Placements bridge academic learning and real-world application, providing professional experience and developing practical skills. As a Media Production student, gaining hands-on experience was vital in shaping my career, allowing me to explore a new sector and grow professionally.
My Placement Experience
I worked as a Community Engagement Intern for a small charity focused on health and social equality. The charity aimed to bridge community gaps through diverse services and groups. Working in a non-profit setting offered a collaborative and supportive culture, where I built strong relationships with the team.
My role involved managing social media and promoting the centre’s activities online. The welcoming, collaborative culture allowed me to connect with the team and contribute meaningfully. I produced real content, gained experience in time management, client interaction, and handled ethical challenges. As the sole content creator, I managed projects independently, meeting deadlines and learning new industry tools.
This placement provided valuable insights into all stages of production, from planning to editing, giving me hands-on experience that expanded my skills beyond the classroom.
What I Have Gained
My placement year significantly boosted my confidence and skills across relevant and non-relevant sectors. It opened up new roles, enhanced my client-handling abilities, and clarified my career goals. I developed both technical skills, like editing, and soft skills, such as project management and teamwork. This transformative experience was crucial in shaping my skills, deepening my understanding of the media industry and prepared me well for life beyond university, making it one of the most valuable aspects of my academic journey. Doing a placement year was pivotal, boosting my confidence across various sectors and clarifying my career goals.
CareersBU website
How the University Supported Me
Securing a placement can feel daunting, but the university’s careers and placement team provided invaluable support. From day one, they offered workshops on writing CVs and cover letters, regular meetings with advisors, and sent out job opportunities, keeping students informed and prepared for potential roles.
Tips for Securing a Placement
I landed my placement through a personal connection, which reminded me of the power of networking, however, the foundation I built helped me make the most of that opportunity. Here are a few things I learned:
- Network early – Build connections through university events and platforms like LinkedIn.
- Build a solid foundation – Gain diverse skills and experiences, relevant or not.
- Utilise university resources – Use CV workshops, job boards, and interview prep offered by the careers team.
- Start early – Begin placement searches in your second year and seek advice from mentors.
- Tailor your applications – Customise CVs and cover letters for each role.
- Be persistent – Apply widely, learn from rejections, and refine your approach.
Where It Has Taken Me
My placement was invaluable, providing me with a focused career direction, a larger portfolio, and industry contacts, enhancing my confidence and opening doors for more opportunities.
As a final-year Media Production student, it has refined skills I can use in my future projects, sharpened my industry understanding and career goals, building transferable skills for my future.
Why I chose BU to study Events Management
From a final year, to a first year
My Placement Year as a Production Management Intern at The Walt Disney Company
Abbie’s placement experience working in a secondary school
