Usama Anwar

• Placement job title: Assistant Accountant
• Organisation/company: Blue Water Accounts
• Industry sector: Finance

Your university and Placement Experience

Why did you choose the University of Northampton?

It offered the placement year within the course, which a lot of universities don’t offer – that was the deciding factor for me.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course? Please say here the course you studied.

I always studied finance related subjects in my O and A-levels, so studying Accounting and Finance was an obvious choice for me. Plus, it’s something that always interests me.

What do you enjoy most about the course?

Looking at finance from a new perspective. Studying at University of Northampton gave me a new perception of my course that I didn’t have before. It taught me that it’s not only about numbers but is much broader than that.

Where did you complete your placement year? What was your role?

I completed my placement year at Blue Water Accounts in Nottingham as an Assistant Accountant.

What are the benefits of doing a placement year?

It teaches you that university studies are very different compared to the actual working environment. The University prepares you to perform well in the professional world, but it’s up to you how you utilise those skills. The placement year also teaches you work ethics and what to expect once you have graduated.

Do you have any tips for applying for placements? What can students do to help them get one?

Don’t stress. Plan ahead. Ask for help. Always remember to use the Changemaker Team. Speak to your lecturers. Don’t be scared!

What employability skills have you developed from your placement?

I’ve got professional work experience now which will be quite significant when I apply for future roles.

What advice would you give to students about to begin a placement year?

Be patient. Listen more. Ask for help. Don’t be casual because it’s not university-life anymore, you’re in the working world.

How do you think the placement year will help you in the future?

It will help me to get better roles and adjust in the professional world.

What advice would you give to those considering studying at the University and/or your chosen course?

I was the first ever student to walk into Waterside Campus when it opened in 2018 and I wouldn’t change anything about my life there over the last four years. It’s an amazing University, with all kinds of help available and they want you to succeed. So, go ahead and choose the University of Northampton for some of the best years of your life.