Discounts Analyst Review

Having the opportunity to complete work placement at Caterpillar was a great experience- definitely very enjoyable. I learnt new things, gained new and improved the existing skills. It also creates a valuable opportunity to meet new people and network with professionals who are willing to share their knowledge with you.

My efforts and inputs were recognised by work colleagues. Always when asked to complete a particular set of tasks, others appreciated my help and gave me feedback which was very motivational and educating.

The guidance and support received from the manager is massive. There are desk reviews which are scheduled every week for a one hour chat about everything- both work and personal stuff related. If there are any issues or tasks that require manager's support, you do not need to keep them unsolved until the meeting- you can always go and see your supervisor at any free time.

My days as a finance intern at Caterpillar were moderate- busy. The first two weeks of every month were extremely busy, as it was caused by the month end and closing all the financial books- lots of deadlines to meet and review meetings to attend. The other two weeks were moderate, however numerous adhoc sales requests always kept me very busy.

Before starting the placement, I did not expect my placement year to look like this. I was performing a proper full time job for a graduate . I was responsible for a small part of P&L account of IPSD, I had to look after over 60 Post- Sale Discount programmes that the sales teams have arranged with the customers and ensure we are properly accounting for them and paying the customers when needed.

I have definitely got the chance to understand all theory and concepts that I have learnt at the university and see the real life examples. It allowed me not only to know the accounting concepts from lectures and background behind them, but to fully understand the way they affect companies, how they should be treated and their impacts on the firm's accounts.

The atmosphere in the office is not very formal, quite relaxed and friendly. The whole finance department was sat together in one open space- about 40 people. It made it easy to talk to others, socialise and communicate about work related stuff if needed. Thus rather than sending email, it was much easier and more convenient to come to the person's desk and have a chat.

It was very well organised. The handover period was 2 months long thus it gave me enough time to understand the processes that I had to carry on by myself with the usage of different software that I have not used before. The previous placement students and colleagues have designed process notes which are step by step guides for every process , also containing purpose explanations.

There were not personal training or development courses that were offered to placement students. However we had the chance to perform skills test and review our personal skills and analyse them with the team. It was a great experience, because not only I got the chance to understand my skills and how others see me at the work place, but it also allowed me to understand behaviours of my team members.

the company offers a variety of graduate schemes and many job roles in finance department. During the placement year, manager speaks to you about your attitude towards the company and if available , would you consider/ accept a role at Caterpillar once graduated. I think it is a great opportunity to start the way in the corporate world, because once coming back to the company you have done a placement year at, you don't necessarily feel like a newbie anymore, because you already have that basic knowledge.

There were no other finance placement students this year, when comparing to last year there were 6 interns, thus at the beginning it was a bit weird being the only placement student among all mature professionals. The company organised Christmas Night and Bowling Night for the whole finance department which was fun- lots of people attended and it have us all an opportunity to get to know each other outside of work .

I have lived with my parents during my placement year thus it as much cheaper for me. however the costs of living in Peterborough are not very high, it is a relatively cheap city in terms of living, accommodation, food and social life. Transportation costs are also cheap and if living somewhere in city centre, then it is relatively close to everything.

there is nothing special about nightlife in Peterborough. There are many pubs that you can go to and have a drink or two. In terms of clubs where you can go and dance, there are the two main ones: Solstice and Edwards/Flares/Redroom. They have recently closed third club, thus these two left get very busy during the weekends.

Company has organised a charity days for every team to go out and support others with gardening etc. The firm has also organised trip to bowling for a finance department. They also have plans to organise marathon and take part in races where you jump over many obstacles , dive in mud etc, however all these are expected to take place in June-August time, thus the timing is not ideal, because the current placement students will be finishing their placement or being in the process of handing over to the next person.