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Hard work and determination have landed Jaspreet Sandhu a sought-after placement year with BMW Financial Services.

The student at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Leicester (²ÝÁñÊÓƵ) had been shortlisted for several posts but missed out at the final-stage interview.

She refused to give up and has bagged a role she loves with the financing and leasing arm of the luxury vehicle manufacturing company.

Jaspreet said: "I did seven assessment centres and was offered two of them. It was a reality check about how I need to be. I had put on an act before but I presented as myself at BMW.

"The Business and Law Placement Team were great and with their support and my hard work I landed the role."

Based in Farnborough, Surrey, Jaspreet is working as a Portfolio Management Office intern, gaining business experience and broadening her skillset.

The 21-year-old from Coventry said: "I am loving it!

"Every day is different and I enjoy learning new things.

"Networking at BMW is amazing! If you work hard and do well, you get recognition.

"I am given responsibility and trusted to go to meetings. I have things to talk to about with senior management."

The experience has also opened Jaspreet's eyes to the importance of embracing opportunities when she's back at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ in October.

"My placement has had such as great impact," said Jaspreet, who describes choosing ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ as "the best decision of my life".

"It's the first time I've lived away from home and I am more resilient.

"I plan to make the most of my final year and am interested in joining some of the student societies."

Course-wise, she is most looking forward to the tax module, and hopes her hard work and employment skills will enable her to land a graduate role.