Finance Student Placement Review

I am placed within the Treasury Operations department, supporting them with their system change project and daily tasks. Within the treasury department, we handle and look after the liquidity of the business. Making sure we have enough funding, investments and hedging to keep the business afloat during any economic environment. Treasury Ops file and manage all these deals, run reports and keep details up to date on a daily basis.

I have learned a lot about how my knowledge of corporate finance and accounting is used within industry. I have greatly developed my excel skills, particularly formula. However, my greatest skill that i had no experience with before my placement, is office skills. I have learned how to write formal emails and conduct myself in a professional, yet friendly, manner around the office. These types of skills will stay with me throughout my career.

I was giving a lot of responsibility, which was built up throughout the year. The main area was helping set up the new system, where I was gathering, inputting and reconciling lots of data. I was trained on and completed the daily tasks, which involved making agreements and settling large amounts of money with other business/entities.

The support I received was incredible. At the start of my year, I was placed in a group called Early Talent which included all other placement students, apprentices and graduates that were starting at the same time as me. This meant I had people who were going through the same experiences as me and people I could talk to my own age. My team were also extremely supportive whenever I needed any help or guidance.

The company culture within Newcastle Building Society was outstanding. They are extremely switched onto colleague feedback and actively ask for your opinion on a range of topics. This shapes the Society into a place where everyone wants to work and feel included/comfortable. I felt like I could go up to anyone and ask anything, from my first day, and I would get a friendly and helpful answer back.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement and could not recommend it enough. It exceeded my expectations and the range of work I have had the opportunity to do has been invaluable to my career and development.

Yes

I know it's completely predictable to say but BE YOURSELF. The society values the person they are employing just as much as your academic abilities. They need to see your personality during the application and interview process to know you will fit well within the team and company culture. Go into the job role with an open mind and always except all opportunities that come your way to get the most out of it.