Finance Placement Review

My placement year with Cummins was a very enjoyable year both work wise and socially! I have learnt significantly more than I thought I would have during the year. I have also developed various key skills which have made me a more knowledgeable individual. It has been a pleasure to work for Cummins.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues within the Finance Department. I had been well integrated into the team and everyone was very welcoming. I was a valued member of the team which was never looked down upon as a placement and my team was always supportive and trying to help me develop my skills and ideas.

On a daily basis, I rarely felt that I was looking for things to do because I was set clear objectives and tasks that needed completing throughout the week. If I did however complete everything, I would tell my supervisor and he would happily give me additional work to look at. I was also set a task list on things to do on a monthly basis for month end where things got busier.

I was given a lot of responsibility on my placement. I had been put charge on numerous projects which had significant impacts on the business. I had been given various tasks to complete during the monthly close process which meant it was vital for them to be completed to a great standard.

The Finance placement year at Cummins has truly been invaluable! The skills that I have developed such as my accounting knowledge, IT skills and organisation have really transformed me positively and I believe I will benefit from these when I go back to university. Other soft skills like my communication, confidence have also been enhanced contributing to making me a well-rounded individual..

The general atmosphere in the Daventry office is casual and relaxed you, meaning will not find anyone wearing suit and ties. Everyone with in the office fits in with the Cummins core values resulting in everyone having a great personality. As a whole all people nice, friendly and very supportive

In my Finance placement I was given the opportunity to rotate around four different functions within the finance department. This was great as it gave me exposure to various areas to finance. It was organised well and the lengths in each department were to last 3 months each, however they were relaxed meaning I could move when I felt comfortable.

As previously mentioned I was given the opportunity to rotate around four different functions within the finance department meaning I was able to gain exposure to various areas to finance. This really helped me develop my financial and accountancy knowledge truly enhancing skills in different areas. There were also numerous types of training that were available such as team work and communication and presenting to mention a few.

At the Daventry plant the intake of placements are close to 50 each year so the social scene is amongst other placement students is definitely active. Placements amongst themselves plan to do hold social gathering and parties. In terms of my department, they also hold monthly team bonding sessions outside of work such as bowling, foot golf to mention a few.

The cost of socialising in terms of bars and pubs in Daventry are normal prices however if you are planning on living in Daventry on your placement it should be noted that the price to rent a room is fairly expensive compared to university accommodation. Not to mention the fact that there are limited places that come furnished. So some placements tend to live in nearby towns such as Northampton and drive in daily.

Tended to go to bigger nearby towns like Northampton and Leamington for a night out.