While this isn’t CSI, forensic science is a real job requiring dedication, a sharp eye and plenty of patience.

Forensic chemistry is perfect for science students interested in the legal world. As a forensic chemist, you can help determine the key elements of an investigation.

Read on to find out more about the job and how you can get started.

• What does a forensic chemist do?
• Is a forensic scientist the same as a forensic chemist?
• How do I become a forensic chemist?
• What skills do you need to be a forensic chemist?
• How much does a forensic chemist get paid?

What does a forensic chemist do?

Forensics play a huge part in criminal investigations and a forensic chemist is responsible for analysing and processing evidence in a lab. These pieces of evidence are usually substances brought in from crime scenes and it’s a forensic chemist’s job to determine what they are. 

Substances can include;

• Explosives
• Poisons
• Hazardous chemicals.

A forensic chemist will spend the majority of their day-to-day based in a lab (snazzy coat in tow too). You’ll work mainly in a lab, but you’ll also have the odd occasion where you’ll have to attend a crime scene in person and testify in court.

Is forensic chemistry hard?

It’s hard, but it’s also super rewarding.

Working as a forensic chemist is exciting because you’ll come across complex cases every day. However, work can be repetitive and you’ll be dealing with highly sensitive information and substances that will require you to have a high level of detail and careful handling.

Is a forensic scientist the same as a forensic chemist?

It IS a forensic science. In fact, forensic chemistry comes under the forensic science umbrella.

As a forensic scientist, you’ll provide courts with scientific evidence in criminal and civil investigations. Your main area of concentration will be to examine materials found at crime scenes or that are connected to the case in question.

Forensic science can be split into three key areas;

• Biology. A forensic biologist will usually be involved in helping to solve crimes against people, such as murder and assault. Here, you’ll test DNA including hair, teeth and bodily fluids such as saliva and blood.
• Chemistry. You’ll test substances found at a crime scene. These can include paint, mud samples, poisons, burns, and acids. A forensic chemist’s services are usually needed for arson and burglary cases.
• Toxicology. Here you’ll test for drugs, poisons and alcohol. You’ll do this across a variety of cases including murder, drug charges and drunk driving.

Forensic scientists usually specialise in one of the above depending on your background, but there is always an option to take a general approach to the industry. A jack of all labs.

FUN FACT: The first written account of using medicine to solve criminal cases is attributed to Xi Luan Lu, written in China in 1248.

How do I become a forensic chemist?

All forensic chemist jobs require a degree in forensic chemistry, chemistry or similar. These degrees include;

• Forensic science (with a focus on chemistry and mathematics)
• Biological science
• Criminology with forensic science
• Physics 
• Medical science.

Always check to see if The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredits your course. These clever people set the standard when it comes to regulation, professionalism and reputation.

To be accepted on a typical forensic chemistry degree course, you should have the following;

• Three A Levels in chemistry and a second science subject
• Five GCSEs (including maths and science).

It’s worth noting that roles across forensic science are super competitive, so the more you do to get an edge over other students, the more likely you’ll secure that all-important job.

One way to do this is by taking higher education further and studying for a Master’s degree in forensic chemistry or similar. You can even decide to take on a PhD as your career progresses.

Another way is through an internship or placement. Read on.

Can I get work experience as a forensic chemist?

Employers are keen to hire students who have lab experience. Although placements and internships are very rare, the good news is there are plenty of work experience roles that offer lab time.

You could spend a year working as a chemist placement student for CooperVision or a chemistry science quality assurance placement student at BAT. There is plenty of opportunity.

“I developed knowledge and skills in the testing involved with material science based in an industrial lab. Most of the techniques and equipment were far removed from the academic teaching labs I had experienced prior. This experience was invaluable. Further to this I improved my soft skills, such as time management, communication and presentation skills. The professional environment nurtured and developed me to improve these necessary life skills to ready me for commercial work.”

Applications Chemist at Lubrizol

Read our Guide to Science and Research Internships, Placements and Graduate Jobs

What skills do you need to be a forensic chemist?

Skills are everything and as a budding forensic chemist, you will need a whole bacterial colony of soft and hard skills in your petri dish.

Soft Skills

• Eagle-eyed attention to detail
• Teamwork and being able to work alone
• Logical reasoning and critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Working under pressure
• Communication skills.

Hard Skills

• Legal knowledge of court procedures and regulations
• Data entry programs specifically for laboratory work
• Lab health and safety.

Ready to apply for a job or work experience in forensic chemistry? Read Skills to Add to Your CV.

How much does a forensic chemist get paid?

The entry salary for a forensic chemist is between £18,000 and £20,000 per year. As you progress in your career, this can move up to between £25,000 and £40,000 per year. An experienced forensic chemist can look to make a very tidy sum of £45,000 per year.

