Finance Placement Student Review

Having never worked in finance or an office before, I did not know what to expect, however I felt welcome from the offset. I have learnt more than I could ever have imagined and do not want to leave the world of work to go back to finish studying.

Working in a small team, on a small site has allowed me to build great relationships with everyone locally. However, being part of a large organization has allowed for me to build international relationships. The site I worked at not only praised my ability, but include me in projects and gave me opportunities I never imagined.

Once I became comfortable with the daily tasks required from me to support the business, my manager incorporated areas of learning and development into my working hours, to ensure I gained knowledge that I could use in the future. My manager is approachable and fair.

Due to working in such a small team, I did not have a single minute where I could say "I have nothing to do". Albeit high pressure and slightly daunting, I prefer to be busy and have learnt so much because of it.

My manager insists on the Placement Student role being a stand-alone role. Which, may be terrifying, but means that you take responsibility from the very beginning. Providing you show your understanding, you are rewarded with responsibility. Which, as I have progressed with my time at Perkins/CAT has only increased.

I feel confident to begin my final year of my degree with practical knowledge behind me. My ,manager has been keen in supporting my development and ensuring I have thorough understanding. Although, I feel in order to better improve this, perhaps time slots could be allocated to Placement Student Learning and Development, as with the day to day busy-ness of any company, these things sometimes get left out!

Friendly - Perkins/CAT have a lot of 'life-long' employees, making the office almost like a family as everyone has been there so long.

Once I had began working and met my line manager, everything slipped into place. However the instructions given before and the 'welcome pack' need to be improved, as the welcome pack is focused on the head quarter's location, and I was in an office 3 hours away!

My manager, although not obliged to, carried out the same career development conversations and activities with me as with permanent employees, to ensure I got an idea of a true development plan. I was able to take part in a strength finder course and work with a qualifies professional to develop my strengths.

Depending on my degree, will determine whether I am offered a graduate role. There are many graduates that work for Perkins/CAT and we have had the opportunity to speak to them. A large percentage of placement students come back as a graduate, and I am hoping to be one of them.

As I worked in a small office, there were no other placement students on site, however the larger offices have a good social scene. Although my colleagues are friendly, I never had a night out with them.

As I lived/worked just outside of Manchester, the socialising is relatively cheap if you head into the city. Living was around £400-500 pcm. However, I lived in a house share with someone I met online! So it depends on your living preferences.

Manchester has a great night life, and although I did not have any nights out with colleagues! Nights out with my friends were perfect

There was nothing organised by the company, however I played netball 4 times a week, and there are lots of other social groups you can find locally