So you often hear radio and TV adverts about how great apprentices are, and how they add great value and input to the business. But what about un-paid work placements?
Have you thought about actually replying to one of those umpteen emails requesting some work experience? It may just work! A student fresh with university knowledge, determined to work their hardest to make it in the industry – it’s a win-win situation for student and employer alike.
Emily Wilkinson, current intern at JAM Marketing lets us in to her view of work experience: After a whopping sixteen years of education, as a final year university student the thought of what comes after graduation is utterly terrifying. I study English literature and history, a degree to which the typical response is “oh
that’s nice
what are you going to do with that?”
In the current competitive climate of the graduate employment process, having a degree beside your name is no longer enough. Everyone is looking for that little bit extra. After spending my life preparing myself for the world of work, I decided it was time to get out of the comfort zone of Shakespeare and the university library and apply for some experience.
I was lucky enough to land a weekly placement with JAM Marketing Limited back in November 2017, and I could not say a big enough thankyou to the team. Despite having no previous experience in marketing or PR, no matter how many stupid questions I asked, the Jammy Dodgers were always so supportive. Every day is completely different as JAM work with such a wide range of clients, from restaurants, estate agents, to accountants – just to name a few. Throughout my time here, I have thoroughly enjoyed putting my creativity to more practical use; from learning the professional practices of social media, to writing editorials, mailers and blogs – here I am writing my very own column, which I can confirm is every English student’s absolute dream!
For anyone considering embarking on a work experience placement, or perhaps offering this capacity in their business for the first time, I couldn’t encourage it more. In my opinion, an internship is such a rewarding concept. We lovely work interns put in 110% for your business and liven up the office with fresh ideas. And in return? For students whose degrees do not lead to a definite career (like me) the skills which work experience provide are invaluable in acquiring that desirable “something extra” and setting us apart from thousands of other graduates.
The slogan “Marketing Ideas That Stick” could not be truer for me. The lessons I have learnt from the Jammy Dodgers will stick with me for life, and I am equally, sweetly stuck on the ambition of making my mark on the marketing industry in the future.
