Why did you want to do a placement?
I found my placement on my own by looking up key words for the industry I
wanted to work in - primarily events / operations - just on job websites. The
only help I got from my university at the time was them helping me with
creating my CV.
I was lucky enough to get the placement that I really wanted, which isn't the
case for most people, and this probably makes be a tad biased but it helped me
mature in so many ways (personally and as a student) and it made me realise
the potential I could see in myself in my future career path.
What was your most memorable moment during your placement?
I was given quite a lot of responsibility in my role, and the people I met I am still
in contact with now and some have helped me in other jobs, so networking is
key! I gained vital skills; interpersonal, budgeting, planning / organising small
events, operational thinking, all of which I use now in my current role as an
Operations Manager.
Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to complete
courses such as First Aid at Work and was awarded my WSET Level 1 in Wines
and Spirits which has also helped in my career and put me further ahead than
some people my age.
How do you feel a placement has helped you with your development?
When I returned to university I was more disciplined in my studies and I found
myself wanting to do extra work instead of going out which was unheard of! All
because I wanted to achieve the best grade possible to open up doors for me to
be in the events world. This reflected in my grades as I received more firsts in
modules than I did in my first and second years - and I'm 100% certain this is
down to doing a placement.
Why would you recommend a placement to another student studying in the events field?
I highly recommend a placement year to any student, the experience is
invaluable and a great foundation for someone to start their career and see if
that particular field is right for them.
Thank you Emily for sharing your thoughts!