If you told me last year, or even in January that I'd be a month deep into a third year marketing placement, I won't have believed you. If I'm honest, at the start of my second year I didn't think I was going to finish it: pandemics huh?
My UNi series hasn't really taken off (I haven't written a personal blog in a long time), there's not that much to write when your staring at the same four walls writing assignments you're not 100% sure you understand. So UNi is going on tour; really we're heading down the road to the office where I'll be spending the next 12 months (well, 11 months now.) My UNi series is transforming into the Placement Files, we're I'll be talking all things placements: how I'm feeling, what I've learnt, how you should go about finding a placement- anything you might need to ensure you're ready for a first day of work.
I'm not going to call myself an expert, as you'll see, and everyone's placement journey is different, but my number one rule is to always go for it. Writing this blog series for myself is going to keep me focused on the things I want to learn, and the skills I want to develop; every month I'll be reminding myself of what I've achieved and where I want to be in a months time... up the self reflection.
So, I guess I should start with how I got here: I applied. My mistake number one comes here, and no it's not that I regret applying, completing a placement is the best thing I could've done for myself. The mistake, is that I only ever applied for one placement. Thankfully (and luckily) I'm sat in it right now with a smile on my face- but imagine if I hadn't? I would've hated the fact that I couldn't be bothered or simply didn't want to go through each stage to get a placement that could help me in my career. It was a stupid thing to do- so rule number two, is get applying for as many placements as you can, leaving yourself open to anything and everything can not only get you into a placement, but you might learn something new on the way.
The relief I felt once I knew that I had secured a placement was massive. As soon as I accepted the offer I realised that it was something I definitely wanted to take on and rise to the challenge. I know not everyone will feel the same way, you cold get that feeling on your first day or a couple of weeks in, or you might only realise it right at the end of your placement. If you even have an inkling you might possibly want a placement, then go for it.
What I've found in my first month on placement is that you might find yourself overloaded with information all at once... that's okay! There's been plenty of times that I've been told something, and completely forgotten about it: so I just ask! Don't be afraid to ask any questions, you're there to learn and expand your knowledge. To put your skills into practice. Asking is the pinnacle of learning; you can either sit there with no idea what you're supposed to be doing, or ask and understand the tasks you've been set. Another rule for the book: start asking questions.
If I'm totally honest, I haven't got much else to report. I thought I'd be overwhelmed during my first month- but it's been the opposite. I feel I'm exactly where I should be, doing everything I need to be and I'm content about it. My first month of placement has been something new, something exciting and something I can't wait to carry on.
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