C&M with a year in industry student Joe Ward reviews the first eight weeks of a year-long placement
Joe Ward, a third year Communication and Media with a Year in Industry student, reviews the first eight weeks of a year-long placement in the Marketing Support team at Silver Door Apartments.
Placement Experience
It’s been a far cry from just doing the daily coffee run, that’s for sure!
I am currently eight weeks into my placement year at SilverDoor Apartments, and my experience so far has been nothing but positive. The company has offered me responsibility, support and most importantly some key insights into the industry I intend on pursuing a career in; marketing.
The social aspects of the office have gone a long way towards my effective integration into the company environment, as well as that of my six fellow placements. Despite these trying times, Silverdoor has been magnificent in promoting effective communication as well as company events to support our comfortable arrival, and after a mere two months I feel like and important member of my department as well as the wider SilverDoor family.
My role involves updating the company website with effective SEO content, including landing pages and blogs, as well as ensuring the company maintains an active presence on social media through research of relevant company/industry news. The role isn’t quite as black and white as that though, with a whole host of additional responsibilities given on a daily basis – a testament to how dynamic the company is.
My favourite moments so far have been filming the Christmas video, a task that required weeks of work and film shoots throughout Lancaster, as well as marketing meetings, in which I am actively encouraged to share my ideas and feel that my input is valued. Friday feeling is tangible in the office, a reality that is often lost in the University lifestyle (a 4pm beer at the desk helps!).
My advice to students planning on pursuing a placement year is to commit fully to the company and try your hand at everything. No one expects you to be an expert, you’re there to learn and try and gain any experience you can. It’s easy enough to just relax in your comfort zone every day of the week, but demonstrating enthusiasm through putting yourself forward for tasks aids not only your personal development, but your respect and notoriety within the company.
I would thoroughly recommend a placement year to anyone currently studying at University. Not only because of the employability options that a year of industry experience provides, but also as a huge step in finding your path and shaping plans for the future after a brief taste of working life.
Here’s a link to a few of my blogs, uploaded to the company website to improve our SEO levels.
My page on ‘Meet the Team’
If anyone needs help through the application process or any other questions, you can easily reach me through LinkedIn.