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By Jemima Aryee, MSc Sustainable Finance & Accounting, University of Sussex, in collaboration with Amarew Group 

The Careers and Entrepreneurship team at Sussex are here to support you throughout your studies, and for three years after graduating. During your studies, the dedicated Placements team can help you with applying to and undertaking a Professional Placement Year; as well as provide support during your placement. 

During her placement with Amarew Group, Jemima (Sustainable Finance and Accounting MSc) shared her experience with us, and reflected on the skills she has developed:

Can you give us an intro to your placement experience? 

Over the past 10 months, I’ve undertaken an industrial placement with Amarew, a bespoke management consultancy with operations in the UK, US, and Ghana. Amarew specialises in auditing, advisory, and compliance services, supporting fintech, semiconductors, healthcare, and natural built environment organisations to achieve regulatory assurance and sustainable growth. 

As an MSc Sustainable Finance & Accounting student at the University of Sussex, this placement bridged academic theory with practical application. I contributed to projects involving ISO management systems and global compliance frameworks. My responsibilities included gap analyses, documentation reviews, internal audits, and sustainability assessments for clients such as ISOQAR, Dekra, 3core2, Intertek, MMC, DUT and management services firms. 

What skills have you gained from your placement year? 

This placement has developed both my technical and transferable skills. 
I applied sustainability frameworks to help clients reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience. I gained hands-on experience with over a dozen standards and frameworks, including GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus, and PCI DSS, supporting certification readiness and risk mitigation. 

I strengthened my project management, advisory, and analytical skills by translating complex compliance concepts for non-technical stakeholders and managing deliverables across fast-paced projects. Collaborating with global teams enhanced my cultural awareness and communication abilities. 

How has the University supported your career readiness? 

The University of Sussex provided a strong academic foundation through modules such as Climate Finance, Energy Policy, and Sustainable Accounting. The Careers and Placements teams offered tailored resources, workshops, and employer events that helped me secure my placement and prepare for the professional world. Tools like CV360 and the STAR technique were invaluable during the application and interview stages. 

How has the placement benefited you and the company? 

My placement delivered mutual value. I introduced ESG insights and supported ISO implementations that accelerated certification timelines and strengthened Amarew’s client relationships. In return, I gained clarity in my career direction, practical sustainability consulting experience, and global operations exposure. 

I’m especially grateful to Managing Director, Marvin Rotermund, whose mentorship empowered me to navigate complex projects confidently and clearly. 

What’s next for you? 

As I complete my MSc, I’m pursuing roles in sustainability consulting and GRC analysis, with an interest in ISO compliance and ESG strategy. I’m also exploring Lead Auditor certification and advanced ESG credentials. This placement has been a launchpad for a career focused on ethical, resilient business practices, and I look forward to continuing this journey. 

Learn more about Placements 

Some undergraduates, as well as Masters students in Sustainable Finance and Accounting, Strategic Innovation Management, and Science and Technology Policy, can explore International Placement opportunities. If you’re keen to broaden your horizons and develop skills which are highly valued by employers, find out more about international placements here. 

All undergraduates can apply for a Professional Placement Year between their second and third year of study. Find out more about Professional Placement Years here. 

Have any queries? Use the Ask a Question function on CareerHub.