Rochelle

Describe your placement experience.

My placement year was amazing! I was lucky enough to complete a 50-50 placement year spending the first five months of my placement working at the University of Surrey's International Engagement Office, and the second half of my placement studying abroad on exchange at the University of Wollongong in Australia. 

What were the best things about it?

The best thing about my work placement was having the freedom and opportunity to work autonomously and actually work on some of the creative ideas I came up with. 

My team was looking for ideas for a student giveaway and I suggested a camera, which they loved as an idea, and I was given solid support and time to plan and orchestrate the Instagram Giveaway (including free reign over the promotional design on Canva). This was really helpful for my professional development, and it really boosted my confidence to work work for such a friendly, collaborative and encouraging team. It was a bonus to also get a better understanding of how the University of Surrey works in context from a staff perspective.

Have your career plans been informed by your placement?

The placement year has taught me what I like and don't like so much about marketing. I've learned that I enjoy using social media, but I find it can sometimes be draining constantly making content and working on social media (plus it was a bit addictive!). Ideally I'd like to focus on a more strategic, creative brand development role in the future - possibly working in advertising. 

I love coming up with ideas and learning more about the power of storytelling and how this can be used to influence customer behaviours and decision-making. I'm now looking for marketing graduate roles and internships in creative industries to build on my current marketing interests.

What advice do you have for students considering doing a placement?

My advice to undergraduate students would be to start looking early and don't be afraid to speak to different departments and teams across the university about your placement ambitions. You may be surprised at the opportunities that could come your way!

I'd also recommend consider the 50-50 route like I did. Although it can be challenging trying to find a shorter-term work placement, once you do find something you have the option to do two short term work placements or a semester studying abroad. (You can also look at studying abroad for the full year if you like travelling). 

If working outside of the UK is something that you're considering after graduation, the placement year is a great opportunity to get some experience abroad and find out more about what it's actually like to live, study and/or work in a different country, which employers will find interesting.