Ben Woods - Reuters - January 2008
Ben is 23, studying Management Sciences at Loughborough University. He is currently undertaking a 12 month Industrial Placement at Reuters based in Canary Wharf, London.
- Where did you hear about the job?
I checked the notice board by our Industrial Placement Office on a daily basis and noticed a post from Reuters for a Marketing role. I knew of the company through their involvement within the media, so I promptly completed an online form and forwarded my CV, along with a covering letter, directly to Reuters.
- What was the application and interview process like?
I was first invited to have a phone interview, which was a format that I was most unfamiliar with! I made sure I had studied and understood the job specification that accompanied the application form and also researched the company itself. This helped the conversation flow and enabled me to understand what the interviewer was talking about rather than guess!
I was then invited to attend the assessment day later that month. This was far more daunting, and didn’t get off to the best start as I was late and missed the first group exercise! Throughout the day we engaged in group tasks along with an interview and computer test. Everything took place in a relatively relaxed environment and was well organised – and also offered a great opportunity to make a few friends along the way.
- What does your role entail?
As Marketing Communications Assistant, I am apart of a team that is responsible for managing integrated campaigns to help build brand and product awareness, drive sales and build customer relationships across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Some of my responsibilities include assisting with all aspects of internal and external campaigns for product promotion, client/staff events and corporate hospitality such as branding and event management.
There are, of course, the more routine tasks such as maintaining client and internal databases and publishing internal communications, but due to the nature of my job I am only in the office for perhaps 50% of the time. The rest of my time is spent managing events, meeting clients and visiting prospective venues and suppliers, which in all adds up to a varied and enjoyable experience.
- What have you learnt so far?
This year has enabled me to develop a strong sense of business acumen and greater insight into the way businesses operate. I’m also fortunate enough to observe first-hand a merger between two global companies and the implications this has.
I’m also more aware of which areas of industry I would like to pursue upon graduating.
- Best part?
Reuters has a fantastic corporate culture and the nature of my role means I have been able top network with a vast number of people throughout my placement. Because Marketing plays a cross-functional role within the company I get invited to lots of departmental parties. I even get sent ‘freebies’ from suppliers which included a bottle of bubbly at Christmas!
- Worst part?
London can be expensive! It’s great to have a regular income but living and working in London is certainly not cheap – I once paid £6 for a half pint of lager!
- What advice do you have for students looking for a placement?
Don’t underestimate yourself – assessment days and interviews needn’t be a daunting process, and if you don’t get offered a job first time round don’t be disheartened – experience and practice at interviews will become invaluable later in your career.
Ask questions – first and foremost it’s important to understand what your job will involve so asking questions will enable you to get a better idea of what to expect. But more importantly it shows a desire to learn and engage with your interviewer which they love to see.
The RateMyPlacement Team would like to thank Ben once again for his time and effort.
