- Students, staff and faculty joined together on the Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship podcast
- They discussed Aston University’s compulsory placement year for economics students
- The episode detailed the comprehensive support system that enables placement students to thrive.
Aston University has renewed its commitment to high-quality, meaningful placements, equipping students with essential skills and industry insights that give them a significant edge in the job market.
Recent discussions in Aston University’s Economics Department podcast, Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship podcast, highlighted the University’s dedication to providing substantial placement experiences, expert support and transformative opportunities that position students for success in their future careers.
The podcast episode featured students, faculty and placement experts discussing Aston University’s compulsory placement year for economics students and detailing the comprehensive support system that enables them to thrive. The placement strategy supports career preparedness at every level, with dedicated teams helping students refine their skills, prepare strong applications and confidently enter competitive placement roles.
During the podcast, Karishma Patel, teaching fellow in economics, and Andrew Hollings, placement preparation manager, were joined by second year economics student Alex Taylor to underscore the value of these placements. Placement student Jemima Maluta, currently working as a credit risk analyst at HSBC, and Ngoza Chama, a brand commercialisation intern at Disney, shared stories of personal growth, skill development and the importance of resilience.
“Aston University’s compulsory placements are more than a resume booster - they are a vital component of the students’ academic and career journey.
“Many students return from placements with greater confidence and a refined focus, often securing graduate roles due to the skills and networks they cultivated during their placements.
“Aston University encourages all second-year students to utilise the extensive support offered by the Careers and Placements team. The Aston Futures platform, accessible to all our students, lists curated placement opportunities and application tips to ensure students stay ahead in the competitive placement market.”
Jemima said:
“Placements help you navigate through applications, deal with rejections and ultimately develop persistence, essential skills for the graduate market.”
Her role at HSBC has given her hands-on experience in data analytics and credit risk, directly building on her economics coursework and giving her professional insight and network connections.
Ngoza’s placement at Disney involves brand expansion strategy for major franchises such as Mickey and Friends and Disney Baby, an experience that perfectly combines her studies in international business and economics.
Ngoza said:
“It’s amazing to work on such a global scale and collaborate with other interns and industry experts.”
The podcast outlined the support Aston University provides from the moment students begin their search through to the end of their placement year. The placement team offers workshops, one-on-one coaching and a placement coordinator dedicated to each course, as well as drop-in sessions for resume reviews, mock interviews and career advice.
Andrew Hollings, placement preparation manager at Aston University, said:
“The goal is for students to engage with us continuously throughout the year.
“We’re here to ensure every student can find a placement that suits their aspirations, interests and needs, helping them gain relevant experience, professional skills and workplace resilience.”
For more information, students and prospective applicants can visit the University’s Placement and Careers Services website.
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
Be first to get the latest news, research and expert comment from Aston
by following us on XNeed an expert for your story? Browse our experts directory