Finance Placement Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at TGB. Everybody in the business was friendly and willing to help. There was a great social aspect and a strong emphasis on making sure you get the most out of your placement.

I always felt I had something to offer to the business. Everyone in the team helped each other out, so although at the beginning I was asking all the questions, the longer I was there the more people would come to ask me for advice, which definitely made me feel valued.

The whole team were extremely helpful and patient, and I was always encouraged to ask questions if anything needed clarifying. There is also a strong induction program in place to help ease you into the business.

In general, I always had something to do, but there are peaks and troughs in your workload, particularly in Finance, where it is much busier at month end. Managing my workload was key.

From day one I was given responsibility. Everything I did was important, at TGB if something adds no value to a process, then it is unnecessary. You won't be asked to do anything that isn't important to somebody, somewhere.

The skills I developed while in placement will help me no end in the future. From improving skills such as time management and communication, having training in excel and presentation skills, and having the experience of working for a huge company such as TGB. I feel that all of these things will help me when I finish my degree and am looking for a graduate job.

Everyone in the business was friendly and open to talk to. There were regular social events for everybody to attend such as Karaoke nights, a rounders tournament and of course the Christmas Party! In the office the atmosphere felt quite relaxed. Of course there were more busy and stressful times, but on the whole it was a very friendly atmosphere.

I felt the placement was very strongly set up. There was a clear induction period which as well as teaching us about the company and teaching us the skills needed, allowed the students to get to know each other and settle in. I had clear objectives which were regularly reviewed and as I progressed, I was offered more; and more challenging; opportunities.

TGB has a strong focus on training and personal development. My manager and I sat down at the beginning of the year and discussed the training available, and I was encouraged to attend. There is also a personal development online tool, which we were encouraged to use.

TGB run a graduate program, which only students from the undergraduate placements can apply for. The program on the whole looks good, but didn't quite suit me, as I am looking for a guaranteed role in Finance, which is not on offer here.

The students all got on well and had a good social scene. Also, the sports and social club held regular events which most people liked to attend. I also played indoor football weekly and there were also other sports clubs, and a gym. On the whole I felt there was a very strong social scene.

Probably depends on what you are used to, but for me, coming from the west country, Surrey was much more expensive than I was used to!

Again, probably depends on what you are used to. There plenty of bars and a couple of clubs locally, but you probably need to go further afield for a big night out.

There was a local tennis club and leisure centres, cinema's, bowling etc, the usual things you would expect.