Before her placement, finance was the last industry Izzy expected to work in. She thought it would be ‘soulless’. Three CSC work placements later, she discovered there was so much more to it.
As lead sponsors of the JET Jaunt, CSC asked what more they could do in partnership with the Jersey Employment Trust, and were told that interview skills, CV writing, and providing hands-on roles within its business were all valuable ways to support.
Over the last four months, CSC offered three work placements to Izzy, allowing her to experience many different aspects of the business, from reception and compliance to legal and business operations.
This wasn’t about shadowing or filing. It was about real responsibility. Izzy supported key business tasks, contributed to projects and got involved in wider team activities.
Katie Grant, Expert People and Culture Business Partner at CSC, said the experience benefited everyone involved, creating opportunities for mentoring, leadership and growth.
‘It’s not only opportunities for the JET client, but also for the business as well,’ Katie said. ‘You learn a lot about yourself as an individual and as a business. We say in our mission statement that our people, partners, clients, and communities must be better off tomorrow than they are today. I think that’s where JET and CSC have really aligned.’
Izzy began building her confidence from day one. During her placement, she developed a wide range of new skills and discovered new interests.
‘I learnt how to use various software,’ she said. ‘I really enjoyed the anti-money laundering training and reformatting policies and procedures.
‘I found the whole experience to be eye-opening. What surprised me most was the variety of departments and the intricacy of the law within these types of companies. I was also surprised to find that I enjoyed the environment and the role.’
A supportive workplace made all the difference to Izzy’s experience. ‘The team was lovely,’ she said. ‘They were able to fit me into a private workspace so that I could work better but still be close enough to ask for help or ask questions.’
The placement has had a lasting impact on her confidence and future direction.
‘The feedback from CSC and JET has been extremely helpful,’ she said. ‘I can now see I have certain strengths and capabilities that I may not have seen before. I realised that I am a very fast learner.’
Angharad Southern, CSC’s Head of Legal in Jersey, added: 'CSC's work with JET is incredibly important because of our shared values around inclusivity. JET helps transform individuals' potential into a valuable contribution. This approach ensures that no Islander is excluded from the dignity, purpose, and independence that meaningful work provides.
'Inclusive employment is not just a social good, it makes economic common sense.'
CSC’s message to other employers thinking of offering a placement is simple: ‘Go for it. Don’t let anything hold you back,’ Katie said. ‘The talent is there. We’re just not necessarily giving some individuals a chance.
‘Feedback from team leaders was so positive that they all wanted Izzy on their team.’
Offering work experience doesn’t require huge change, just openness, flexibility, and a willingness to start the conversation. But the impact can be life-changing.
*If your organisation could offer a placement or would like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you. Please email emma.burns@jet.co.je.
Pictured: Izzy (centre) with Angharad Southern and Katie Grant from CSC
