Anika Dhunna - Industrial Economics with placement year
As a Business Development Placement Student at Caterpillar Inc. during 2024–25, Anika Dhunna gained hands-on experience in business development, digital systems, and customer engagement across the EAME region. Her achievements were recognised at the Placement Year Award 2025, where she received the Exceptional Professional Development Award.
During her placement, Anika’s main responsibilities ranged from supporting customer and dealer meetings to contract discussions, attending site visits, and working with global teams.
A major part of her role focused on data analytics and reporting. She managed 28 reports using Tableau, Power BI, Excel and Caterpillar-specific software monthly, delivering insights that strengthened fleet health monitoring and improved operational efficiency. Anika also developed internal processes to streamline workflows.
One of Anika’s key projects was Salesforce Standardisation. She explained: “I worked cross-functionally to align and close over 400 inactive records, improving customer data accuracy and refining internal processes. I also implemented time-saving processes that reduced individual workloads by three to four hours per week, standardised key reports, and collaborated with stakeholders to support revenue growth.”
Professional development
Caterpillar provided extensive professional and personal development opportunities throughout the year. Anika worked with three mentors who supported her growth in leadership, digital strategies, sales processes, networking and communication skills. Reflecting on this, she shared: “The dedicated work and attentive support of my mentors and global managers are one of the reasons I loved my placement. I created a six-month mentorship plan with reviews every two months, focusing on networking, business acumen, communication, and digital capability. I attended over 45 development courses, including the Commercial Acumen Programme and technical training in Power BI, Tableau and Salesforce.”
She added: “Through mentorship, feedback and exposure to senior leaders across EAME, APD and the Americas, I developed confidence, stronger communication skills and a clearer understanding of career pathways within the company. I am truly grateful for the support from Caterpillar and am now a huge advocate for finding trusted professionals to learn from.”
Support from the Business School placements team
Anika was supported throughout the entire process, from the application stage through to the final months of her placement. Pre-placement workshops and CV clinics helped her build early confidence and networking skills. The team - Jack Kavanagh and Laura Hammond - provided ongoing support throughout the year. She commented:
The placements team were instrumental in keeping me connected to the university. Their monthly check-ins and in-person visits provided reassurance, career guidance, and space to reflect on my development. They also helped build my confidence in public speaking by encouraging me to present at a first-year workshop and at the Placement Year Training Day.
Impact on the business
Anika believes she brought a fresh, analytical and customer-focused perspective to the team. She observed: “My contributions in data analytics, process automation and standardisation improved reporting accuracy and introduced long-lasting efficiencies that will continue to save time and resources.”
She also supported the Caterpillar Young Professionals group by presenting at a careers talk to share insights into her role, responsibilities, and industry experience.
Academic and personal benefits
Reflecting on her experience, Anika feels her placement year strengthened her confidence and enhanced her analytical, organisational and presentation skills, all of which support her final-year studies. She noted: “I’ve developed a deeper understanding of business systems, stakeholder management and strategic thinking, helping me apply academic concepts to real-world situations. Time management and prioritisation were key takeaways that will help me balance deadlines more effectively.”
Beyond academics, the experience helped Anika define her career aspirations and develop global communication skills. She said: “Working with colleagues and senior leaders across different markets helped me build cross‑cultural communication skills and a clearer sense of the type of leader I aspire to become.”
She found that a placement year allows students to bridge the gap between theory and practice, develop personally and professionally and build essential skills such as communication and public speaking. She added: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions - it’s the best way to engage with the company and make the most of the experience.”
Advice for future students
Caterpillar were so impressed with Anika’s contribution that they offered her a full‑time role in their Condition Monitoring Team while she completes her final year. Her advice is simple:
I would highly recommend taking a placement year and would encourage everyone to gain real-world experience. It was a great year, and I absolutely loved working at Caterpillar. It’s an amazing company full of opportunities.
I am incredibly grateful to have already been offered a full-time role, and for the development and growth it’s given me. I am very appreciative of the experiences and knowledge I have gained so far, and I’m excited to continue my career at Caterpillar.
Find out more
Visit our news page to find out more about Anika’s and other students' achievements at the Placement Year Awards 2025:
