Tell us about your placement?

My first placement role was in KPMG Shanghai LLP. I took on the role as an Intern in the Financial Services Auditing department. I was responsible for assembling working papers for companies and assisted in completing audit report drafts.  

I completed my second placement with Soochow Securities Co., as an intern analyst in SME Finance Sector, for the Investment Banking Department. My job was very demanding as I had a range of different job roles within Soochow Securities, including assisting in completing working papers which consisted of performing detailed tests and cut-off tests for selling expenses, administrative expenses, and Research & Development expenses.  

 

What areas of your placement did you find most rewarding?  

During my placement year, I was confronted with many challenges that I had never encountered before. Working at KPMG Shanghai provided me with great accounting knowledge and further developed my adaptability and communication skills. My job role as an intern analyst at Soochow gave me an in-depth understanding of how companies control risks, improving my ability to analyse a company's financial situation and enhance my technical skills. 

 

Did you encounter any challenges? 

When I first started, my method for collecting and processing and data from industry research reports was slow and inefficient. My manager taught me how to use a platform to search for macroeconomic data in industries of all kinds, with rapid screening. This really helped to improve my data analysis. 

 

How has placement helped to shape your aspirations for the future?  

My placement year has allowed me to grow in many ways. It was an extremely rewarding experience. I’ve experienced improvement in my abilities and skills, particularly interpersonal, social, and technical skills. 

I have made many friends and connections working with these companies, who have taught me a lot about professional knowledge and skill development. I believe that all the experience my placement has given me through networking, sharing professional knowledge and personal skills will set me in the right direction after I graduate. 

 

What advice would you give to a future student starting their placement? 

When you are in the process of looking for a placement, seize the opportunity to attend interviews with major companies. This will gain you experience no matter how the interview goes. 

 

Find out more: 

• Securing a placement  
• Queries about placement  
• Are you a business looking to hire a placement student? 

Yunqi Yang

BSc Finance student

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