Placement Year Review at Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education

The Role

Role Description

My main duties are to make sure that the Carnegie Faculty and Sport web pages are up to date with recent stories and events. I send out press releases, request photography and do podcasts. I also send out three monthly e-newsletters to current and applicant students. I interview students as well for student profiles.

I have to make sure that I know what is going on in the faculty and get involved with any event that is happening; especially with open days which are held through out the year.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I have enjoyed my placement even though I found it a bit difficult when my manager left two months into my placment. I felt that I missed out on the opportunites that the previous assistant had as they got to go on a lot of team building activities but I have made sure that I have got the most out of my placment.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I feel that I am a valued part of the team as they take any suggestions that I have and put them into practice.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The marketing officer has tried to put me in the right direction but I have mainly got on with my own work and put a lot in to place for next year as they aren't hiring another PR assistant due to lack of funds.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Each day is different. You can have really quiet days then a few days when it is very hetic such as VIPs coming for a tour and to train. You can have requests out of the blue and you have to drop everything and sort it out there and then.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I am in charge of making sure that the Carnegie and Sport web page is updated daily with stories that I write. I write a lot of copy and feel as though my skills have improved through the year.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I really believe that the years experience has made me more business aware. I feel that I know how a business operates and know how I can talk to certain people such as a coach or a lecturer.

I think that this year will really help when it comes to looking for a full time job as I have so much experience and proof of what I can do.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The marketing team is quite young so you can have a bit of friendly banter with one another but you know when you have to put your head down and do your work.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

When I first started the job I was expected to research and find out everything on my own. I think that this was the best way though as I have developed my communication skills.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The company trained me on software such as Reddot, Adestra, Photoshop and how to edit podcasts using a Apple MAC.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• There were no perks with this placement year

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I would liked to have some temp work with them next year but they aren't replacing me due to lack of funds.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I worked along side another Events assistant who was also doing a year placement.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Leeds is quite expenisve in terms of living. Food though isn't that expensive the only bad thing is you have to get on a bus to go to Asda!

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I study in Leeds as well so I already knew the area really well- night life is brilliant!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Last year there we found out that the other placment students did a lot of team building as the manager was in charge. However as the manager left the team was left to just keep things 'ticking over.' This was quite annoying but it's just how life goes.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

If you have any problems with anyone make sure you sort it out. There's nothing worse then working with colleagues that you resent. Make the most of your placement and make sure you gain a lot of contacts as you may need them in the future.