Graeme Pringle

Name: Graeme Pringle
Club 21 Employer: T-Mobile
Degree Subject: Statistics
Year of Graduation: 2007

My Club 21 placement took place at T-Mobile in Greenock, where I was working as a Data Analyst. The placement gave me the opportunity to apply my statistical and mathematical university background to a business environment.

The main aspects of the placement were to conduct studies on the business segments of the company and produce reports for operations managers and business teams. What I found most rewarding was being able to develop and improve my data gathering and analytical techniques as well as producing detailed reports that included these statistical interpretations.

A placement through Club 21 (or any other type of work experience while at university) is, in my opinion, essential,  as it is important for employers to see that a student has the drive and commitment to further their working capabilities during a summer placement. It is also of great benefit to have expereince in a business environment doing tasks that were related to my university courses. I will also be able to take the skills I have learned and developed back to my university studies. This is most evident in the area of multi-tasking, which was important during the placement when dealing with multiple projects at any one time; and this will be needed a great deal during my final year at university. A placement helps to develop communication skills and, in turn, you gain confidence when you receive praise and respect from colleagues and from the responsibility that you are given to complete tasks.

A Club 21 placement is an excellent opportunity for students who wish to enhance their chances of a good career after university has ended.