The Student Experience
Can you tell us about your placement provider and your thoughts on the Work Based Learning module?
The Land Trust are a charity who strive to improve green space and manage public open spaces for community usage. I really enjoyed my time on placement and believe it is invaluable to the university experience! It’s nice to gain real life experience and develop my skills within marketing to enhance my CV and knowledge for the rest of my undergraduate study.
How do you feel about working in this sector in the future? Has this helped you prepare for your career plan after graduation?
As I didn’t have any previous work experience in marketing and communications, this made me nervous about having the skills and expertise to fit into the role, but this work placement has allowed me to see that I really enjoy it and look forward to my career after university. It has also helped me to develop my skill set for my CV, which will give me advantage when looking for jobs in the future.
What have you learnt about yourself during this placement period?
I’ve learnt that I’ve got the skills and knowledge to be able to work in the industry and fit in well within a team, this was something I was worried about. My confidence has developed significantly, and I now believe in myself that I can achieve a career in marketing.
The Placement Provider Experience
Can you offer advice to other organisations considering hosting second-year undergraduates on work placements?
I definitely think it is beneficial, you may have been working in the same team for a while and a student will come and bring fresh ideas. They’ve learnt what is new in the market and bring a fresh approach to things. Sophie focused on projects around social media and shared her tips with the team which has proved extremely valuable to us.
What would you say are the most important skills and qualities you look for in a prospective employee?
Strong work ethic, good communication skills and ultimately someone who will fit in well with the team. Sophie fits in with everyone in our office really well, Sophie is not afraid to ask for help, but also has built the confidence to share her opinion.
Do you think it is important for students to undergo Work Based Learning during their studies?
Massively, really, really important, if I could go back and tell myself something at university it would be to get as much experience as you can. Work Based Learning is a really good beginning but as well as that, in your third year try and get bits of experience to boost your CV as employers want experience, definitely very important!
