As well as our longer-term Apprentices and graduate internships programmes, UKCES hosts a range of work experience placements for those at all stages of education - from schools up to college and throughout university. Over the next few weeks, we'll use the UKCES blog to highlight thoughts and reflections from some of the young people who have worked with us this summer.
This week's Work Experience Wednesday blog comes from Megan Blaney. Megan will be starting her second year at Bangor University this September, where she is studying Accounting and Finance. Megan spent a week at UKCES, spending her time in our South Yorkshire office within the finance team, building up her experience of working in an office environment. Over to you, Megan!
Day 1
I started my first day and straight away was given a tour of the office by Jodie [an Officer within the Business Services team] and introductions to all the members of staff. This meant a lot of names to learn but I think I’ve remembered most of them! After an IT induction, I was introduced to the finance team and learnt a bit about the roles each of them hold. After another induction, this time health and safety, I shadowed a Business Services team catch-up which was interesting to hear what was happening in other aspects of the business, and not just the financial aspect.
After this I was given my first tasks of the week, submitting supplier forms onto the system, sending emails and filing some expense claims. To end the day, I was given an introduction to the organisation which helped me understand what the company does. So far so good!
Day 2
First full day today and under close supervision, my first task was to report transparency data for the previous month. I then learnt about ‘Investors in People’ and the merchandise related to it. After lunch, I shadowed a budget meeting in the telepresence room which gave me an insight into how different departments communicate concerning finances and budgets. After this meeting, I reviewed some finances of bids for an upcoming UK Futures Programme competition to check the businesses were financially stable to take part. After a bit of checking through these numbers to make sure everything adds up, I am now done for the day.
Day 3
As I finished everything to do for the UK Futures Programme yesterday, I was given some Microsoft Office Excel training in the morning. I was also shown some of the software used by the finance team, and given time to create some graphs later on in the afternoon. After lunch I had a one to one meeting with Ian, an Executive Director about what he does, what I do and how I’m finding the week so far.
Day 4
I’m getting used to the early mornings now and I’m at my desk looking forward to a full day with Andrea [an Officer within the finance team] who will take me through invoices, expenses, matching PRs and more. Just before lunch I have a one to one meeting with Simon, Assistant Director of the organisation.
My day working with Andrea has been great! I’ve learnt so much due to being given a variety of tasks and I’ve really enjoyed that. My meeting with Simon went really well, talking about my week and what I’d been doing as well as learning about his role in the company. I am now preparing myself for my mock interview with him tomorrow, nervous is an understatement!
Day 5
It is the final day! Even though it has only been a week, I know I’ll miss it. Everyone has been so lovely and have really made me feel welcome and part of the team and for that, I am so grateful. I’ve been so busy here, it has definitely not been just making tea, although this doesn’t mean no tea was consumed!
My mock interview went really well and I’m so relieved! This morning I was given a run through of procurement and now all that’s left to do is purchase ledgers and management accounts and I am done for the week. The experience has been really beneficial and I have really enjoyed it, thank you everyone!
We'd love to hear more work experience stories each week - if you've got one to share, tell us all about it on Twitter! Tweet @UKCES using #WorkExperienceWednesday
Read more on work experience:
Leave a comment