Think you’re about ready to get your lab on? We have a wide selection of science job for you to have a look at. Click below to start your journey.

The post What is a Forensic Chemist? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

While you probably won’t be sent into space to intercept an alien race heading for Earth (so sorry, Will), you’ll design and build some of the most important aircrafts and satellites with multiple uses, whether travel or defence.

Read on to learn more about what they do and how you can start a career as an aerospace engineer.

• What is aerospace engineering?
• What does an aerospace engineer do?
• How do I become an aerospace engineer?
• What skills do aerospace engineers need?
• How much do aerospace engineers get paid?

What is aerospace engineering?

If you’ve ever heard the expression ‘it’s not rocket science, you know’, this is! Aerospace engineering is a relatively modern branch of engineering that deals with the design and building of machines and crafts that fly or exist within the Earth’s atmosphere, including;

• Aeroplanes
• Gliders
• Helicopters
• Jets
• Spacesuits
• Satellites
• Weather prediction machines.

Types of Aerospace Engineering

While you’ll have a wide range of knowledge and expertise in aerospace engineering, there is plenty of opportunity to specialise. 

Aeronautical. These engineers focus their efforts on building and designing aeroplanes and rocket ships.

Astronautical. Here, engineers deal with the design, testing and development of spacecrafts.

Avionics. As an avionics engineer, you’ll design, test and maintain electrical systems found within aircraft.

Mechanical. These engineers focus solely on the mechanical aspects of aircraft design, usually engines.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

So now that you know what aerospace engineering is, what does an aerospace engineer do, and what does the typical day-to-day look like? Let’s get into it.

As an aerospace engineer, you design, build, and maintain various aircraft types. You’ll wear many hats, including developing parts and components, improving flight safety, and maximising fuel efficiency.

Meet Kat Voltage, a NASA engineer. In this video, she talks about her role and what it’s like to work for NASA.

Aerospace engineer responsibilities

The role is exciting on many levels. There’s no such thing as a dull day at the office in this job, as you’ll have several projects on the go. Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary, but some of them will include,

• Designing aircraft and propulsion systems
• Testing new designs to see if they meet customer requirements and safety standards
• Developing criteria for design methods
• Ensuring projects meet quality standards
• Inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions
• Investigating aircraft accidents
• Assessing the cost and reliability of projects.

How do I become an aerospace engineer?

Several routes are available to help you realise your dream of building a real-life USS Enterprise. Let’s look at what these are.

University degree

Having a degree will be a huge help, and there are loads of various subjects that’ll start you on your aerospace engineering path. Some of these include;

• Aeronautics
• Aerospace engineering
• Computing
• Design technology
• Mathematics
• Physics.

Employers usually ask for a 2:1 in aerospace engineering or a similar degree when you start looking for graduate or other roles.

Some aerospace engineering courses are accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), meaning you could work towards Chartered Engineering status during your career, giving you a considerable edge over others in your field.

If you’re not on an accredited course, you can still be a member of the RAeS. Membership is free for students if you’re in full-time education and intend on a career in aerospace. Some benefits include;

• Access to online training and podcasts
• One-to-one career guidance
• Help with CV and interview prep
• Dedicated scholarships, medals and award schemes
• Show off your membership on your LinkedIn profile.

If you’re studying and looking to gain some aerospace experience, the best way to do this is through an internship or placement. Read on to find out more.

Work experience

Why is work experience just so damn good? That’s a great question. Around 49% of students who take on a placement or internship are rehired by their employer. So it’s worth the effort to find one.

Getting work experience before you graduate will give you considerable bragging rights with employers. It will also look fantastic on your CV, and you’ll have extra cadet points over the competition.

Many employers are always looking for talented students like you to join them. Here are a few that offer aerospace engineering work experience.

Airbus

One of the world’s leading companies in space and aviation, Airbus provides the best in aerospace, defence, and connected services. They also run internships for students all over the world across several sectors, including;

• Engineering
• Finance
• HR
• IT
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• PR
• Supply chain

“At Airbus, the atmosphere buzzes with innovation and collaboration. Teams united by a shared passion for aerospace excellence work seamlessly to tackle challenges. Open communication fosters creativity, nurturing talents and fostering a purposeful environment.”

Engineering Intern, Airbus.

BAE Systems

With a skilled workforce of over 93,000 people in around 40 countries, BAE Systems offers many work experience opportunities for students, including budding aerospace engineers.

“I very much enjoyed my Placement at BAE Systems in the Air Sector. Throughout the year I was able to experience a number of areas within engineering as the year-long industrial placement gives you the opportunity to take up three roles across the year. As the placement allowed me to change roles it meant that I was able to gauge what role I enjoyed most and what sort of discipline I would want to work in within the future.”

