19 June 2025
Work experience is a great way to gain real world expertise alongside other studies. Holly started a placement with Whitehead in July 2024 as part of her BSc Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience degree, at the University of Exeter. As Holly’s work experience year comes to an end we wanted to find out a bit about the experience and how beneficial it has been.
“I contacted Whitehead to explore the possibility of a placement which aligned with my degree requirements and informed them that I would need to complete assignments throughout the academic year. The Team were very supportive and pleased to offer me this opportunity.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Whitehead, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to gain valuable experience working within the accounting department. This placement has allowed me to apply the principles that I have learned so far in university into practice, before entering a post-graduate role.
From day one, everyone at Whitehead made me feel like part of the team. Whether I had questions or needed help, there was always someone willing to support me. Another thing I really liked is how much work Whitehead does to support local charities. It shows that they genuinely care, not just about the business but about making a wider positive impact.
I’m looking forward to going back and using what I’ve learned to my advantage it’s given me a new drive and a bit of determination to really get the best out of my final year. This experience will undoubtedly be a great help during this as well as applying for post-graduate jobs, as having experience within the accounting and finance is typically more difficult to come by”
To anyone who is considering work experience Holly says “I would 100% recommend it if the opportunity arises, it’s a nice break from university even though you’re still learning. It’s helped me to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional life, giving me valuable insight and confidence for the future. It has provided a different perspective on studying, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment. While I’m looking forward to the next chapter, it will be bittersweet to leave the team and the company, as I’ve really enjoyed working with such skilled and friendly people.”
The knowledge and experience you gain through choosing to do a year of work alongside studies is not something that can be replicated in the classroom. It gives a different perspective on what areas of your studies will be most applicable when you start working and provides potential employers with proof that you can take what you’ve learned and put it in to practice. It’s something to consider if you want to gain an understanding of the workplace before leaving college or university.
On behalf of everyone at Whitehead, thank you Holly for your dedication, hard work and the positive energy you brought into our workplace. We wish you all the very best in your studies and beyond.
