By Loving-Grace Mawire (BSc Economics with a Placement Year)
Why did you decide to do a placement?
I thought it’d be a fantastic way to get some real-world work experience under my belt. Plus, doing a placement was a great way to try out a career area I was interested in without fully committing to a graduate role right away.
Can you tell us a bit more about the organization, your role, and the skills you learned?
I did my placement year at Microsoft working as an Account Manager. It was a somewhat similar role to that of a project manager. Lots of meetings and keeping tabs on project progress. I learned how to communicate more effectively and work with diverse teams. Not to mention, I got a solid grasp of the industry and learned to navigate the latest technologies and software. All in all, it was an eye-opening experience that boosted my confidence and set me up for success in my final year and beyond!
How did you find the transition back to UEA and your final year more generally?
Honestly, transitioning back to UEA and my final year was a breeze. It was so fun being back with my friends and having more free time was a major bonus. Surprisingly, I found myself procrastinating less, which was a pleasant surprise. Maybe the discipline I picked up during my placement rubbed off on me!
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be going back to Microsoft and working as a consultant. My placement year was essential in my securing the graduate role. The people I met along the way also encouraged and inspired me to go for the role. Really looking forward to the future.
What advice would you offer to students for a placement?
My advice? Apply for roles even if you’re not entirely sure about them. You never know what might pique your interest once you dive in. And while you’re on your placement, make sure to network like a lot and grab every opportunity that comes your way. Embrace the chance to try new things and expand your horizons within the company!
