Nick: My placement year at Bentley Motors

Posted on: 2 August 2024 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Nicholas Meeres is a BA Business Management with Year in Industry student who has just completed his YINI placement with Bentley Motors.

What is/was your placement and what does it involve?

I worked in the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) department of Bentley Motors Ltd.

The GRC department, which sits within the Finance function, is responsible for ensuring business compliance with internal and external standards and regulations in a responsible and ethical manner, and to identify and mitigate potential risks. GRC has a responsibility for looking after five main topics: Anti-Money Laundering, Fraud, Embezzlement, Anti-Corruption and Business Human Rights.

Within these topics, I had had a vast array of project work, and also day-to-day tasks such as delivering a cross-functional business improvement project to the Chief Finance Officer, leading projects to positively drive Bentley’s risk culture forward, collaborating with other business units to develop and improve Anti-Money Laundering procedures, and handling highly sensitive, confidential information.

Why did you apply for this placement?

When I started applying for placement roles in Autumn 2022, I knew I wanted to work for a company with unique products, challenges and opportunities, however one that also values its employees and promotes a progressive environment.

Firstly, Bentley had recently been identified as a UK Top Employer for the 12^th consecutive year. Secondly, they are also going through a period of immense change switching from a product portfolio consisting of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) so I knew it would be a very interesting, changing, exciting work environment.

As for this specific role, I had an understanding of the duties and purpose of a GRC department through prior industry experience. I also understood the value of good compliance and how critical acting with integrity is following scandals such as “Diesel-Gate” and knew I wanted to help make continued positive changes in the workplace.

What did the recruitment process involve?

It was 18 months ago so I will have to cast my mind back! There were two parts to the process.

Firstly, for the initial application, I submitted a copy of my CV and cover letter.

Secondly, I received a phone call from Bentley’s Early Careers team where I booked an online video interview. The interview was approximately an hour long, split into two sections.

In section one, I faced some competency-based questions linking to the Bentley Behaviours.

Section two was a technical exercise in which I had 15 minutes to present a piece of university work or project that I felt best demonstrated my skills and qualities. I did this through PowerPoint format, facing five minutes of questions to conclude.

About a week later I found out that I had got the job!

I must add that prior to the interview, I had spent some time with the Careers and Employability team on campus going through my CV and a couple of mock interviews. They were incredibly helpful and had a massive, positive impact on my successful search.

What has been your favourite experience on your placement?

I would say I have two, both very different!

At the start of my placement, with the help of my manager, I outlined a project that was cross-functional, business improving and value adding that I would lead throughout the year. About two weeks later, myself and the six other finance placement students (IPs) had the opportunity to meet with the Chief Finance Officer (CFO and Board Member for Finance) and outline our projects.

Moving eight months down the line, I had the opportunity to present my project to the CFO and his first line of Directors – an experience I will never forget and one that placement students outside of finance don’t get the chance to do!

My second experience was the two-weeks I spent in the manufacturing department helping build the cars. Despite the very early starts, it was an amazing experience to get so close to the products. At Bentley, all the vehicles are built by hand. Seeing the skill, time, effort and true craftsmanship that goes into each vehicle whilst also helping contribute personally, is an experience I will never forget.

Did you face any challenges on your placement?

Yes, there were lots of challenges! I was regularly pushed to reach out of my comfort zone, seize opportunities, and take on challenges. One example I remember vividly was being tasked with organising the global Group Integrity & Compliance Meeting in which 30+ senior colleagues from across the Compliance departments of the Volkswagen Group Brands attended the Bentley site for a two-day – The event ran smoothly, and feedback was positive! I had no prior experience organising events, especially not one of this size, scale and importance so it was a brilliant learning curve!

The main thing I can recall from this year, is that regardless of the challenge, the level of support I received from team members and wider colleagues was amazing.

What have you gained from your year in industry?

So much. The year has been invaluable in terms of what I have gained. Of course, there are the practical skills and competency improvements such as digital confidence, organisation, time management that I look forward to bringing back to University in September. However, personally, my biggest takeaways from this year are a better understanding of how large businesses and the wider business world operate, a better sense of self, and a new perspective on my career direction and the opportunities available to me.

Would you recommend a placement year to other students & why?

100% yes. The skills you learn, the people you meet, the opportunities and learning experiences you have are just a few reasons why I think everyone should try and get a placement opportunity (it is nice earning some money too!). When speaking to a lot of my peers who have also done placement years, their consensus has been the same as mine!

Compared to 12 months ago, the way I am approaching my final year is completely different, and a lot more positive due to the lessons I have learned throughout the year. Even if you can’t get a placement, the interview experience is really valuable, and a lot of businesses offer summer internships which again are immensely valuable for someone looking to start their career or gain some work experience.

My final advice to students hoping to secure a placement is to make the most of the University resources, especially the Careers and Employability team. Many are former placement students that will give you sound, practical advice. They are there to help you!

Want to find out more about year in industry (YINI) placements?

For more information visit our Career Studio during term time to speak to one of our Coaches who will be more than happy to help.