Nadeline Tjandra

• Placement role: Operations Coordinator
• Placement organisation: KidsAid

What were the benefits of undertaking a placement year?

I grew a lot both professionally and personally. Professionally, I learned things that go beyond the classroom – from contributing to meetings, and communicating with different teams, to pitching ideas to managers. I gained a deep understanding of the charity sector and developed a huge respect for how organisations operate with limited resources compared to private companies, something I wouldn’t have experienced without taking a placement year. I also got hands-on experience where I could directly apply what I had learned on my course, such as using accounting software in a real working environment and supporting processes including setting up access and preparing journals. These practical skills helped bridge the gap between theory and real-life application.

On a personal level, my confidence grew significantly. I used to be quite shy, and the placement pushed me out of my comfort zone – I became comfortable speaking to different people and more open to understanding different perspectives.

As an international student, another important benefit was gaining real insight into working life in the UK. It helped me explore the industry and role I want to pursue and gave me clarity in my career direction. It also made me feel more confident going into future job applications, especially knowing I already have a year of work experience – this will be particularly valuable when I’m navigating the UK job market.

In addition, the placement helped me become more financially independent and I was fortunate that it provided enough income to support my living costs, which reduced financial pressure during the year. However, I’m aware that placement salaries vary significantly between organisations and sectors, and not every student will be in the same position. For me, the value of the experience itself was the most important outcome, with the financial aspect being a bonus rather than the main expectation.

What employability skills have you developed from your placement?

I developed a wide range of skills, but the ones that stand out the most are communication, teamwork, initiative, organisation, and working under pressure.

As I worked remotely for most of my placement, I learned how to communicate effectively through emails, online meetings, and collaboration tools. I quickly realised that good communication is essential when you’re not physically working alongside your colleagues. I also learned how important teamwork is, especially when working on projects that involve people from different departments and backgrounds.

Working in a non-profit organisation taught me the importance of using initiative. With limited resources and a small team, there were often situations where people needed to step up, solve problems, and support one another to achieve the desired outcomes. Unexpected challenges were common, and these situations helped me become more proactive and adaptable.

One of the biggest skills I developed was planning and organisation. The transition from being a full-time student to a full-time employee required a significant adjustment and I learned how important it is to plan, manage competing priorities, and respect other people’s time. I became better at managing my workload, meeting deadlines, and balancing professional responsibilities with my personal commitments. I also learned how to work effectively under pressure. There were periods when multiple deadlines coincided, and I had to prioritise tasks, stay organised, and maintain a high standard of work. These experiences strengthened my resilience and gave me confidence in my ability to handle demanding situations.

What advice would you offer students applying for a placement?

Start preparing for your placement and apply as early as possible, ideally at the beginning of your second year. Many large organisations open their applications early and have rolling recruitment processes, which will give you access to a wider range of opportunities. At the same time, don’t panic if you haven’t secured a placement by the middle of the academic year – I received my placement offer in June after finishing my second year, which shows that opportunities can still arise later in the cycle.

Placement applications can be challenging so be persistent. It is normal to receive rejections and while this can be discouraging, it is important to keep applying and continue improving your applications. Every application and interview is a learning opportunity that helps you prepare for the next one.

Make use of the support available at the University – don’t be afraid to ask lecturers, friends, or placement students for advice. Also, the Student Futures team can provide valuable support with CVs, applications, and interview preparation. Finally, let people know that you are looking for a placement – networking doesn’t always mean attending formal events, sometimes opportunities come from simply having conversations with people around you. I secured my placement because I mentioned to my manager, while volunteering, that I was looking for a placement opportunity, so you never know where a conversation might lead.

What do you feel was the biggest achievement of your placement year?

One of my biggest achievements was receiving the Outstanding Impact Award at this year’s Placement Awards. I was nominated by my manager, and I felt incredibly grateful and honoured to be selected. What made this achievement particularly meaningful was that it allowed me to reflect on how much I had grown throughout the year – when you’re busy with day-to-day tasks, it’s easy to go into autopilot and not fully recognise your own progress. Receiving this award reminded me that the work I had done had a positive impact and that the effort I had put in throughout the year had been recognised.

Another highlight was the relationships I built with my placement colleagues. Although professional development was a major part of the experience, some of my favourite memories came from team socials, informal conversations, and spending time together outside work. These moments helped me feel welcomed, supported, and part of the organisation.

How do you feel your placement year will help you in the future?

It will benefit me in many ways – it’s helped me gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and build confidence in navigating the workplace. One thing I often reflect on is that although I didn’t end up accepting a placement through the traditional application routes I initially pursued, the process of applying was still incredibly valuable. The time I spent completing applications, preparing for interviews, and receiving feedback taught me a great deal about recruitment processes and these experiences will be extremely useful when applying for graduate roles. The placement itself gave me a range of employability skills that I can confidently demonstrate in future applications and interviews, including examples of teamwork, communication, initiative, problem-solving, and working under pressure that I can draw upon.

Another valuable aspect is the connections I have made. Whether through colleagues, managers, or fellow placement students, I have built a network of people who have supported my professional and personal development. These relationships have broadened my perspective and may prove valuable as I continue to explore future career opportunities.

Overall, the placement year has given me greater confidence in my abilities, a clearer understanding of the career paths available to me, and a stronger foundation for my future after graduation.