Work Placement Q&A with Sam | Newcastle University

Q&A

Tell us about your placement experience.

During my placement with BT Group in the Partner Management team, I worked as a Commercial Insight Specialist and later as a Partner Manager. I helped manage BT’s relationship with a major software partner, where I focused on recovering a software migration project.

I aIso contributed to the development of a Large Language Model designed for contract analytics and spend validation, supporting innovation in partner management.

NUBS student Sam Carr wearing a light short-sleeved shirt stands smiling beside flowering shrubs on a sunny coastal path, with the sea and blue sky in the background.

Tell us about your favourite thing about your placement.

My favourite part of my placement was the trust given to me to lead significant projects and the opportunities this created.

A highlight was presenting my work on the contract analytics Large Language Model to senior stakeholders, including BT Group’s CEO and the Mayor of Salford’s office. These experiences gave me exposure to high-level discussions and recognition for my contributions. They were invaluable for my development, helping me gain insight into innovation within a large organisation.

Have your future plans changed as a result of doing placement?

My placement has definitely influenced my future plans, steering me towards a career in management consulting.

This year has taught me a lot about myself- most importantly, that I thrive in fast-paced, people-facing roles where I can work on varied challenges. I found real energy in problem-solving, collaborating with different teams, and seeing the impact of my work.

My time at BT not only gave me valuable skills and experiences but also the confidence to pursue a career that excites me. It’s also left me with connections I hope to build on in the future.

What was the motivation for you to look for a placement year?

I hadn’t originally planned to complete a placement before starting university. My decision was influenced after my summer internship prior to second year, where I had several insightful conversations with a colleague who had undertaken a placement year as part of her degree. She highlighted the value it brought in terms of professional growth and career direction, which encouraged me to explore the opportunity.