Preparation is the key to secure a placement
Areeba Jafer
Student of BSc (Hons) Business Economics
My name is Areeba Jafer and I am from Pakistan. I came to study in the UK in 2021 as a transfer student in my second year. From studying in Pakistan to Malaysia and finally landing in the UK at the University of Huddersfield, it is a magical journey. I am currently in my placement year, working as a Data Analyst in an interior furnishing company.
A second year transferred international student
I study Bsc(Hons) Business Economics at the Business School at the University of Huddersfield. Before moving to England, COVID-19 restricted my studies to online lessons. This gave me time to consider switching to another university. The course modules here were very interesting throughout my second year as my professors and tutors kept me engaged in their lessons. Study support material was given weekly and a personal tutor has been assigned to me for the entire duration of my course. As an international student, I have felt very at home, by meeting many people from my country, and having constant support from the International Office team.
A tailored CV for every job
The University has offered me many employment opportunities including part-time jobs posted at Jobshop and placement opportunities emailed to me by the Placement Team. Towards the end of my second year, I decided I wanted to go on a placement year to add to my work experiences, so I started applying. In the process there are times I doubted my abilities and wondered if I will be successful, since exams were near, and I had to divide my focus between securing a placement and studying for my finals. Time management skills came to the rescue! I had to update my CV many times to fit the qualities and skills for specific jobs. Finally, after the exams, I received a call from the HR of Interior Goods Direct – the company I work for now – for an interview the week after. It was a placement position as a Junior Data Analyst emailed to me via the Placement Team.
Prepare to shine at the interview
I was very excited, so I started browsing their website and prepared some questions they were likely to ask. The interview was online where both HR and my Team Supervisor were present, and it lasted for approximately an hour. My supervisor started off the interview with questions on skills from my CV and my education background. During my O and A levels, I had learned to write SQL coding language and, unlike most people, I have enjoyed playing around with mathematical equations. Even though my past job experience was from working in hospitality, I mentioned I had learned Microsoft Excel and knew strategies to promote the business with good analytical skills. They were both super friendly to ensure I was comfortable during the interview.
HR asked about my eligibility to work in the UK. Being on a Student Visa, I am allowed to work full-time on a Placement Year as part of the University course. Following that, they asked general questions related to where I come from and my interests. I shared that I am a Pakistani girl who is ambitious, I moved to a foreign country all by myself and achieved so much progress in just a year. Although English is not my native language, my international background is a bonus because I am multi-lingual, and I can speak in five different languages. The interview was very engaging, and I was told I would hear back soon. Little did I know they would ring me after a few minutes and congratulate me for passing the interview and securing the job! I was over the moon to hear the good news and immediately called my family back home.
Hard work and discipline are important at work
Working as a Data Analyst, I promptly grasped concepts of coding in MySQL which serves as a powerful computer language tool in fetching business data. I also use Microsoft Excel and Google Spreadsheets to keep track of product orders made in a day by different customers, and analyse which products are doing better sales than the rest. I have gained a sense of responsibility, realising the importance of discipline as I need to be attentive at work and complete tasks on time. It is always better to be at work ten minutes early, than arriving late. I would definitely consider working as a Data Analyst in the future because I find it interesting as it gives a deep insight into the business you are working for.
My advice to anyone coming to the University of Huddersfield is to grasp as many opportunities as you can, and the staff at the University are always ready to help. I recommend taking on a placement year as there is no better experience than having the chance to work in a professional environment before graduation. With the right skills and ambitions, anyone can accomplish their goals. For my hard work, I was awarded with the ‘Best Performing Second Year Student’ on my course which has motivated me to perform better in my studies and to accomplish a good GPA score in the future. My placement year will end in June and I cannot wait to go back to taking classes at the university and continue to study for my final year.
