Pharmaceutical giant, Procter & Gamble, has praised a cohort of third year finance and accounting students from Northumbria University for their innovative impact in helping to take the business forward, during a 13-month placement.
The endorsement came at an end-of-placement celebratory event, at which the company also welcomed the next cohort of students as part of a growing and evolving partnership between the two organisations.
Outgoing students gave presentations on the projects they had worked on and explained how the experience had given a real insight into the world of work and increased their confidence.
The partnership with Procter & Gamble, links neatly with Northumbria University’s 2030 strategy for experiential learning, empowering students to get first-hand experience of industry.
Rich Cole, Global Project Manager, Procter & Gamble, said: “Procter & Gamble Newcastle view Northumbria University as a strategic partner in our recruitment of the next generation of talented students interested in a finance and accounting career with a promote-from-within culture and a focus on building skills. Placements are win-win. The student gains professional experience, confidence and new skills and Procter & Gamble takes on smart, motivated and innovative individuals who help take our business forward.
“They also provide access to up-to-date, specialist knowledge, with the support of academics who are experts in their fields and have extensive industrial or organisational experience.”
Many Northumbria University undergraduate courses offer students the opportunity to do a placement, which will be credit-bearing and can take a variety of forms. In a typical undergraduate degree, most year-long placements would take place between the second and final year making it a four-year degree.
Courses also provide the opportunity for students to do a shorter duration placement, alongside their studies and it also offers employers more flexibility with the amount of time that a student will join their organisation.
Victor Ottaway, Head of Placements & Internships, Graduate Futures, Northumbria University, said: “A placement year in industry is an invaluable experience. It allows students the opportunity to develop new technical skills, make connections, apply theoretical knowledge in the real world and gain first-hand experience of the recruitment and selection process. At Northumbria University, we fully appreciate the huge importance of experiential learning on our students’ employability outcomes and would welcome placement opportunities with companies of all sizes.”
Gideon Amofah, third year accounting student, said: “My year has been invaluable. I have really enjoyed putting the theory that I learn at university into practice and seeing how I have made an impact. The placement encourages independence and has given me an insight into what areas I particularly felt comfortable with, such as connecting the digital aspect of the role based around technology and automation with the accountancy side. I also enjoyed working with the tax compliance and cost teams.”
Khyme Christy, finance and investment management student, said: “It was brilliant to gain industry experience in an organisation which has such stature. Although it was a placement year, I was treated as though I was an employee. You learn a lot of theory at university but it was great to really learn more and see, at first-hand, what can really impact an organisation. I particularly liked working within risk management and data analysis.”
Northumbria University places more graduates into highly skilled jobs in the North East than any other university, helping to power the regional economy, supporting businesses and opening up life-changing opportunities for students.
Indeed, Northumbria has made the bold commitment that all undergraduates, in all faculties, who come to Northumbria, will have access to experiential learning, clearly distinguishing itself within the sector.
Services such as Student and Graduate Enterprise, offer help including internships, entrepreneurial skills training, incubation/co-working space, workshops, mentoring, and specialist advice in areas such as IP/Legal, marketing, Sales, Business Growth and Finance. Student and Graduate Enterprise provides free enterprise skills training and start up support across the University’s community of students and graduates.