Finance Services - Industrial Placement - Accounts Receivable Review

Good development opportunities but day job can be mundane and tedious if you don't seek out more work.

My team made me feel irreplaceable and really appreciated the work I did.

Manager was keen on personal development which ensured that I was given plenty of opportunity to get involved with things outside of my day job. Once I had learnt my day job, I was trusted to get on with my work and support was available when necessary.

Workload varied in accordance with each accounting period. For example, in weeks 3 and 4 I would be extremely busy as deadlines had to be met, however, in weeks 1 and 2 I would have free time to focus towards development and adhoc activities.

I was given a great deal of responsibilty in my role and trusted to get on with my job. However, support was available when necessary.

My day job helped develop my computer skills, i.e. microsoft word/excel/powerpoint. I also sought development opportunities surrounding presentations and this will be valuable experience to carry forward with me in future roles.

Most finance environments are quiet which can be off-putting. My office was fairly chatty which created a good atmosphere. However, this made it difficult to concentrate when busy.

There are a few activities that every placement student will get to experience as organised by the head of the graduate program, ie. workshop and conference. However, my business unit did not have a clear plan for my placement year and it was very much developed as my placement evolved.

At the beginning of my placement, my line manager asked me what development I would like to get out of my year. I outlined the areas of development I would like and they were fully supportive of ensuring I gained the experience necessary. I was able to attend a presentation course and travel 200+ miles to represent the company at a graduate careers fair - all of which was fully paid for.

I have been invited to attend the graduate assessment centre for the finance graduate program. This scheme is really appealing as it provides training for a professional qualification called CIMA and places high emphasis on development in order to equip you with the skills to go on and be a future leader.

There are no other placement students on site. However there are a couple of graduates and young colleagues to socialise with. There was no social opportunity on site as you would be based in the middle of nowhere, but we tended to travel to Cardiff for nights out.

The cost of living in the area is cheap as its near small villages and towns. There are little social opportunities in the area. I lived in Cardiff and commuted (29 miles), the cost of living here is reasonable and socialising can be expensive on weekends.

Area I worked - none (1 pub within 5/10 miles) Cardiff - Amazing! Lots of different scenes to suit all tastes.

Occasional nights out.... 5 a-side football.... gym