Finance and Commercial Academy Student Review

As part of the finance and commercial academy, my job role rotates after a set period of time. I have recently finished my first placement which was in inventory management for 6 months. In this role I was expected to pull together weekly and monthly reports which could be used by management to assess the control of inventory and come up with ways to make this better. I interacted daily with members of my team and manager to discuss what I was supposed ti be doing and ways of doing it. These interactions were a great help coming into the business as a new starter. I also found the role itself was great for developing knowledge of the business as inventory lies at the centre of this manufacturing company.

I have developed many skills since starting with Siemens. For a start my Excel skills have improved dramatically. This has happened both on the job and also during an Excel course organised for me by Siemens. I have also started studying CIMA which has been useful and interesting. In addition to this, I have worked on developing my personal skills and in particular employability and promoting my work. I have had regular meetings with my manager in which she helps develop my employability to aid finding a position after the scheme

The thing I enjoy most about the scheme is the mix between work and study. The work I have been involved in so far has been really interesting. Inventory management comes up within CIMA studies and so I have found CIMA relevant to my work as well as enhanced my study through work. Overall I feel that the combination of CIMA and working within Siemens is proving much more beneficial to me than going to university would have. I love the fact that I have been able to design processes of work in my first placement as this has made my work so far feel worthwhile

I feel my work is really valued. I create reports which are used by management on a regular basis. Being involved in calculations which result in decision making has been really rewarding. As well as this being able to change the way things are done at Siemens has really proved to me I am able to make an impact even in the space of 6 months.

Since starting with Siemens I have had a 24 month plan of placements that are lined up for me. This was very reassuring to be able to see how I would be moving around the business. This plan is very flexible though and so if I identify an area which looks more beneficial to me than what has been planned, I will not be stopped from going down a new route.

BPP have been fantastic in helping with my CIMA studies. The classes are really informative and whilst they are quicker paced than at school, the lecturers make sure they make the most of the time. All the lecturers I have had have been very enthusiastic and engaging making time spent with them really worthwhile. The materials when starting a new course are always plentiful and there’s something to suit every learning style. I particularly like how approachable the teaching staff are. They give out contact details so you can ask them questions after the course when revising at home.

In terms of study, Siemens are very generous with study leave. All of our classes at BPP take place in the week in work time and in addition I currently receive 3 days per exam to revise at home. We are also given our exam day as leave. Siemens have also been really supportive in work. I currently have meetings every fortnight with my manager to go over what I have been doing and talk about how I am developing professionally and personally. Any areas of improvement are highlighted and together we can come up with a way to improve them.

I find the salary on the Finance and Commercial academy competitive with other entry level jobs. After finishing sixth form I spent a year out in work and my salary now is in line with what it was during that year. When factoring in the cost of CIMA though which Siemens pay for Siemens definitely offer a better package. The academy also has annual performance related pay rises acting as an incentive for hard work and development.

There’s always something going on outside the office whether it is going into sixth forms and colleges to promote the academy or going to weekly football games

Yes

Siemens is a really good employer allowing generous study leave and great support and understanding in what it is an academy student needs to gain from the process.

Even though the selection process is fairly long and competiive always remain enthusiastic, show your passion for the profession and that you really want this job.