Aerospace Engineer, BAE Systems.

Want to know more about what aerospace engineering is like? Have a read of our expertly written student reviews.

What skills do aerospace engineers need?

To become the best aerospace engineer, you will need some skills. There are a ton of skills that you’ll already have and technical skills you’ll develop during your degree and work experience. Let’s have a look at some of these skills.

Are you looking to develop your skills? Here are eight skills you can pick up while at university.

How much do aerospace engineers get paid?

How much you earn as an aerospace engineer depends on various factors. This can be anything from level to years of experience.

If you’re at the work experience level, you could earn between £19,500 and £25,000 per year if you’re on an aerospace engineering placement, pro rata if you’re an intern.

Starting salaries range between £27,000 and £35,000 per year, and they can rise to up to £60,000+ per year as your expertise grows and you level up within your field.

If you’re ready to leap lightyears into a career in aerospace engineering or any other engineering role, we’ve got you covered.

The post What is an Aerospace Engineer? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

It takes some work, but thankfully, it is illegal to discriminate based on sexuality, gender expression and other characteristics in the UK. However, workplace discrimination can happen, and your safety should always be a priority.

There are a ton of employers, big and small, that have some incredible initiatives for LGBTQ+ people, but where to find them and how can you tell?

Here are five ways to tell if an employer is LGBTQ+-friendly.

• Check out their social media
• Speak to current employees
• Ask everything during your interview
• Check out Stonewall’s Top Employers
• Have a look at the employer’s policy
• Coming out at work

Check out their social media

Instagram and TikTok are really good sources of information, and you can use them to understand a company’s culture.

You’ll find that many employers will use social media to show off their achievements, the projects they’re working on and all the fun things they do in and out of the office. It’s the perfect opportunity to scope out whether they’ve ever done anything for the community or been involved in LGBTQ initiatives outside of using a rainbow flag during Pride.

Whether the company has speakers and educational leaders coming to lead workshops, marching at Pride every year or its own LGBTQ Network or society, these are fantastic indicators for an LGBTQ-friendly workplace.

Social media won’t tell you everything, so don’t be alarmed if nothing immediately stands out. You can always ask. How? Read on.

Speak to current employees

One of the best ways you’re going to find out if you’re joining a queer-friendly workplace is by talking to queer people who are already there. You might feel like a stalker, but trust us when we say this is a very common thing to do.

But where do you find them? LinkedIn will be your bestie. There are loads of LGBTQ networks you can join, and it will be a great place to start. 

For example, the LGBTQ Professional Network has over 80,000 members. You can look through the members list. Or even just using the search feature on LinkedIn.

Always give a quick introduction to who you are and ask permission before launching into a game of 20 questions. But they will be able to give you a candid look into what it’s like to be LGBTQ in a particular workplace.

Ask everything during your interview

An interview isn’t just for employers. It’s also your chance to find out more about the company and determine if they’re right for you. 

While you’re not obliged at any point to come out during the application process, it could be your earliest opportunity to ‘test the waters’ and directly ask about their D&I initiatives or general questions about leadership and current resources.

Some questions can be answered by doing your own company research. However, it’s good to talk to someone. Here are some examples of questions you can ask;

• What identities are represented in leadership?
• What do you do during and outside of Pride Month for LGBTQ+ employees?
• Do you participate in any community events throughout the year?

Remember, it’s not about trying to catch an employer out. By law, employers are supposed to be inclusive. So, if there isn’t much going on, at the very least, these questions will light a fire under their bonnets.

Check out Stonewalls’ Top Employers

Just like we have our Best Student Employers, the charity Stonewall has its very own list of 100 employers who have done fantastic work for LGBTQ+ employees.

The list is made up of submissions from companies all over the UK for Stonewall’s UK Equality Workplace Index. It allows employers to measure workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ people.

Companies such as Unilever, Sky UK, Clifford Chance and KPMG have made the list. Click below to find out who else made it and more about all the great initiatives these companies have in place.

Have a look at the employer’s policies

Although it’s not a strict legal requirement, many employers will have an Equal Opportunities Policy.

Think of this document as a promise to all current and future staff members that there are equal opportunities and fair treatment for all people regardless of;

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Marital Status
• Pregnancy
• Race
• Religion or Beliefs
• Sex.

The policy will also outline what procedures are in place to combat any discrimination that arises within a workplace.

Many companies have this document outlined on their company website, while others have made these available for employees through a handbook. You can always ask HR for a copy if you can’t find it on their website.

