Wholesale success for Kaltoum’s placement

A University of Northampton student has put her future career firmly on the books with a placement at wholesale giant, Booker.

Third year Accounting and Finance student, Kaltoum Sektani, made the most of a six-week placement with Booker Wholesale, enhancing her CV and getting to grips with academic theories in a real-world scenario.

Booker Wholesale is the UK’s largest cash and carry operator, offering branded and private-label goods which are sold to over 459,000 customers including independent convenience stores, grocers, leisure outlets, pubs and restaurants within the UK. Working within their Finance team, Kaltoum developed her understanding of margins and forecasting in a fast moving, wholesale, environment. With headquarters based in Northampton, Bookers, was the natural choice for Kaltoum, having moved to Northamptonshire in 2012, and joined the University of Northampton a few years later.

Speaking about her university experience, Kaltoum said: “I’ve always had a head for numbers, so starting my university career as a mature student a little later in life didn’t faze me. I had been working as a Quality Evaluator, and I really enjoyed being involved in anything finance related, so as the next step for my career development, I decided that the University of Northampton was for me.

“I have two children, sometimes it has been a challenge balancing family life, work, university studies and finding time for a work placement. My mantra has always been ‘I believed I can, so I will’. The University tutors have always been supportive of me, which has helped keep me focused and motivated.

“My placement with Booker was very valuable, it was excellent to use the academic theories and practices I’ve been learning on my course. I’m looking forward to using my Booker experience to influence the way I tackle my assignments this year.”