Investigate: Before my visit I found out this about the company

Howath Clark Whitehall is a provider of accountancy and business advice in th North East. The Hartlepool branch of the business has been around since 1885. Many other services are offered, such as: Tax & VAT, Risk management and financial planning.

Observe: While at the company I job shadowed an Employee. This is what happened:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:

Throughout the day, I shadowed a number of employees in various sections of the business, in order to see how ICT was used. It was significantly used and essential to the communication of Information throughout the business

Interview: I talked with a member of staff to find out more about their role. This is what I found out:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:
• Pathway from school to their current position:
  One member of staff that I spoke to had recently joined the company after studying at college. She was currently working in the accounts department, dealing with basic admin duties and other needs of the clients.
• Where do they see themselves in the future:
  The employee is hoping to progress to work in the ICT support department, with internal promotion

Participate: I took part in a work related activity. This is what happened:

• Description of task:
  Due to the nature of the business and the sensitive financial data that is used it was difficult to participate in a task, however, I was able to witness various tasks / jobs that happen throughout the day.
• Notes:
  

Imagine: From the perspective of a student the advice I would give is:

The advice I would give to students would be to try and relate areas of their study to the business, comparing what they are dong with what the business currently does and how their skills would help. Also I feel basing projects on real life companies and their problems would help students understand solutions.

Summarise: The things I have found beneficial from the day(s) in the work environment are:

It was extremely beneficial to visit a number of departments in the business, to witness first hand what a student on placement may undertake. I believe that students studying towards an ICT qualification will find it extremely helpful to have the opportunity to see the kind of areas they are studying in practice. Overall a very interesting day and a great opportunity for myself and I feel will be very valuable to students.