Name: Mariah Kalidas
Course: Public Relations
Job role: Junior Account Exec
Company: Carswell Gould https://carswellgould.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_home
As Junior Account Exec at Carswell Gould, I was expected to support on all PR activities from writing press releases to media monitoring and social media scheduling. My primary responsibility was to be proactive in research, content creation and maintain a first class service for all clients.
Has this experience impacted how and what you see in your future?
Placement year has opened my eyes to the breadth of PR and I have definitely decided where I see myself in the future. I discovered my strengths and weaknesses, which have helped direct the next steps in my career for after I graduate.
Do you think that you know more about yourself as a result of your placement experience?
I’ve learnt so much about myself on placement year that I wasn’t aware of; it’s an experience that exposes how you work with others, deal with challenging situations and manage your workload.
If you could go back in time to when you first started university, would you do anything differently?
I would have done more research into specific organisations I wanted to work for. This would have given me a clearer idea of the type of company I could see myself in and helped my decisions during the application process in second year. Although, upon greater reflection, through placement year I have figured out where I see myself working in the future.
Any advice you would give other students wanting to find a placement?
I found that it’s important to know what you’re passionate about and where you can see yourself working. It will help you focus your search for a placement and you’ll be able to put more energy into something you are truly passionate about or enjoy doing. Lastly, be confident and be ambitious.
One quote to sum up the whole experience!
“A crucial experience that will improve your employability and your future.”