Leading a project to market analysis

Arsh Shaikh, a Financial Economics BSc (Hons) student, shares with us his experiences of his work placement at Siemens, and how he feels it has given him a massive boost and more of a head start in comparison to those who haven't done a placement. At Coventry Business School, all our courses offer the option of undertaking a placement between your second and third years, to allow you the opportunity to develop your career.

Why was it important to secure a placement?

From researching into placements and speaking to students who did, and didn’t, do a placement; I concluded a placement, would benefit my future career.

I believe doing a placement gave me a sense of direction in the real working world. I wanted to gain experience in the industry to enhance my skills, CV and networking.

What support and guidance did you receive throughout the application stage and then during your placement?

The employment team were always there when I needed help and guidance. I was able to get my CV checked, practice mock interviews and get tips, in order for me to be successful at interview. During my placement, I also had a visit from an advisor who checked up on how my placement was going, so the support and guidance was helpful.

What were your main responsibilities?

My day-to-day activities were different so there was never a repetitive day. I did many projects such as; leading a project with the head of digitalisation, where I had to ensure everything was running smoothly and assisting with any queries during the project. I also did data analyses, to market analyses and making a new economic model, for the firm’s future use.

Describe your experience and the skills that you developed through your placement year:

My experience was the best it could have been. Skills I developed included networking with many senior professionals and being able to communicate with them. I also established my management skills, as I was leading and presenting in meetings to managing directors, CEO’S and CFO’s.

What challenges did you overcome?

A challenge I overcame was a business trip to Sweden which I did alone, for the first time. I had to organise the trip start to finish, which included flights from the UK to attending a business meeting in Sweden, which was daunting.

Another challenge I overcame was when I had to make a 3D VR Experience film, for a newly opened global centre which was presented in Madrid at a customer conference, which received incredible feedback.

Do you feel a placement year has enhanced your employability? Why?

100% because it’s given me the guidance of the industry I want to work with and the lifestyle I prefer to work in too. I feel the experience I have from Siemens has been a massive boost and more of a head start in comparison to students who haven’t done a placement.

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