basis. It will obviously be dependent on capacity, at the time but if you work hard and the availability is there, then there will be the option of employment.

Even if a job offer wasn’t there to have 12 months experience at Zolfo Cooper will prove to be a very valuable aspect as the company has a solid reputation with a number of firms over numerous sectors.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The office has a good social scene – placement students are encouraged to get involved all activates that are available. Since joining the firm I have attended a GHD networking event, the Christmas party in London and pub quiz nights. There is also the opportunity to attend the weekly bowling tournament against other firms and nights at the Dogs racing. So there is a lot to get involved in, if you want to!

The placement students all get along well and we have had the opportunity to meet placement students from different offices at training sessions.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The cost of living is relatively low in Leeds and the salary that placement students receive more than covers the cost of living.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Leeds has a brilliant nightlife!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The company has invested in CSR and is currently working with Business in the Community to set up links with local schools and projects. People in the office go into a school in Leeds and read with children and in April we will be involved in a project called Eco Kids. Again, there is a lot to get involved in!

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Zolfo Cooper is a brilliant place to work. I have gained valuable experience whilst I have been here and the people that I work are friendly and professional. If you have the chance to work here - take it!

In general a placement has helped me greatly, I am able to communicate in a professional manner and I have become confident in my ability to work in a corporate environment.