Natalie Mann
Host Organisation: The Very Group
Job Title: Credit Risk Intern
How did you become interested in a Year in Industry?
General interest in a year in industry before starting Uni then took part in the Year in Industry bootcamp in 2nd year.
What did you hope to achieve from a placement year?
I wanted to gain experience in the workplace and improve my employability.
How did you go about searching for placements? When did you start doing this?
I looked on specific company websites. I started looking at the start of 2nd year.
Could you tell us a little bit about the organisation you worked for while on placement?
Online retailer offering financial services with two brands – Very and Littlewoods.
Why is mathematical work important to the host organisation?
Analytical and problem-solving skills have been important in completing analysis work.
What were some of the main projects / tasks you were involved with while on placement?
The main tasks include daily, weekly and monthly reporting. A major project I have been working on is creating a new version of a largely used existing report — the report was initially in excel, I created a new version in Power BI making it more easily accessible, visual and interactive.
What were some of the main differences between studying at University and working on placement?
More of a routine when working and easier to create a suitable work-life balance.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while on placement and how did you overcome this?
Learning everything whilst working remotely at the start of my placement — I had regular catch ups with my manager and reached out to my team members when I needed help.
Has the placement made you think differently about your degree subject?
It has made me want to work hard to get the best possible grade I can.
Has the placement made you think differently about your future?
It has confirmed I am interested in a career in finance and want to take a gap year after graduating.
In your opinion, what were the main benefits of taking a Year in Industry placement?
It has made me feel more motivated and positive about my future and has helped develop my skills.
Do you have any tips or advice for Maths students who are interested in a Year in Industry?
When applying have resilience and don’t give up when having to deal with rejections. Also make sure the company’s vales align with your own as this has been a big part of making my experience at Very so enjoyable.