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When Tom Mortimer joined J.Marr on his university placement year, he was looking for an opportunity to gain experience beyond the classroom. What he found was a chance to contribute to a global business, develop professionally, and ultimately launch his career.
Today, we're delighted to share that Tom has accepted a permanent role with J.Marr following the successful completion of his degree.
Turning Theory into Real-World Experience
Like many students, Tom arrived with a solid academic foundation. However, he quickly discovered that the workplace offers lessons that simply can't be taught in a lecture theatre.
"The placement gave me real-world experience that university couldn't provide," says Tom. "It was a great introduction to working life because it was gradual. I wasn't thrown straight into the detail. Instead, I was able to learn, develop and understand how a business operates."
Over the course of his placement, Tom gained exposure to a wide range of responsibilities, helping him accelerate his development and understand how his work contributed to the wider business.
Making a Difference
One of the most rewarding aspects of the placement was the opportunity to make a genuine contribution.
"I felt like I was part of the team and that I was making a difference," Tom explains. "You aren't just observing from the sidelines. You're contributing to the business and seeing the impact of your work."
That sense of ownership helped Tom develop confidence in his abilities while building valuable relationships across the organisation. The contacts and professional network he established during his placement will continue to support him throughout his career.
Learning Beyond the Textbook
A key benefit of the placement was gaining a broader understanding of how different functions within the business work together.
"At university, learning can be quite modular. In the workplace, everything is much more connected," says Tom. "I gained a much broader understanding of my role and how it fits into the wider company. I learned where the figures come from, how they affect other teams, and what information they need from me. It's experience that goes far beyond the textbook."
This exposure helped Tom discover what he enjoys most about his work and provided a clearer, more defined career path.
"The placement helped me understand what I want from my career and where I can add value."
Growth Inside and Outside the Workplace
The benefits of the placement weren't limited to professional development. Returning to university after a year in industry, Tom noticed a significant change in his approach to studying.
"The placement taught me discipline, time management and accountability. Learning to meet deadlines, manage responsibilities and work professionally made a huge difference when I returned to university."
As a result, Tom found his studies more manageable and productive.
"I was more organised, more focused and producing work to a higher standard. It actually made studying feel less like a chore."
The experience also provided valuable life skills, from understanding workplace expectations to managing a salary and preparing for life after graduation.
A Career Ready to Launch
As Tom completes his studies, he's not facing the uncertainty that many graduates experience. Instead, he's stepping straight into a permanent role with a team he already knows and a business where he has already proven himself.
The transition has been made even smoother through ongoing flexibility and support around his studies and future plans, allowing him to balance university commitments while preparing for the next stage of his career.
For Tom, the decision to stay was an easy one.
"The placement opened up opportunities that simply wouldn't have existed otherwise. It accelerated my development and gave me a much clearer idea of what I wanted to do. I would always recommend doing a placement year."
Investing in Future Talent
Tom's journey demonstrates the value that placement programmes can create for both students and employers. By giving talented individuals the opportunity to gain meaningful experience, contribute to real business challenges and develop professionally, organisations can help shape the next generation of industry professionals.
For us at J.Marr, we're proud to have supported Tom throughout his placement journey and even more excited to welcome him as a permanent member of the team.
Congratulations, Tom. We look forward to seeing what comes next.