Freddie's placement at BIP Solutions

Freddie, what do you think you have brought to the company?

I feel that I've brought some specialised skills and a fresh outlook. 

How has your learning at Salford informed what you’ve been able to bring to the company?

The modules I've studied have given me an array of tools and I've been able to use and draw on information I've learned in each module. For example, from Principles of Law, I remember all the non-disclosure agreements and contract breaches. It’s been really interesting, not only to have learned that, but to apply it to the job I’m in.

Would you agree with that, Sam? What do you think?

I’d absolutely agree with that. I mean, it is that freshness. We identified that we have a strong product offering, great logo acquisition and a really good customer base, but a lot of the sales guys were over engineering solutions and sometimes falling down, because they’re not necessarily competent on the more analytical pieces. So, Freddie’s role is principally that, but it’s become a lot more than that. He’s learned some skills, and then translated those back into the sales environment. The overall level of learning is increased as a consequence of Freddie being here.

Sam, what advice would you give to an employer who’s thinking of hiring a student on a work placement?

I think as an employer, you’ve got to be open-minded. It's great to have that fresh approach from somebody coming out of academia who will perhaps have a better understanding of some of the emerging technologies and digital skills that are required to drive your business forward. It gets a massive, massive endorsement from me.

Freddie, what would you say to somebody who’s thinking about doing a work placement?

Absolutely do it, without doubt. I had a bit of experience beforehand, which I found useful. But I think that just taking a year out to do a placement teaches you everything you need to know. You won't be as daunted when you start out in your career after finishing your degree. Advice-wise, start early. Don’t leave it to the last week before sending in an application. The university job fairs are really useful, that’s where I saw BIP. Go to those, you get told who’s going to be there so do some research on the companies beforehand. Don’t just bring 20 copies of the same CV, personalise your CV, personalise your cover letter and give each company a personal approach, because ultimately you want them to remember you.