Industrial Placement Review

It was getting that balance right between challenging and enjoying the work I was doing. As I was promoted to Advertising Sales Consultant midway through my placement, it was definitely a lot more challenging as pressure and responsibility increased a bucket load.

Really lively, environment, GRB work hard to ensure that with every new hire they've added positively to the culture of the company.

The resourcing side of the placement was more structured in terms of training, meetings and updates. On the marketing and advertising side, day to day work is a little bit more flexible and although it gives you space to structure your own working day, it's hard to improve from a technical stand point through formal training etc.

As the commission structure is a heavy incentive, the busier you are the more money you make. So it was imperative to remain motivated and on top of the amount of work you have to do.

9 months into the placement I was running my own desk (Advertising) selling all the advertising space on the website, account managing and creating research and media presentations to carry out to clients around London and Manchester.

As I don't really study a Business course, the skills I picked up in recruitment, advertising and marketing won't do a great deal to boost my grades directly. However, I have developed a much stronger work ethic and stamina from working 47 hour weeks which I can take back to university and beyond.

As a heavy sales environment, things can get quite tense when people aren't hitting targets etc. However, the social life was good and the nature of the work ensures people aren't competing against each other but against themselves so there was never negativity towards one another.

The placement was one that required flexibility amongst all things. There was no set time that I was in each department and by the end of the placement I was in a department that I was never suppose to have had involvement with. However, this was something that suited me quite well as I'm a big fan of surprises.

In terms of formal training days, they were scarce. A lot of the training was put in by myself on the job and learning as I went along.

Should i wish to take a career in recruitment, my managers have made it clear that they would be interested in working with me again. However, from my year in graduate recruitment I've realized the wide range of opportunities that are available to me and wish to pursue some of these after university.

There were company drinks monthly and as everyone is around the same age group, socialising on the weekends was an option too.

Brighton is an extremely expensive town to live in (relatively speaking outside of London) the average night out costs £15 (if you're like me and don't drink) and anywhere from £25 - £50 if you do.

The nightlife is amazing in Brighton, there are a range of alternative club along the sea front and loads of cool bars and pubs in the laines.

Most activities are quite expensive, gym membership costs a fortune for poor services, football teams are hard to get to. However, on the music side, there are a plethora of opportunities to get involved in open-mic and live music nights and events on the weekdays.