Tech Recruiter Life: Economics Student Oliver Payne Tells Us Why He Chose a Placement Year in Recruitment!

In June 2022, we welcomed an addition to the team who was hired a little differently from anyone else we’d recruited before, as he was still studying! Researcher Oliver Payne actually joined us for his placement year as part of his 4-year degree in Economics and Business Management at Nottingham Trent University. He has made huge strides since joining our Java team working with clients of all sizes across the world in need of the brightest talent working in Back End, AWS, FinTech, and more.

Now approaching the halfway mark on his year out getting first-hand experience working in industry, we thought it was an ideal time to catch up with him on why he chose a placement year in recruitment, what he’s learned so far, and what he’ll take into the remainder of his course!

So Oliver, how did you end up taking your placement year at Understanding Recruitment? What made you choose UR over other options?

During the Nottingham Trent career fair day, I came across an Understanding Recruitment stand. So, I went over and had a chat with Laura Trimmer to gain an understanding of what they do. After having a chat with her I couldn’t help but think the opportunity sounded great. Laura gave me a deep insight into what they do, the jobs they have, and an overview of the culture.

Understanding Recruitment was one of 3 stands I spoke to and certainly stood out. 2 months down the line with 4 recruitment offers on the table, I thought I would have to do some serious evaluation on where I would like to work for my crucial placement year, but Understanding Recruitment just stood out throughout the interview processes. This was down to a combination of things, including the culture and the rewards – everything about them was very appealing, hence why I had to choose to come and work here!

"I have certainly learnt a lot, far more than University taught me anyway... [including]  how to handle rejection and move forward with a positive mindset"

What have you learned during your placement year so far?

Throughout my placement year, I have certainly learnt a lot, far more than University taught me anyway! From how to communicate with candidates and clients, listening and understanding what they genuinely want and how my involvement will be beneficial to them. To how to handle rejection and move forward with a positive mindset, learning from the process and taking this on board.

Most importantly, I have educated myself on how to be the best I can be, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and carrying an enthusiastic, diligent mindset at all times. I know the experience I have gained from working here will be beneficial to me in all walks of life. 

Did you have any expectations ahead of joining us – were they proved wrong or right? Has anything surprised you about working here in our Java team and in the recruitment world?

The expectations I had were high, but Understanding Recruitment proved to be nothing short of that, and only exceeded my expectations. Being in the biggest and some might say the most competitive team at Understanding Recruitment made me set the bar high for myself as I imagined myself being chucked in at the deep end having to fend for myself. However, my teammates proved to be quite the opposite always encouraging and still helping me massively to this day!

Working with my manager, Luke Stockbridge, has been a very beneficial experience, as he spends hours of his time helping me to upskill myself and get stuck into the recruitment world helping me hit monthly targets and incentives.

What’s been the highlight of your time working in the Java team and at UR so far?

This was definitely my first deal. After a frantic first 3 months of non-stop resourcing, it happened to be the first candidate I spoke to whom I ended up placing! This was for an impressive 6-figure salary, where I was able to celebrate with him in the city of London, as well as my manager taking me out for a rather fancy meal at The Ivy!

What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?

I’m looking forward to the simple things like coming into a warm, welcoming office every day where the buzzing atmosphere brings nothing but joy out of everyone and also getting promoted!

What will you take away from your experience here for the rest of your course, and future career?

What I have learnt from UR has been invaluable. It has taught me resilience, matured me, and how to conduct myself in a manner where I aim to be great and strive for excellence in everything I do.

Looking for a placement year? Our internal team would love to chat with you! Contact Laura Trimmer at ltrimmer@understandingrecruitment.com, for more information or on joining us at a trainee or graduate level.

Thank you to Oliver for telling us about your experience so far on your placement year. Look out for more editions of Tech Recruiter Life putting the spotlight on a member of our specialist recruitment team soon!