Placement Student Review

I really enjoyed my placement. So much so that I continue to work for the company during my final year. They allowed me to work in all departments and did not rely on me for 'cheap labour' as some of my peers have found. I would highly recommend doing a placement to anyone!

My colleagues always provided feedback on my work and were keen to show that I had helped them in some way. The company has a 'thank you' scheme for sending think you's to colleagues via the webpage and I often received these thank you's when working with the teams. As I was asked to stay on at UKAR, I still feel valued.

My supervisor gave me several tasks which were more academic than business related just because she knew it would help me develop the skill Is would need. I had monthly 1 to 1 sessions with my manager where I was asked what more they could do to support my learning. I was always well supported. I also got the chance to go and visit some of the largest banks and building societies around the country.

As I was not relied on for business needs, I often found that I had run out of things to do. I spent a lot of time creating my own tasks and offering assistnance to others. Having said that, UKAR were more than happy for me to get on with Uni work for my assignments when there was less to do. They have a 'work hard play hard' ethic so all the staff knew that at business times of the year more was expected of us.

I was given tasks to own. I chaired a conference call with NatWest Bank. I regularly emailed solicitors. I approved payments for both the schemes we run. I was in contact with HMT with our queries. Many of my tasks held a great deal of responsibility which gave a great deal of job satisfaction.

In the start of my final year I have already found that I can apply much of the content to a situation at work. This means I have a practical explanation for the theory they are teaching and this makes it much easier to remember. I learnt a lot from my placement. Enough to get a job as a consultant during my final year.

Sometimes quiet around christmas. However they were big on colleague engagement so at the quieter times of year we were allowed to occupy the time with other tasks such as team building exercises. They often have themes dress down days and 'bake offs' . The general atmosphere is quiet but friendly, everyone knows everyone.

My placement was individual and it was build as I went along as they had never had a placement student before. This did not bother em as I could tailor my experience to only include the areas I was interested in. I was not disappointed with the format as it meant I was not spending time in areas where I was not needed / wanted.

There was an extensive Learning & Development department who provided me with several development courses. Some were academic such as Excel and others were more focused on confidence and self awareness. If I did not understand something they were happy to explain things further and make time in their diaries to talk things through with me.

I have a job with UKAR now. As a company UKAR will cease to exist in November 2019. However the branch of UKAR I work for are being transferred to ATOS next year and therefore the business will continue via this channel. The UKAR employments protects are minimal due to this.

I was the only placement student. There was one other student at the firm who was doing a NQC in business administration and she also loved working there. Unfortunately they were unable to offer her a position at the company afterwards. She did secure further employment however, so the experience she gained will have helped her.

UKAR is only a 10 minute drive from the family home and so I was able to stay with my parens. The nearest town was Bingley where the cost of living is relatively low. There is a great social life in Leeds which is only a 20 minute train journey away.

The nightlife was non existent.

Yes regular sports and social activities were arranged.