My experience on placement as a Junior Data Analyst

Areeba Jafar

Business Economics BSc(Hons)

Hi, I'm Areeba, a student in the Huddersfield Business School at the University of Huddersfield. I'm here to share my experience on placement.

Hi, my name is Areeba and I’m an international student from Pakistan. I’m studying for a BSc(Hons) degree in Business Economics at the University of Huddersfield.

I had not started my degree expecting to undertake a placement, however, towards the end of my second year, I decided I wanted to take the opportunity, as I knew that doing a placement in industry would provide me with excellent work experience and boost my CV. I was successful in securing a placement position as a Junior Data Analyst at Interior Goods Direct.

1. How I got my placement

I received lots of support from the Careers and Employability Team and the Business School’s Placement Unit, who sent out emails with opportunities for placement roles and guided me throughout the process. One email I received from the Placement Unit was advertising a placement vacancy as a Junior Data Analyst at a Blinds Company. I was interested in applying for this position, so I emailed back my updated CV. Within a week, I received a phone call from the HR to schedule for an interview over Teams with the company Manager. During the interview, they introduced their business which generates revenue from selling high quality premium blinds as well as cushions and lampshades. I introduced myself, my course details, my international background and the skills that I felt were relevant to the role.

2. What do I do as a Data Analyst?

Working as a Data Analyst, I use a range of software packages to keep track of product orders made in a day by different customers, and analyse which products are performing the best. I have gained a sense of responsibility, and I’ve learnt the importance of discipline, as I need to be attentive at work and complete tasks on time. I have developed many useful skills including Programming in MySQL, managing data in Excel files and Google Sheets, analysing numbers in database to improve business performance, and multi-task in a way that I balance work with my social life.

I would certainly 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. 

3. What I gained

Throughout my placement journey the Placement Team has been very supportive, asking about my well-being at the workplace and so I update them on my development. As I move onto the final year of my undergraduate degree in September, I know that I have learned so much in the past year working as a professional and gained valuable skills and experiences that will support my studies.

My advice to anyone coming to the University of Huddersfield is to seize as many opportunities as you can. The staff at the University are always ready to help. I recommend undertaking a placement year as there is no better experience than having the chance to work in a professional environment before graduation.

4. Final advice

With the right skills and ambitions, anyone can accomplish their goals. My hard work on my degree was recognised when I was awarded with the ‘Best Performing Second Year Student’ on my course, which has motivated me to achieve the best I can in my degree.

I was awarded with the ‘Best Performing Second Year Student’ on my course.

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