Basma Mohamed Sheikh Course who studied Finance with Management BSC Honours completed a successful placement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation as a Credit Administrator .
Can you please tell us a bit about your background ?
Since studying at college my goal has been to work in banking, especially in Investment Banking. I was really inspired by having the opportunity to do the placement because I knew by joining the placement, it would be the first step to achieve my goals and to experience what it is like to work in a bank. Also by doing the placement I wanted to develop my soft skills and to gain valuable experience and knowledge. During my second year at the university, I started attending placement workshops, these workshops have helped me to improve my skills on how to prepare CV’s, a Cover Letter, filling in applications and my interview techniques. My advice to the placement seekers is to seek feedback on your CV and Cover Letter because this will help you to standout.
Can you please tell us a bit about your placement experience ?
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation is a Japanese bank. In the first 6 month I worked within Exposure Management Group, in the Structured Department Europe. As a credit administrator I had to maintain databases and spreadsheets, ensure the timely delivery of applications to the Credit Department, incorporating comments and updates of Project Finance assets. In the last six months I worked within Business Operational Support within Internal Management Group in Structured Department Europe. I carried on with the same duty as credit administrator, but in addition I logged original documents into DMS and prepared monthly project delays memo by using Loan IQ. From my placement I have gained skills in analytics, improved meeting deadlines, time management, communication, numeracy and IT skills. In addition my time management has become more advanced.
What does the future hold for you ?
Once I complete my degree, my plan is to apply to graduate schemes at different banks, including the one that I did my placement with. My placement year gave me a basic understanding of what to expect from working in bank and I have gained valuable skills, knowledge and experience. The placement gave me experience in the field that I want to have a career in and I got the opportunity to work in the industry with the professional people in a professional environment. I had the chance to make contact with new people and learn to socialise in a business environment.
Each year our well-motivated and ambitious Westminster Business School Undergraduates undertake a one year, full-time, paid Industrial Placement. These placements take place during the third year of a student’s 4 year sandwich course and complement their degrees in subjects such as Business Management, Finance, Human Resource Management and Marketing Management/Communications. The Undergraduate Placement Year is mutually beneficial for the student and employer. Employers consistently express that there are many benefits of having a placement student, including the fresh perspective they often bring to the role and organisation as well as their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
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