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Abi Emmerson

Abi
Emmerson

United Kingdom
The Employability Team have a great relationship with companies and were on hand if I had any queries whilst out on placement.

More about Abi

Abi completed two placements during her work placement year. Here she tells us about the different roles she experienced whilst working at Whistles and Urban Outfitters.

Where did you complete your placement?
"Urban Outfitters Europe as a social media and community intern, and Whistles as a marketing assistant."

What was a typical day like?
"At Urban Outfitters my main responsibilities were managing the day-to-day upkeep of all social media channels by planning, uploading and scheduling content, pulling together analytic data to produce reports for the EU office, and pitching ideas for the blog and social media channels for multi-channel campaigns.

"At Whistles, the role was so varied that every day was different. The position was perfect for an entry-level role in marketing. My day could involve assisting the marketing manager in admin duties, organising marketing collateral for stores, organising brand events such as press days and customer shopping events, assisting on shoot days for look books and campaigns, uploading product and editing the website with HTML coding, management of social media channels, updating point of sale (POS) data for Whistles' customer database, working in the press team, and model casting."

What was the highlight?
"The highlight of my placement was working at the Whistles SS15 press day, which I had helped to organise and run in a penthouse apartment overlooking the London Eye whilst being stood talking to the fashion editors of Elle and Vogue UK. Not forgetting the Whistles monthly sample sales!"

What was the biggest challenge?
"I was given the responsibility of organising and instructing Whistles' SS15 Brand Day in the first week of my placement, where all head office and UK store staff came to the Mondrian Hotel on the Thames and the CEO and Head of Departments briefed the upcoming season. Whilst I felt like I was dropped in at the deep end, it allowed me to build on my organisation and interpersonal communication skills, and my confidence in my own work ability. It was rewarding and my work was recognised across head office."

How did you find moving to a new city?
"Moving to London was daunting at first; however, I soon felt like it was the best decision I had ever made. The opportunities available to you working within the city are phenomenal and you regularly have to pinch yourself. My team at work made me feel very comfortable and made sure I was involved in everything. There were lots of friends off the course in London and there's so many fun things to do!"

What kind of help did you get from NTU in securing a placement?
"The Management and Employment module was really helpful in ensuring my CV was of a high standard, and in knowing how to conduct myself at interviews. The Employability Team have a great relationship with companies and were on hand if I had any queries whilst out on placement."

How do you think your first two years on the course helped you during your placement?
"The course is so broad that you build knowledge in every area, which is really helpful in making an informed decision on what placement would be most suitable for you. Also, while on placement I had a clear understanding of how each department in head office works, which is beneficial in communicating with other employees. This was one of the factors that made me stand out against other placement students."

What did you learn on your placement that will help you in your final year on the course?
"On my placement I was taught an extensive amount of new skills, which have helped me in my final year studies. It also gave me a first-hand experience of working within the industry and learning how to apply my academic studies to real marketing practices."

How do you think your placement will help you to launch your career after graduation?
"The fashion industry is a small world which gives you the chance to build relationships, get your name out there, and create a positive persona for yourself."

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