Summer is finally here! And whilst that means making most of the sunny weather and catching up with friends it is also the perfect time to gain vital industry experience. Most degrees at Bournemouth University have a compulsory 4/6 week or year placement as part of their course, which students must complete to graduate. This summer I am doing an optional sandwich year placement with a company called Truffle Social and am going to share some top tips for preparing for placement or any type of work experience this summer!
Firstly, I can’t stress how important it is to research the company that you will be working with. A lot of students make the mistake of thinking that a basic knowledge will get them through their placement, but with thousands upon thousands of interns entering the workplace each year you need to make yourself stand out. A good place to start is the company website or linked in.
Employers and interviewers often say that you can learn a lot about someone from their handshake. First impressions stick in people’s minds and may make a difference to your experience at your placement. It is worth practicing a professional handshake before you go, don’t hesitate to ask friends or family as they have probably had to do the same!
Most companies will have a formal dress code or a uniform that you will have to abide by whilst at their workplace. So be prepared and select potential outfits a few weeks before so that you can pick up any pieces that you need before you start, meaning less chance of a morning wardrobe mishap! It is worth noting that some businesses within the media and advertising sector usually have a casual workplace dress code so dress accordingly!
Finally, research your journey beforehand or even do a practice run to get a feel for the journey time and route! This will mean you have less chance of getting lost and turning up late on your first day.
Have fun and enjoy your time on placement.
