Ben Martin’s Business placement in Nepal

Before the trip

What’s your background (which uni / course)?

I go to the University of Bath, I study Politics and International Relations.

Why did you choose to do a placement as part of your degree?

At first, it was largely because my university places a big emphasis on doing a placement year with most students doing it so I felt it was the right thing to do. However, as time went on, I saw it as an exciting opportunity to be able to travel overseas again which I was missing. Equally, as I do a politics degree but was interested in taking up marketing I felt a placement would give me a good opportunity to try this out.

How did you first discover us?

Just by browsing online for different placement options.

Were you finding it hard to find a placement?

I had a placement opportunity fall through before going with Placement Year International which I had been banking on as it seemed very likely to happen, so I hadn’t really looked elsewhere too much before I initially got in contact.

Did you think this was unachievable on your own?

I certainly felt it would be challenging for me to get a marketing placement overseas as a student who studies politics.

What made you choose Placement Year International over other services?

I felt that the package offered was the best out of any of the options being offered both in terms of what was provided and the value for money. I also appreciated that Richard (director of Placement Year International) had a video call with me before I had even committed to talk things through – this was far better than other services that tried to get me to just sign up as quickly as possible.

How easy was the process from interview to getting to your placement with our help?

The process was easy and straight forward throughout thanks to the help provided.

Ben Martin having lunch with 2 Nepalese work colleagues in a cafe in Kathmandu, Nepal, while doing his Business placement in Nepal arranged by Placement Year International

On placement

What are you doing for your placement?

I am doing a business placement in Nepal with a management consulting company.

What is your role?

My role is within the marketing and sales team.

What skills or knowledge have you gained so far during your placement?

So far, I’d say the skills and knowledge I’ve developed revolve around search engine optimisation and keywords which I had little knowledge of before I begun. Equally my graphic design skills have been steadily improving.

Did you find it difficult adapting to a new working environment?

Not terrifically. Of course, like going anywhere new, it takes a bit of time to adapt, but given how many times I have moved countries and schools in my life I’m fairly used to having to adapt to new environments at this stage.

Have you received good support & advice from your work colleagues at the host company?

Yes, everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. Roshan [placement supervisor in Nepal] has been incredibly welcoming. Everyone at the office has also been extremely kind and always helped out whenever I need it.

How has your placement helped you develop as a person so far?

I think really the main thing is that it has proved to me that I can manage living abroad without my family with me. Before this all my moves have been with family so this is my first time going by myself – and as a result has proved to me I can do it.

Since joining Placement Year International, what have we done well?

You’ve always been here to answer any of the many questions I had before coming which has been incredibly helpful and reassuring.

What do you think we can improve?

There is nothing I can think of right now that could be improved if I am perfectly honest.

If you were to recommend us to friends, what would you say?

I’d initially talk to friends about how exciting the opportunity to do a placement overseas is and explain how the service helps out a lot and provides a lot of benefits that make the experience both a far more simple one but also more enjoyable.

Find out more about our Business placements in Nepal.

More info: Click here to read more about Business placements in Nepal, or click here to send us a question or email us at: [email protected] for more information.

Ben Martin having lunch outside with his office colleagues from the management consulting company in Nepal during his Business placement arranged by Placement Year International