Kirsten Lartey – BSc Industrial Economics with placement
Kirsten spent her placement year with PA Consulting as an Industrial Placement Analyst, working directly with clients to deliver tailored business solutions.
Gaining real-world experience
During her placement from 2023 to 2024, Kirsten played a key role in several projects. She contributed to PA Consulting's Women in Finance initiative, supporting efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the financial sector. This involved conducting research, engaging with stakeholders, and organising events to champion gender diversity in finance.
Reflecting on her experience, Kirsten said:
"I had an amazing experience being part of PA Consulting's Women in Tech Initiative. This programme is dedicated to empowering and supporting women in technology through mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities. Engaging with like-minded professionals, learning from industry leaders, and contributing to meaningful discussions about increasing diversity in tech was inspiring. I was grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an impactful initiative."
Kirsten also worked on a consulting project in the financial services industry, conducting research and analysis to support strategic recommendations. One of the key challenges she faced was adapting to unexpected changes, such as preparing insights for tight deadlines.
Developing professional skills
During her placement, Kirsten gained her Leading SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) qualification, enhancing her understanding of Agile methodologies in large organisations. She said: "I've learned to work more efficiently in fast-paced environments and have enhanced my problem-solving skills. I've also built resilience and the ability to think quickly under pressure. Regular check-ins with my mentor have further strengthened my stakeholder management skills."
She also participated in public speaking coaching sessions, increasing her confidence in presenting and communicating ideas effectively.
Additionally, Kirsten was paired with a mentor who provided valuable advice on consulting, approaching client work, and professional development.
Support from the Business School's Placements team
Kirsten received valuable support from the Business School’s Placements Team throughout her placement. She said: “I had regular check-in calls with the team, where I could talk about my progress, any challenges I was facing, and get advice on how to handle different situations. These calls helped keep me on track and ensure I was getting the most out of my placement.”
Workplace visits allowed her to discuss her experience in person, reflect on her learning journey and request extra support if needed.
Overcoming challenges
Kirsten said: “One of the biggest challenges I faced during my placement was a lack of confidence, especially when speaking in meetings or presenting my ideas. At first, I found it quite intimidating to share my thoughts professionally, particularly when working with experienced consultants and clients.”
To help overcome this she explained: “I took part in public speaking coaching sessions, which helped me build my confidence in presenting and communicating effectively. My mentor also gave me great advice on structuring my thoughts and approaching conversations more assertively. Additionally, I made a conscious effort to contribute more to meetings, even if it was just small points at first. Over time, this helped me feel more comfortable speaking up and trusting my ideas. By the end of my placement, I noticed a big improvement in my confidence and communication skills, which will help me in my future career.”
Key skills gained
Kirsten developed several essential transferable skills during her placement. She reflected:
“I improved my ability to speak up in meetings, present ideas clearly, and engage with different stakeholders. This has helped me feel more comfortable contributing to group discussions at university and will be useful in any professional setting.
“I learned to handle unexpected challenges and become more resilient. I balanced multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, which has helped me manage my final year workload and be more productive.”
The impact of a placement year
Kirsten’s placement experience has helped with her final year of study and career prospects. She explained: “My placement year helped me become more confident, organised, and adaptable, which has made managing my final year workload much easier. It also improved my problem-solving and communication skills, which will be invaluable in my career after graduation.”
On a personal level, the experience has helped her gain confidence and given her a clearer idea of her strengths and career aspirations. Summarising her experience, Kirsten said:
"A placement year helps you build confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned at university to real business challenges, making you more prepared for the workplace. Placements also provide valuable networking opportunities, helping students connect with industry professionals and gain practical experience that sets them apart in their careers."
Find out more about the undergraduate placement year at Nottingham University Business School.