These are just five of them, but there are many other ways to vet companies. Including,

• Attending careers fairs
• Talking to your friends and family members
• Does the company include pronouns in their email signatures?
• Healthcare benefits that include cover from transitions.

Your workplace shouldn’t be somewhere you dread going, and it is 100% up to the employer to ensure that the working environment is safe, welcoming and encouraging.

No matter where you are in your career journey, whether on the job hunt or still on campus, there are loads of resources for LGBTQ students (and beyond) to help you.

The Be You Project

The Proud Trust

Switchboard

Stonewall

National Student Pride

Coming out at work

Coming out can be super affirming and liberating. It’s also extremely daunting if you’re not sure.

Hear a little bit from me (alright now, cameo) about coming out at work.

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A post shared by RateMyPlacement | Find paid internships & placements (@ratemyplacement_official)

The post 5 Ways To Tell If An Employer is LGBTQ+ Friendly appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

If you’ve managed to land some work experience for the summer, good for you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your skills, gain an insight into the working world and will look really damn good on your CV. It’ll also come in handy when it comes to looking for a placement or graduate scheme.

We want to ensure you get everything you need from your experience, so here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your summer internship.

• Make a good first impression
• Establish professional connections with your colleagues
• Do everything and develop new skills
• Set goals and actions for yourself
• Ask for feedback

1. Make a good first impression

Before you think about anything else, you want to make sure to come out the gate swinging.

First impressions are lasting. No one’s asking you to walk in with fanfare and presents to give everyone, but you want people to think fondly of you when they hear your name.

Making a good first impression is all about being your authentic self, asking questions, arriving 5 minutes early, being friendly with your colleagues and managers, and having a “can-do” attitude.

This can go a long way. If your summer job regularly looks for interns or placement students, you could be fast-tracked to a position if you work hard enough.

Not secured a summer internship yet? That’s okay. There are loads of internships still available. Click below to get started.

2. Establish professional connections with your colleagues

NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK.

Your summer internship is the perfect opportunity to get to know your colleagues. If you’re working in a role that’s directly related to the industry you want to get into, this is invaluable. Why?

• They are industry experts with knowledge that’ll put Tony Stark out of business
• These are the people who will vouch for you when it comes to finding a placement or internship by being a reference.

Remember that your colleagues are still people, so seeing them as just a leg up in the career world is wild. Get to know them!

It’s also really nice to have people to talk to at work. People are much more willing to help out genuine people who aren’t just looking for their next big break.

3. Do everything and develop new skills

The best way to learn is to get involved in projects and do everything you can. Summer internships are temporary, so it’s up to you to make sure that you experience everything.

Summer can be a very fun time in the workplace, so expect lots of BBQs or even a summer party. And attend them all.

Naturally, you’ll develop and pick up loads of soft skills which can be used in every career. These include;

• Teamwork
• Time management
• Computer skills
• Communication
• Attention to detail.

Is there a particular task you don’t do that you’d like to try? Ask to get involved. Ask for more training where possible. Your summer internship is your opportunity to develop a truckload of industry-relevant hard skills, especially if it directly relates to your dream career.

You’ve probably heard 1001 tales about soft and hard skills, but what are they? Find out how to use and develop these below.

“Through getting firsthand experience in doing legal work, I learned how to draft documents according to term sheets, gained an understanding of technical concepts such as securitisation and legal research. On top of work-related skills, I also developed soft skills such as teamwork and networking.”

Vacation Scheme Participant, Latham & Watkins

4. Set goals and actions for yourself

This is probably one of the most important. Whether you’ve already started or are yet to, think about what you want from your summer internship.

• Are you looking to develop and pick up new skills?
• Do you want to get involved in a certain aspect of the role?
• Keen to get involved in a bit of the company culture?
• Do you just want to work hard, secure the bag and save your earnings?

Whatever your goals are, write them down and look to achieve them. Your one-to-ones with your manager and team leader is a great opportunity to discuss these goals – they’d love to see you take initiative and admire your drive. They will 100% help you achieve your goals.

Still haven’t decided whether you want to do a summer internship? Here are some amazing reasons why you should.

5. Ask for feedback

Feedback is, hands down, the best way to improve.

Asking for feedback shows that you care about your job and your self-improvement, and employers really like that. It’s also a great way to track your goals and reevaluate your strengths and weaknesses.

Although you’ll likely discuss feedback with your manager, there’s nothing wrong with asking the colleagues you work with the closest to for feedback. Sometimes, you’ll be offered feedback during tasks or projects—accept it and take it on board.

You’ll notice improvements very quickly.

“My managers always gave me support and advice specifically related to the work I was carrying out. I was also assigned a mentor and a buddy. My mentor helped greatly with my log book, which I had to complete during my placement, and my buddy helped introduce me to the company and help me settle down within the company.”

