Considering taking a placement year as part of your degree? Sarah Oluyannwo, BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry student, spent her Placement Year as Finance Officer at Harrow Carers.
Read on to find out more about how Sarah prepared for the year, her plans for the future, and her advice for students considering a placement year.
Why did you choose to study at Kent?
I chose Kent mainly because my degree, Actuarial Science is taught by many actuaries who have previously worked in the field.
Could you tell us about the support available when looking for a placement?
Nikki and Frances are always willing to help and gave so many tips when it came to applications and writing CVs. They also organised many sessions for students looking for placements including a two-day bootcamp that I found extremely useful.
Where did you spend your placement year, and what was your role?
I was a Finance Officer for a small charity called Harrow Carers, they offer vital support for unpaid carers in Harrow and the surrounding area.
What were your main responsibilities/tasks?
I handled the financials for the organisation. Everything from managing transactions and payroll to account reconciliations. It was definitely a lot of responsibility and seemed daunting at first, but my confidence grew over time and I adjusted quickly.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently applying for graduate roles for next year, I’m aiming to be an Actuarial Trainee as I work towards completing my professional exams and becoming a fully qualified Actuary.
What advice would you give to students considering taking a placement year?
I would advise students to use the careers team as much as possible, they really know what they’re doing. Also, don’t be afraid or doubt your employability, just try your best and put yourself out there.