The Placement Experience: Week One
Blog Post created by Mohamed Sheikh on Jul 7, 2017
You may remember that a few weeks ago I posted a blog about a placement student joining the UBM Business Services team in Head Office, well time flies because she's just completed her first week. She's joined our team during what is a very busy period but has settled in effortlessly. Is that because I'm a good boss or because she's a good employee? Hmmmmm? Maybe a bit of both . Yeah definitely a bit of both!
Below is a blog entry Hibaag has written about her first week. She'll do another one in her final week which is next week so keep an eye out for that as well as a little something from me on how to make sure you can get involved in the learning and development of 16-25 year olds! Enjoy Hibaag's blog below for now:
"To think that I am writing this blog already is nearly as daunting as Monday morning when it all began, time really flies when you’re having fun!
Initially I planned to begin this two part blog by describing my feelings upon my arrival but quickly thought “no Hibaag that would be completely unfair to your chaotic journey that deserves some sharing”. It was a challenge to say the least. I had no issues travelling into central London every morning in the midst of the busy London morning rush hour to work, it was a pretty exciting idea. She thought.
I topped up my oyster and headed for the northern line. Overwhelmed with the heat that catapulted into my face, everybody else seemed confusingly unfazed. Trying to keep up with the crowd I made it to Waterloo station, only to get into a 20 minute domestic with google maps before I found my way where finally, I arrived at Blackfriars Road.
I looked up at the building and felt like I had a moment. Kind of like when Elle Woods from Legally Blonde 2 finally made it to her first day of Congress and stared up at the skyscraper building in disbelief. I was introduced to everyone at head office floor on the 18th floor. Nerves were real, as were the efforts to not seem too shy but equally not to come off as too strong.
I decided to take the rest of the day in my stride as new surroundings, and the uncertainty that comes with this new experience is something that usually keeps me on my toes. It’s a strange feeling because although I had just completed my first year at university within the finance field, I felt as though I knew absolutely nothing and would probably even stutter had I been asked to spell my own name. In my head, the possibilities to mess up were endless, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Although it’s only been a week, it incredible how fast theories and concepts I learnt in my lectures and seminars are immediately applicable on placement. I slowly eased into the week as I learnt I will not learn it all in one day, and not having a clue what to do is completely ok, in fact it is great. It means you will most likely make mistakes, and more importantly learn from them which is where the growth element lies. I have also quickly learnt to continue to ask questions and remain curious, that way you’ll slowly be on your way to discovering your full potential. Besides, I can almost guarantee that majority of the staff will be welcoming and have no issues in answering your stream of questions, however silly they may seem to you, remember everybody was in your position at some point.
To add to my exciting week, I also unexpectedly received my 1st year results in which my wonderful mentor Mohamed treated me to lunch! Whilst this week has been exhausting, it has also been enjoyable and I am excited for the challenge next week brings."