MBDA Summer Placement

Don’t forget to take the time to enjoy your summer

Ever heard of the saying “work hard, play hard”? Well, it’s true.

While getting work experience is important, so is enjoying your summer break.

So make sure to make time for your family and friends, take a holiday (you’ll 100% have entitlement, even if you’re working for a short period) and do all the things that make you happy.

If you haven’t managed to secure a summer internship for yourself, why not join an insight day? They’re short work experience programmes that typically last between 1-10 days, during which you’ll find out what it’s like to work for a particular company.

All in all, a summer internship is the way to go, and we wish you luck!

The post How to Make the Most of Your Summer Internship appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

So if you have money worries right now, you’re not alone.

Here are 5 tips and tricks to help ease your concerns around your finances at university…

• Budgeting
• Can your university help?
• Look after your mental health
• How to save money
• Alternative ways of making money

Budgeting

A budget is a plan to help you gain more control and visibility over your finances.

You can create one on a spreadsheet, on a bit of paper or via an online budgeting service.

• Write down a list of your most common expenses, things like food, rent, energy bills, nights out and subscriptions
• Create goals for how much you want to spend on each area month to month. And focus on staying within the budget plan
• Apps like Starling Bank and Monzo are great for helping you calculate your weekly budget. They group all your purchases into categories and send you real-time push notifications when you’re heading over.

If you need a little help or inspiration, The Money Charity has this really cool Money Manual that breaks down all the costs you’ll encounter during University and beyond. It even has a budgeting tool to help you look over all your costs.

Can your university help?

Does your university offer bursaries or grants to students in need of financial aid?

Not all institutions will, but it’s best to check. You never know what help you could qualify for. Your university website will also have key information and resources regarding financial well-being.

They might even be able to set you up with a financial professional to advise you. Or just offer some form of consultancy support.

Hardship funds

Hardship funds are emergency cash supplies that universities provide to students who are going through extreme financial difficulty. Not everyone will be eligible for funding. So if you want to meet the criteria, you’ll need:

• To be an undergraduate student
• A UK resident
• Unable to cover your living costs, like food and rent
• Have applied for the maximum maintenance loan
• Have a low household income threshold – this will vary by university.

How much do you get?

The amount you receive depends on what’s causing the hardship.

If your situation is temporary and can be resolved with a one-off payment, you’re unlikely to receive more. Should you qualify, you can expect to be paid anything from £100 to a few thousand pounds.

To apply for the hardship fund, visit your university website directly. If you’re struggling to find this information, speak to someone from your students’ union team. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

Remember, each university will have its own process. Often, you’ll be asked to show a bank statement as proof of funds. So make sure you have one handy.

Look after your mental health

Worrying about money can adversely affect your mental health.

In fact, Nationwide Building Society reported that 60% of students suffer from anxiety over their finances. This is a really important point. While you are keeping an eye on your bank account, you must also stay conscious of your mental well-being.

And if you think your mental health is declining as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, consider taking one of the following steps…

• Talk to a friend or your family and be honest about how you’re feeling. Talking has uncommonly powerful effects
• Explore your university’s mental health services
• Try meditation – Calm and Headspace both offer FREE trials.

You can also read our blog Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself.

How to save money

As much as it’s important to budget, saving money is crucial too. Whether it’s through discounts or second-hand material, the more you save, the more you’ll have to spend.

Student discounts

Consider getting a TOTUM student card for literally hundreds of reductions and discounts.

Your student card (or student ID) will also qualify you for discounts in supermarkets, clothes stores, tech outlets and pharmacies.

When you get to the till, ask if the shop offers a student discount. If it doesn’t, vacate the premises in a dramatic fashion.

Want a healthy meal but short on time to shop around? Try Hello Fresh. Delicious recipes made from fresh ingredients are delivered straight to your door. As a student, you can get 65% off your first box, then 30% off for two months plus free dessert for life with your TOTUM card.

Second-hand course books

Course textbooks and materials can sometimes be SUPER expensive. So use your university library where possible. You could also explore local libraries.

Most universities have a second-hand textbook market, where students trade in their old reading materials when they no longer need them.

Alternative ways of making money

Don’t sell your kidney. It’s not easy to buy it back.

There are ways to increase your income without stealing, swindling, embezzling, betting, pilfering, looting, or good-natured double-crossing, no matter the attraction.

Here are some alternative ways of making money at university…

Become a brand ambassador

Brand Ambassadors represent an employer brand on campus. They balance their work around lectures, seminars and coursework.

As a brand ambassador, you’ll get a salary starting at £13 an hour working for employers like the NHS, J.P. Morgan, AstraZeneca and Vodafone.

