Once I returned to University after completing my placement year with Enterprise, I learnt that my visiting tutor had nominated me for the Excellence in Business Placement Award, which recognises the achievements of students who have undertaken a placement year.

The nominations are put forward from our visiting tutors and the judgment criteria was based on appraisals received whilst on placement, a placement report and further work on the University campus. I had high hopes of winning – after all I had worked hard in my placement, I finished my training folder by meeting all my targets, and I was promoted during my placement year too;  so I was really pleased when the winners were announced, and I was one of them!

My experience with Enterprise ultimately provided me with the opportunity to win the award by giving me the ability to develop sound business knowledge while on my placement. Enterprise offers hands-on experience of running a business; you’re also completely in charge of your own progression. This strategy helps to ensure employees treat the branch they operate in as their own, which in turn means that the success of the branch reflects upon their own personal abilities too.

Listing the award for Excellence in Business Placement as an achievement on my CV has boosted my employability significantly. The award has shown my high level of performance in a business placement as well as my commitment to my employer and my determination to succeed.

FEATURED JOB: Management Trainee Bradford

The University of Huddersfield’s Placement Unit is very active in helping students find employment by keeping them up-to-date with placement opportunities. Enterprise has a historic involvement with the awards; having sponsored them in the past along with other top employees.

So would I recommend other students go on a placement? Yes. And why should students choose to go on placement? Experience. Experience nowadays contributes almost entirely towards successfully securing a job, after all if you’re applying for a job that requires a 2:1 and you have managed to achieve that grade, you could be amongst many other equally-qualified graduates. Experience is what sets you apart from those candidates, it develops you and gives you a sense of achievement; it influences your career and personal aspirations.

Similarly, entering and winning awards gives you recognition and respect along with a sense of accomplishment; it makes you feel proud of yourself. Finally, extra-curricular activities drive you and help to improve your social skills. As a proactive horse rider and scuba diver, I’ve found these extra activities have helped me to become more patient, cope in difficult and unnerving situations, solve problems and more importantly, enjoy my free time and fulfil my personal aspirations. I was pleased to receive this award due to my performance while on placement with Enterprise. They have a range of graduate opportunities available so why not take a look for yourself?