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

The student at Â鶹ƵµÀ Leicester (DMU) 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 DMU in October.

"My placement has had such as great impact," said Jaspreet, who describes choosing DMU 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.