Sam Lovesey

BSc (Hons) Digital Media Computing student, Sam, spent his placement year working as a Web and Content Assistant, supporting the Marketing and Communications team here in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

What was your placement role and what did it entail?

During my placement, I worked as a Web and Content Assistant for the CEBE Faculty Marketing and Communications team. My main responsibilities involved working on the University website building and editing web pages, and producing high-quality digital content.

Why did you decide to do a placement?

I decided to do a placement to help me stand out from the crowd, and to graduate with work experience directly relevant to my course. I also wanted to see where the things I study in my degree fit in within the industry.

What did you enjoy most about your placement?

I loved how varied my placement was. My manager told me in the interview that no two days would be the same, and she was absolutely right! I also enjoyed that there were aspects of my job that I understood from the start, but there were lots of aspects that were completely new to me, so I threw myself in the deep end and learned so much because of it.

What was the application process like?

The application process was as you would expect it to be for any full-time job. The University does provide support in finding placements, but at the end of the day it is down to you to put in the work and secure the placement.

How did the university help you find your placement?

In my case, I found out about my placement from my former manager when working as a part-time Web and Digital Assistant in the Arts, Design and Media Faculty during my second year.

What are your future career plans/ambitions and how has your placement affected this?

My placement really gave me a more tangible idea of the sort of career I want to aim for after graduation. I already had some ideas, but working within a Marketing team for a year made me realise how much I could see myself doing that as a career. I’m currently in the process of applying for Digital Marketing grad schemes and jobs, to start once I’ve completed my degree.

What advantages has your placement given you?

My placement gave me a wealth of relevant work experience. It allowed me to develop skills and techniques in areas covered in my degree within a real-world working environment, as well as other areas that were completely new to me.

Working full-time for a year has also given me a regimented work ethic and a sense of professionalism that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I can feel the benefits of these being carried across to my Final Year work, and I have no doubt it will be invaluable to me when I begin working again.

Another advantage of my placement is that it developed my soft skills. It sounds trivial, but even simple things like utilising my Outlook calendar is something that I hadn’t really had to do before. I’m grateful that in my placement I have been able to improve my teamwork and time-management skills, and I feel as though my overall work ethic is better as a result.

What placement advice do you have for future students?

My placement advice to future students would be firstly to a have a good think about what sort of thing you want to do. A year is a long time to be working, and it will seem even longer if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing.

Secondly, I would say make use of the Careers+ team. The University offers so many resources to help you find jobs and perfect your CV, so make the most of these, as it could be the difference in securing a placement. 

Finally, say yes to as many opportunities that come your way. You’ll open up so many doors for yourself.