My UK Placement Journey – A Nepali International Student’s Advice
This guest blog is by Samjhana Adhikari, a Nepali student currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Human Resource Management with Advanced Practice at Wrexham University. As a part of her studies, Samjhana needed to complete a work placement. This presented a number of practical, communication and cultural challenges and here she takes us through that experience and the lessons learned. Please note elements of this are opinion based on Samjhana’s experience.
This year marked an important milestone in my academic and professional journey—my first work placement abroad. I had the privilege of joining the HR department at Net World Sports (a sports equipment provider) in Wrexham, which provided me with invaluable insights into the UK workplace culture. This experience has not only strengthened my passion for HR but also confidently prepared me for future opportunities.
Starting the Journey
Before starting my placement, I was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Moving to a new country and adjusting to an entirely different workplace culture felt both thrilling and intimidating. Cultural differences and adapting to a professional environment in the UK were significant concerns for me at first.
To prepare, I conducted thorough research about the company and its work environment. I also connected with past advanced practice students who had successfully completed similar placements. Their advice helped set realistic expectations and eased some of my initial concerns.
Experiences in the HR department
At Net World Sports, I worked as a Human Resources Assistant. I gained hands-on experience with various aspects of HR. My primary responsibilities included onboarding tasks, maintaining and utilizing the HiBob HR system, and assisting with day-to-day HR operations.
One of the standout moments during my placement was learning how to manage employee concerns effectively and contribute to recruitment strategies. It was inspiring to witness the level of professionalism and efficiency in the company’s HR processes. This broadened my understanding of the responsibilities and impact of an HR professional.
I also learned how to build good relationships with employees and colleagues, an essential aspect of fostering a positive and supportive workplace environment.
Challenges and Adaptations
As an international student, the challenges I faced were inevitable. One of the most significant was communication—both in understanding the nuances of workplace interactions and expressing myself clearly. I also had to adjust to a work environment that was very different from what I had experienced back home in Nepal, including understanding cultural celebrations, teamwork dynamics, and workplace etiquette.
Thankfully, I had immense support from my HR manager, recruitment specialist, and the entire HR team. Their encouragement, guidance, and patience helped me overcome these challenges. Additionally, my coursework at Wrexham University, along with the guidance of my mentor, Tom Williams, provided me with a strong foundation to navigate these obstacles confidently.
What I learned
The placement at Net World Sports was a treasure trove of learning opportunities. Here are some of the key lessons I took away:
Technical Skills
- Gaining proficiency in the HiBob HR system and understanding how HR software supports organizational operations.
- Learning recruitment strategies, onboarding processes, and other technical aspects of HR.
Soft Skills
- Enhancing communication skills and learning to engage effectively with employees.
- Building time management and organisational abilities to handle daily tasks efficiently.
- Understanding the importance of workplace ethics and teamwork.
Understanding UK Workplace Culture
- Adapting to a work environment that values open communication, collaboration, and inclusivity.
- Learning about UK workplace laws and cultural practices, which broadened my global perspective on HR management.
These important lessons have significantly boosted my confidence and enabled me to overcome my initial fears about working in a new culture.
The Bigger Picture: Personal Growth
Beyond the technical and professional skills, this experience contributed immensely to my personal growth. It helped me develop confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. Working in the UK has shaped my outlook on pursuing a career abroad, making me more adaptable and open to new challenges.
Advice for Future Students
For fellow international students considering their first work placement abroad, my advice is simple: embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Be Proactive: Take initiative in your tasks and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help.
- Network: Build relationships with colleagues and mentors—they are your greatest source of support and learning.
- Stay Open-Minded: Be prepared for cultural differences and view them as opportunities to grow and learn.
- Placements are an incredible way to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, and they help you build a stronger resume for future opportunities.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this opportunity. I am incredibly thankful to my mentor, Tom Williams, Wrexham University, and Net World Sports for their support throughout this placement. A special thanks to the HR manager and recruitment specialist at Net World Sports, whose guidance made my experience so rewarding.
This placement has been a key chapter in my life, and I am now more excited than ever to pursue a career in HR. I look forward to using the skills and insights I’ve gained to excel in future roles and contribute meaningfully to organizations.
My journey has just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!
To discuss this more, do get in touch with us by clicking here or by email at info@birkdalecollective.com, we would love to hear from anyone dealing with these kinds of differences and looking for advice on the subject.
