Sandile's placement

Course: Software Engineering
Name of Placement Employer: Enterprise Mobility
Job Title: Business Manager

How was your overall placement experience?

During my placement at Enterprise Mobility, I had the opportunity to work in business management, which turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I loved the environment and the challenges that came with it. The role allowed me to develop a wide range of skills, including strategic planning, team coordination, and effective communication. I quickly adapted to the fast-paced nature of the industry, taking on responsibilities as time went on. One highlight was being promoted to management assistant within a year and receiving an offer of part-time to full-time employment after graduating.

Can you tell us about a typical day?

A typical day at Enterprise Mobility was quite diverse as I explored five key areas: sales & service, HR & marketing, risk, business management, and growth. My mornings often involved analysing sales and focusing on risk management, assessing potential business risks and developing mitigation plans. Afternoons often included marketing meetings with other businesses and interaction with customers. Some days were spent at Head Office for training.

What were your pre-placement worries? How did you overcome them?

Before starting my placement in business management at Enterprise Mobility, I was most worried about transitioning from my software engineering background to a role focused on business operations. The shift seemed worrying as it involved new concepts and responsibilities outside my field of study.

What was the best part of your placement year?

The best part of my placement year at Enterprise Mobility was receiving an offer for a promotion to management assistant.

What skills did you develop on your placement?

During my placement year at Enterprise Mobility, I developed a range of valuable skills. These included project management, problem-solving, and communication. I also learned the importance of networking, as it meant I was able to expand my contacts in each department.

What benefits did you gain from going on placement that you're carrying into your final year?

My placement year at Enterprise Mobility will greatly benefit me in my final year and when applying for graduate roles. This is because it has relieved the pressure of employment and where I rank myself in the market. I was able to gain real industry experience, which has allowed me to know my capabilities. Teamworking skills were also improved on placement, which will benefit my final year as the majority of my day-to-day tasks involved teams of 7-11.

Would you recommend going on placement?

Yes, I would highly recommend other students carry out a placement. A placement year provides invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice. It allows you to develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are crucial for career success. Additionally, it helps build confidence, expand your network, and often leads to clearer career goals or opportunities for post-graduation employment. The experience can make you more competitive in the job market and better prepared for the challenges of a full-time role after university.