Marketing, Recruitment and Events Assistant Review

My time with FDM has flown by, I have had a really enjoyable time here at I will be sad to leave. I feel that my placement has allowed me to not only solidify my career pathway in the future, it has also provided me the opportunity to work in a corporate environment and gain invaluable commercial experience. I could not think of a better team to work with, they have supported me and guided me through my time here at FDM. I really enjoyed working on out-of-home advertising campaigns for both Leeds and Glasgow. From the initial research to developing a design and proposal, seeing my work displayed around the city is a great feeling. I cannot thank everyone at FDM enough.

I was welcomed within the team straight away and settled down after a few weeks. The more responsibility I took on board the more valued I felt as I was making an impact to the people around me. I often went above what was asked of me to help the team with their workload, especially when there was many events happening at once and they needed the support. They acknowledged me going the extra mile to help them and I felt really appreciated.

My manager has fully supported me through my year with FDM. In week one, we sat down and put together an objectives and learning plan for myself so that I make the most out of my time here. I really like how I have been encouraged to source my own work depending on my interests. I worked within recruitment, marketing and events, all of which were supported by my manager.

I found myself incredibly busy at times, but this has allowed me to develop my time management and organisational skills. As I work within the University Partnerships team and support the Marketing team also no two days were the same. During peak career fair season I spent a lot of time on campus, visiting different universities and running workshops with current students and career services. When I spent more time in the office, I helped out with marketing activities such as writing blogs, editing content and design adverts.

I was surprised at how much responsibility I was given. As a placement student I didn’t think I would be able to get involved in half as much as what I did. From creating staff and university newsletters to writing target emails and working with media partners. I worked alongside the marketing department implementing Out-of-Home advertising in Leeds and Glasgow. It was great seeing my work displayed in and around the city.

My placement with FDM has certainly solidified my career aspirations and where I would like to focus my studies on in final year. I feel that a placement year fills the commercial experience gap of many graduates and I would recommend to anyone thinking of doing a placement to go ahead and do one. My role has been really flexible throughout the year. I have developed my communication skills, both verbally and written as well as time management, organisation and analytical skills. My time with FDM has been incredibly positive and I will use the experience gained throughout the year in future jobs.

Within the Leeds office there was a friendly atmosphere, it never was busy unless we had visitors from other offices. There was no divide between departments or the graduates who have joined on the graduate programme. There was no boundaries as such and everyone got on with each other.

My job description was relatively vague however it did say that I would support the university partnership team as well as the marketing team. As I have done this during my time here with FDM then I feel that my placement has been well organised. I have had the chance to do so much more than what was stated which is great.

There are lots of opportunities for personal training and development, whether that be learning SQL or Excel or sitting academic qualifications such as Prince2. I did not undertake any official personal training or development as I was preoccupied with other work however unofficially I developed my communication, writing, organisation and time management skills.

I would definitely re-join FDM if an opportunity came up in the Marketing department. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the team and I can envisage a future with FDM.

In the Leeds office there was 3 other placement students and we all got along very well with each other. When we had staff events we were always encouraged to get involved.

As Leeds is a student location accommodation is relatively cheap if you live in the student areas. Eating and drinking is also cheap.

As Leeds is a huge student city there are plenty of bars, nightclubs and pubs within different price ranges.

There were many charity fundraisers to participate in outside of work such as walking with the wounded, sleeping aid as well as general activities such as bar crawls, quiz nights and bowling.