Robert
Blackburn

“As part of my BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing degree at Nottingham Business School, I completed a one year work placement, which I secured with Travis Perkins PLC.

My placement role at Travis Perkins PLC, was Digital Marketing Assistant. I was in charge of supervising three websites which involved making amends, adding imagery and promotion information. I also set up and delivered marketing promotions such as deal of the month etc. I enjoyed the working environment and working for a team, with a common goal but having my own responsibilities to contribute.

Organisation was key in my placement role, and I made sure that I stuck to a plan when managing my workload. I implemented key diagrams that I learnt at university, such as SWOT analysis, using them during team meetings. I was already familiar with the diagrams, which gave me more confidence.

Throughout my placement, I received support from NTU but it was kept to a minimum so it could give me a better understanding of the working world. I did receive telephone calls and a placement visit during my 12 months, however, as I settled in well and didn’t require much support, the team left me to it.

When I began searching for a placement, I visited Employability services, which reaffirmed that my CV was professional and had all the key information that an organisation looks for. I applied for the Digital Marketing Assistant position with Travis Perkins PLC, amongst applications to various other companies. With Travis, the first stage was a telephone interview, which lasted around 15-20 minutes, throughout which they  highlighted the key areas that were of interest to them on my CV. I was then invited to an assessment day, whereby I had 6 mini interviews and several group tasks alongside a group presentation.

Taking a placement year has really helped me to distinguish what areas of work I want to pursue and I would advise any student considering a placement, to take the leap and do it. I can confidently eliminate industries that I know I definitely do not want to work in. I have also noticed what I am good at, and how I can achieve what I want to do.”