We spoke to Claire Williams, Head of Finance Operations at Yugo, about the benefits of welcoming one of our students, Tom, to their team as an industry placement student, the experience he has gained, and how he has flourished throughout his time with the organisation.

1. Could you tell us a little bit about Yugo and what you do?

Yugo is a global student living provider operating student accommodation around the world focused on creating a great experience for students through accommodation, wellbeing support, and community engagement. The Finance Operations team carry out financial processes such as invoice processing, bank reconciliations and other balance sheet control functions to support the wider business.

2. How long has Yugo been involved in hosting industry placements for students, and what made you want to get involved?

This is Yugo’s second year of being involved with T Levels. I had previously worked with Weston College, hosting a T Level student in my previous role, and knew that Yugo would be keen to support industry placements as part of its commitment to developing future talent and giving students valuable real-world experience. These placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a professional environment while also bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new ideas to our teams.

3. What does Tom’s role involve, and what types of activities and tasks has he been working on during his placement?

Tom has been working within the Finance Operations team and has been involved in a wide variety of tasks throughout his placement. He has supported day-to-day finance activities, including processing invoices for several European countries using NetSuite, our finance system. He has also used Excel to analyse and manipulate data, reconcile balances, and support other finance processes.

He has assisted with bank reconciliations and balance sheet reconciliations, giving him exposure to key financial controls. He has even helped with scanning and processing the post that comes directly into the office, which admittedly wasn't the most exciting task, but he approached it with the same positive attitude and willingness to help as every other responsibility.

The placement has provided him with exposure to different areas of the team, helping him develop a broad understanding of how finance operations support the wider business.

4. How have you found having Tom as part of the Yugo team?

Tom instantly became part of the team and quickly built positive relationships with his colleagues. He has approached every task with enthusiasm and professionalism and has consistently shown a willingness to learn. His positive attitude and adaptability have made him a valuable member of the team from day one.

5. In what ways has Tom contributed to Yugo during his placement?

Tom has shown a strong willingness to get involved in a variety of projects and has quickly applied new knowledge and skills in a practical and effective way. In particular, his support in helping to close a significant number of tickets within the Spanish Accounts Payable Helpdesk has been greatly appreciated. This has not only helped the team manage workload efficiently but has also provided Tom with valuable hands-on experience, further developing his understanding of finance operations and related processes.

6. Are there any standout moments from Tom's placement so far?

One of the standout aspects of Tom's placement has been how quickly he integrated into the team. He actively participates in team meetings, is confident in sharing his thoughts, and isn't afraid to ask questions when he wants to learn more. That's a real skill when joining an established team, and Tom has done it exceptionally well. He instantly became part of the team, built strong relationships with colleagues, and has shown a genuine eagerness to learn and contribute from day one.

Outside of work, at a team social event, Tom took on the challenge of climbing to an impressive height. It was great to see him getting involved, embracing the activity, and tackling the challenge with confidence.

7. How has Tom’s learning and knowledge from the classroom supported him in his role at Yugo?

Tom has been able to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained through his studies directly to his work at Yugo. Having a foundation of finance and business principles has helped him understand the context behind the tasks he has been working on. His classroom learning has clearly supported his ability to adapt quickly and contribute effectively within a professional environment.

8. Would you encourage other employers to consider offering industry placements to students?

Industry placements are a fantastic way to help develop future talent while also bringing fresh ideas and energy into a business. Students gain invaluable real-world experience, and employers benefit from motivated individuals who are eager to learn and contribute. Placements also help bridge the gap between education and employment, creating benefits for both the student and the organisation.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Due to changes in Yugo's ways of working, Tom has successfully adapted from a hybrid working model to being 100% home-based, reflecting the new normal for many teams. Despite this significant shift in his working environment, he has maintained a consistently high level of output and performance, demonstrating strong adaptability and resilience to change.

In addition, Tom collaborates effectively with colleagues based in London, Oxford, India, and across Europe, maintaining strong working relationships and delivering results within a geographically diverse and remote team.