Ellie: Looking back on my placement experience

Posted on: 21 April 2024 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Over the past academic year Ellie has undertaken a final year placement within the Careers & Employability team as a Digital Communications Assistant.

My name is Ellie, and I’m a third year Communications and Media student and Digital Coach for the University of Liverpool.

Over this past academic year, I have had the pleasure of undertaking a final year placement within the Careers & Employability team as a Digital Communications Assistant! As I reflect back on my experience, I am filled with nothing but gratitude and accomplishment. It has been a journey marked by creativity, collaboration, and invaluable learning opportunities which I will forever be grateful for as I move forward with my career post-graduation!

I’ve always been a firm advocate for upskilling and gaining practical experience, so in my second year when I was given the option between a Dissertation and a Placement Module, choosing the latter was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made! I knew that in doing so, I’d be able to learn a whole host of skills relating to my career path, whilst learning from other professionals around me. Not to mention, I’d be able to pop my newfound experience on my CV to give it added value!

One of the highlights of my placement was undoubtedly the opportunity to create TikTok content alongside our Career Coaches. From brainstorming ideas to filming and editing content, every step of the process allowed me to sharpen my creative skills in a fun, collaborative way. Our Coaches are not only amazing at what they do, but are the shining stars of the @LivUniCareers TikTok page!

I also had the opportunity of attending key events such as our Part-Time Jobs Fair was another aspect of my role that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to capture content for our @LivUniCareers Instagram page, providing live updates on the event as well as interviewing some of the businesses and organisations in attendance! This definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but looking back and seeing the growth it has earned me makes it completely worthwhile.

Beyond the tangible skills and experiences gained, what truly made my placement memorable was the supportive environment fostered by my colleagues and supervisors. Their guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback played a pivotal role in shaping my professional development and instilling confidence in my abilities. I couldn’t be more grateful for their support and mentorship along this journey, which will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable in my next steps!

As I embark on the next chapter of my career journey, I carry with me the incredible experiences and insights gained during my time on placement. For my fellow University of Liverpool students, I would definitely consider taking a placement if your course provides this option, as gaining this practical, real world experience is a fantastic way of earning new skills and developing your professional skillset.

For more information on work experience, visit our Career Studio and speak to one of our Coaches who will be more than happy to help!