Work experience provides individuals with practical skills and knowledge that may not be taught through an academic environment.
By being able to work in a real life environment, it can help with applying skills and theory learnt in education. It also allows the development of essential skills, playing a vital role in shaping a person’s career path by providing valuable insights and opportunities for the future.
We recently had Sumaiyah Islam, a 2nd year University student studying Marketing, join us over the span of 3 months for work experience in the marketing team. Read below to find out more about the value the experience gave her.
“During my work experience at Willmott Dixon Interiors, I was able to develop and acquire a variety of skills. My communication skills improved as I liaised with many different industry experts which allowed me to create a rapport, express my ideas clearly, listen actively and boost my confidence. I learnt new skills such as learning how to use InDesign, a graphic design software, which enabled me to be comfortable using the platform and allow my creativity to thrive. I was able to design case studies and LinkedIn posts with trial and error, enabling me to use my problem solving skills to overcome obstacles. One of my key achievements is when I designed a LinkedIn post and the content reached many people on the platform.
Work experience is vital as it provides individuals like myself with practical skills and knowledge that are valued by employers. It not only enhanced my understanding of marketing strategies and the construction industry, but also allowed me to develop skills that I will use in the future.
The experience of the past three months has influenced my career aspirations positively as it has made me more excited to work in marketing. I have even more motivation and drive to do well in my studies and work hard to follow this career path in the future.
Confidence is the biggest area I noticed growth in myself. Going into a different setting and settling in is quite daunting, but I allowed myself to try and be more confident whilst having peers promoting this around me. This allowed me to unlock my full potential.
Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed the last three months working on the marketing team and have gained so much valuable insights into the industry. Through practical exposure, I have been able to acquire new skills and develop others. I have a deeper understanding of the construction industry and what goes on behind the scenes in marketing. I have widened my network and boosted my confidence, allowing me to take a step towards achieving my career goals and personal growth.”
To learn more about how we support work experience students and employability, click here.