You’ll also have lots of networking opportunities, building positive relationships with colleagues. Who knows, you might even land a permanent role with your employer after graduation!

Work for your university

Many universities pay students approximately £10 per hour to do jobs like:

• Carry out surveys on behalf of the university
• Contact alumni for donations
• Increase awareness of university initiatives.

Again, you can fit this work between your studies and social life.

Part-time delivery rider

If you have a bicycle or tricycle, you could work as a part-time delivery rider for Uber Eats or Deliveroo. It’s really flexible. You only work when you want to, and you can fit your hours around your degree.

Delivery riders earn roughly between £8.50 – £12 per hour, not including tips.

Quite a treat, right?

Whatever you’re going through, please don’t bottle it in. Talk to someone about it. Get the help you need. Remember, the sooner you address your worries, the better you’ll feel.

The post The Cost-of-Living Crisis: What can you do? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a placement student? I’ll walk you through my typical day, offering insights into the vibrant work culture here at ProspectSoft.

It’s a Friday at the office, so we enjoy some added excitement as it’s Pizza and Beer Friday with the other placements.

Morning

8:10 AM

After getting myself ready and having a good breakfast, I leave the house and drive to the office with three of the other placements. This year, four of us are living together in Oxford. This has made the commute to and from the office much easier, and I’ve really enjoyed building great friendships with the others in the house.

Before I leave the house, I make sure I have everything I need for the day ahead. Usually, I’ll prep this the night before so I have a bit more time in the morning to get ready. On the drive into the office, I put on some country music. This helps the boys and me get into a good mood and sets us up for the day ahead!

8:30 AM

Once I arrive at the office, I’ll catch up with my colleagues and read my emails before I start my meetings. Every day at 8:30 a.m., I have an ‘Onboarding Check-In’ Teams call with the onboarding team that lasts around 15 minutes. In this call, we chat, and we all go over what we have to cover in the day ahead.

9:00 AM

Following the check-in call, we have a fortnightly training session to go over specific Prospect CRM features (customer relationship management). I really enjoy these sessions as they help provide me with more information on the system and develop my knowledge and terminology.

This not only helps with customer interactions, so I can feel more prepared and well-informed, but it also helps me gain some more insight into industry terminology that I will carry through into my final year of studies as well as my future career. Over time, these sessions will give me more confidence in my role, and I will soon be able to take customer onboarding calls.

10:30 AM

After meetings and training sessions, I start working on my work tasks for the day. Today, I have some billable work to do. This includes creating quote templates for customers, which I format in Microsoft Word and upload to customers’ CRMs. Quote templating involves designing and reformulating compatible fields for each company‘s quotation documents that work seamlessly with the CRM.

In addition to this, I have another task referred to as ‘Data Imports’; this involves me importing external customer data, like potential buyers, over to Prospect CRM so all their information can be easily accessed through the platform. This is an important task that can help make a difference in our customer’s businesses.

11:00 AM

After working through a few of my tasks, I’ll join our ProspectSoft “What’s New” Product Training Teams call. This call happens once every three weeks, and we review new CRM features. This allows all departments to get together and discuss these new features and how they affect customers. Everyone in the business must come together for this so that we are all aware of any recent changes and additions to the software.

Lunch

12:00 PM

It’s Pizza Friday! Like our “What’s New” call, we have Pizza Friday once every 3 weeks. We are provided with pizza and do a group activity. Today, we are doing a quiz! This is an enjoyable way for us to all come together to have a laugh and have a break from work.

@ps_placements Pizza Fridays at work be like #Placement #PlacementYear #TopEmployer #PizzaFriday #Pizza #Dominos #ThatFridayFeeling #FYP ♬ original sound – Katy Perry

Afternoon

1:00 PM

Typically, after lunch, I handle customer calls to schedule welcome, configuration, and training calls. However, today, I don’t have any calls to make, so this allows me to start working on any incomplete tasks I have with customers. This entails sending emails to book calls for the following week, ensuring customers are comfortable with the system, checking in on customers’ progress, and confirming customers are onboarded successfully.

We also have an online chat called Intercom, where customers can ask and discuss any queries. If they are struggling with anything regarding the CRM, they can ask on the Intercom, and I will reply as quickly as I can. Even though I will dedicate a certain amount of time to work through the chats, I must check them regularly to avoid customer dissatisfaction. This is an important part of my role, as, without it, a customer’s business can slow down and lead to customers having a negative onboarding experience.

If I am unable to help the customer with their issue, I will ask my manager to help me out. She will advise me on how best to approach it. I will then make sure to take note of this so that I know for the future.

