Nathan Arbuckle knew the benefits of having high quality, relevant work experience on his CV so he decided to take the Year In Industry option. <\/p>\n
How did you set up your placement?<\/strong><\/p>\n I applied to many different roles and spent a long time completing online tests and interviews before securing a place at Volkswagen Financial Services. It often felt like an additional module, but it was worth all the extra effort in the end.<\/p>\n Where was it and what did your work involve?<\/strong><\/p>\n I worked in risk management at Volkswagen Financial Services at their offices in Milton Keynes. My work involved large amounts of data analysis and problem solving using the company\u2019s multi-billion pound portfolios.<\/p>\n Where did you live during your placement?<\/strong><\/p>\n I relocated to Milton Keynes for my placement as I wanted to be in the office as much as possible.<\/p>\n Were there any nerve-wracking moments?<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting a year in industry and the prospect of having so much responsibility can be scary, but it was important to remember that I was going to be guided throughout the process and I was only entrusted with what I could reasonably handle.<\/p>\n How do you think work-work compares to uni-work?<\/strong><\/p>\n Working feels tiring in the beginning and you begin to appreciate the weekends a lot more! Once you get into a solid routine and a gain a strong sense of purpose it all begins to feel natural!<\/p>\n How do you think your placement experiences have changed you?<\/strong><\/p>\n I have a greater appreciation for time management and how to balance professional and personal tasks. I also have a greater idea of the kind of career that I want to pursue.<\/p>\n What was your favourite memory?<\/strong><\/p>\n Definitely receiving the phone call to be offered the placement. Knowing that all the hard work had paid off!<\/p>\n What about support from the University while you were there?<\/strong><\/p>\n The university were always there if I needed support or had any questions regarding my final report or queries regarding returning to university.<\/p>\n You did really well in your assessment, what qualities do you think helped to achieve that?<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting the report while working so that you have access to all of the work you did before you leave! I also made a point of asking for tasks throughout my placement that would provide relevant evidence for my report.<\/p>\n How has the placement aligned with your career aspirations?<\/strong><\/p>\n I knew I wanted to work in financial services, but I did not know how many different jobs existed before my placement. I have been exposed to so many different career paths that I did not previously know existed!<\/p>\n What do you think your Year In Industry time will add to your resume and your overall job prospects when you graduate?<\/strong><\/p>\n My year in industry adds real world experience to my CV and will certainly help me get a job once I graduate. The wide array of skills that I have learnt such as advanced use of Excel and other data programs as well as the knowledge of risk management and finance in general will be transferrable to any job I enter.<\/p>\n Finally, what advice will you give to the next cohort of YiI students?<\/strong><\/p>\n Make the most of your year! Enjoy earning a salary and living in a new place, make the most of being part of a company and soak up as much knowledge as possible. If you find yourself bored at work, ask for different tasks, the year is what you make it.<\/p>\n Nathan Arbuckle is studying for a BSc (Hons) Economics with a Year in Industry<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"