4:30 PM

On Friday, we finish work half an hour early and have ‘Beer Friday’. Today we can celebrate the end of another good week with a drink and a game. In past times, we have played things like Skribble.IO and Uno, which always bring out people’s competitive sides and allow us to end the week on a high note.

5:00 PM

At 5pm it’s time to head home for the weekend and refresh ourselves for another week at work.

I hope this blog provides a glimpse into life as an Onboarding Placement at ProspectSoft. Engaging with customers and the dynamic work environment makes each day exciting, and I eagerly anticipate the future of my role.

Want to know more about everything a ProspectSoft placement has to offer? Check out our placement website.

The post Day in the Life: Onboarding Placement at ProspectSoft appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Now before you whip out your Tesco Clubcard, there are a whole range of factors as to how the products and services we use every day are priced. Pricing analysts ensure that products and services are priced fairly and according to market standards.

Read on to find out more about what they do and how you can start a career as a pricing analyst.

• What does a pricing analyst do?
• How do you become a pricing analyst?
• What skills do I need to become a pricing analyst?
• How much does a pricing analyst earn?

What does a pricing analyst do?

As a pricing analyst, you’ll help a company determine the cost of a product or service. You’ll work with a lot of data and use various methods to develop a solid pricing strategy.

Some types of analysis you’ll do include…

• Impact analysis. This method is used to try and predict any negative impacts a price change could have on the company to help you think of ways to avoid that happening or put fail-safes in place just in case
• Competitor analysis. Here you’ll find out what other companies in your industry are doing, how successful (or unsuccessful) their products are and how the market reacts to them
• Market research. Every pricing analyst aims to understand how the industry works and what’s going on in the current market. It helps to keep prices competitive and reflective of the current market.

You’ll work alongside various teams within a company, including finance, marketing and sales.

What responsibilities does a pricing analyst have?

You’ll have many responsibilities within your role on a day-to-day basis. Let’s look at a few of those…

• Analyse historical financial data and industry trends to provide recommendations for pricing decisions
• Market research to identify new trends and opportunities
• Working alongside the financial department to create pricing strategies following industry standards and financial objectives
• Develop detailed pricing proposals for potential clients
• Present insights and recommendations based on performance analysis
• Keep up-to-date on industry trends and market needs.

Industries that use a pricing analyst

If the goal is to sell something, whether it’s the latest Barbie doll or even as simple as your fave Tesco ready meal, you can guarantee that a pricing analyst will make that happen. Every industry will need to call for the help of a pricing analyst. These include,

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Finance and banking
• Insurance
• Law
• Manufacturing and distribution of goods
• Pharmaceuticals.

How do you become a pricing analyst?

Firstly, having a degree helps a bunch. Employers want candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or similar.

On top of that, employers will ask for experience in a range of tools and programmes such as;

• Microsoft Office
• PowerBI
• SQL.

Need some experience? You have options.

Getting a job right out of university can feel difficult at times, but there are ways to help make that process much easier – all before you graduate too. How? With an internship or placement.

Around 49% of students are rehired by their internship or placement employer, so it’s worth getting in on the action.

There are loads of employers offering pricing analyst work experience. Some of these include…

• Centrica
• General Electric
• Intel Corporation
• PwC
• Samsung
• Shell
• Volkswagen Financial Services.

There are also loads of graduate pricing analyst opportunities available after graduation.

“I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. I feel as if I have been treated as any other person would be and that I am a valuable member of the team. I believe I have been given enough responsibility to allow me to develop as much as possible during my time (even during the pandemic).”

Pricing Analyst, Volkswagen Financial Services

You’ll also need a variety of soft and hard skills to help you land that all-important role. Read on to find out what ones you’ll need.

What skills do you need to become a pricing analyst?

Skills are VITAL. They help to set you apart from the rest of the competition. You probably have quite a few of these skills already. There are a few, so we’ve split some of the skills you’ll need into hard skills and soft skills.

Not sure if you have all the skills you need for your chosen career? Find out about 8 skills you can pick up at university.

How much does a pricing analyst earn?

How much you earn all depends on your employer, level and experience, but rest assured there is money to be made.

As a junior pricing analyst, you could earn a salary anywhere between £26,000 and £29,300 per year. This will quickly move up to £36,000 upwards per year.

Wanna work your way to becoming a manager? You could stand to earn around £70,000 per year.

Looking to start your career as a pricing analyst or find another job in finance? Click below to find work experience opportunities. We have loads of finance roles available RIGHT NOW.

The post What is a Pricing Analyst? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Hi, I am Rohan, another Sales Assistant at ProspectSoft, and I will be discussing what a typical afternoon looks like in the office.

Setting up for the day and sales catch-up:

8:30am

I start my day by setting up my desk and prepping for our first meeting. 

I also like to open up Prospect CRM (our customer relationship management software), to check any updates and overnight activity. I also like to chat with my colleagues in the office to get the day off to a good start.

9:00am

In sales, we usually commence the day with a ‘Sales Catch Up’ Teams meeting; this is an excellent opportunity to voice any concerns with specific tasks and customers. These meetings, led by the Director of Sales and Marketing and the Sales Manager, provide helpful advice for the problems we may be facing. I take down any advice and information that will help me progress; this way, I can refer to it if I face the problem again. These meetings are invaluable for a placement like me so I can;

• Catch up with managers and sales consultants
• Help keep me in check
• Ensure I am doing the best work possible.

Additionally, the meetings allow placements to sit in on day-to-day sales conversations, giving us a broader understanding of what different jobs within the department entail. This has helped me gain more insight into industry terminology that I can use in my final year of studies and future career.

Checking the sales inbox and intercom:

10:00am

We finish our first daily task after the morning meeting. The first order of business for a Placement is to check the sales inbox. This is the general email inbox that customers send their queries to; I scan through the inbox, reply to relevant emails, delete junk emails, and redirect any that do not apply to the sales team.

This is an integral part of the role because I must ensure customer questions are answered or directed to the correct person. If forgotten or ignored, then we may lose potential customers and sales, so it is vital that we keep on top of this.

Being punctual with replies is essential because it reflects on the company; this sales inbox is monitored and kept up to date throughout the day. 

Alongside the sales inbox, we stay up to date with the intercom system, a live chat system customers can use to talk to different departments within the company; I scan through the intercom, aiming to answer questions directed to the sales team.

As a placement, I aim to approach the sales inbox and intercom confidently to help improve the customer experience and help where I can. I am reassured by the sales team’s experience, who can provide assistance and advice if there are questions we don’t know the answer to through Microsoft Teams.

Keen to find out more about what other ProstpectSoft placement students are up to? Click below to read more.

Lunch Time:

12:00pm

During lunch, I relax with my colleagues and my placements in the canteen area. We eat lunch and socialise for an hour, which helps me feel re-energised for the second half of the day and remain productive.

Finishing CRM task list and calling lists:

1:00pm

After returning from lunch, we get straight into work again. I like to finish most of my CRM tasks by this time to focus on more self-generated opportunities.

This includes working through calling lists for upcoming webinars, calling new opportunity customers for free trial demos, and chasing customers for payments. We use our calling lists from the CRM and begin to call prospects we believe are an excellent fit.

Usually, B2B businesses sell physical products and have integrations with our partner software.

I will thoroughly work through each list to encourage each prospect to sign up for our monthly free webinar. At the same time, I take down any notes on the CRM and clear up any missing or invalid information to help us improve the accuracy of our data.

Completing this task typically occupies a large portion of the afternoon, as its success can vary depending on the day. Achieving our personal daily goals is subject to the customers on the calling list, and this can make calling tasks difficult as the targets can be inconsistent.

End of the day and US calls:

4:00pm

As I mentioned earlier, I like to finish most of my tasks by the end of lunch. However, a few have to wait until later in the day due to the time difference for customers abroad.

These calls include customers in the US, Australia, and South Africa. For customers in the US, I can make calls around 4 pm as this is the time they are most likely to pick up. So, I will fill the last hour of my day with US calls and making appropriate updates to the CRM with new information.

5:00pm

After finishing the US calls, I can usually wrap up for the day and head home. However, Yamin and I must make calls twice a week during out-of-office hours to take some hours of rest instead.

Evening Australia calls:

10:00pm

After a few hours of rest, I’ll be gearing up for my calls with clients and prospects in Australia and New Zealand. I prefer conducting late-night calls over early-morning ones at this time of the year. Around 10 pm, I’ll set up and get ready to engage with Australian clients and prospects.

While it can be demanding working at this time of the day, capturing their interest in our system and witnessing future sales transactions is always gratifying. Working these late hours also gives us the flexibility to adjust our schedules during the day and take time back, an aspect of the role that I genuinely appreciate.

Overall, our days as Sales Placements are hectic, but it feels great to hit our targets and improve at what we do every day. Being able to work in such a supportive and hands-on team means that we are constantly being pushed to excel and learn new things from people who have the best experience and advice.

Our role is integral to business growth, so we take great pride in our work. Our placement year with ProspectSoft has been great so far, and we’ve been lucky enough to work with a highly motivated, energetic, and productive sales team.

If you are interested in becoming a Sales Placement at ProspectSoft, hope on over to our placements page to find out more.

The post Day in the Life: Sales Placement at ProspectSoft appeared first on RateMyPlacement.