Skills for Career Success: What I Learnt from My Work Experience Placement

National Careers Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of work experience in shaping students’ futures. To mark the occasion, we spoke to recent work experience student, Serena Buet, about how practical placements not only support academic studies but also open doors to future career opportunities. Serena’s insights offer valuable guidance for anyone considering how work experience can enhance both learning and employability, making it a crucial step in preparing for life after college.

What drew you to Business Studies, and how did that inspire you to seek marketing work experience at Vetras Group?

What drew me to business studies was my dream of working for a large business, more so in the fashion or beauty industry, which has always been one of my biggest interests. Whilst taking the course, we covered marketing, which inspired me to pursue the idea of a career in marketing for a fashion company or magazine. To do that, I hope to get my qualifications at college so I can look for an apprenticeship in London, where there are more opportunities in those industries. That’s why I wanted marketing work experience at Vertas Group; it’s a large multi-brand company, and I was keen to gain practical skills and see what it’s really like to work in a larger corporate environment.

Tell us about a task you did, and what was the result?

One of the tasks I was given was focused on promotional materials and budgeting. I was given a brief with an overview of the company and a budget, and asked to research ideas for branded merchandise. This task helped me understand budgeting and how to research creative merchandise options within the price limit and aligned with the company’s values. As a result, the marketing team are in the process of purchasing items from my research to support the promotion of the business at events.

Which skills will you take back to college?

The skills I will take back to college include being able to plan content and research successfully, being able to budget, and understand how to identify suitable promotional materials. Additionally, I have been encouraged to take initiative and be proactive by learning to work independently, which has given me a sense of responsibility and self-awareness of my strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, I have learned to adapt within dynamic work environments, adjusting and responding well to new situations and challenges, which makes me more flexible to change.

How has this experience influenced your career goals, and how will it support your career once you finish college?

This placement has positively influenced and supported my career goals, as it’s given me the experience I need to understand what it will be like to work in marketing, the skills I need to get into the industry, and what to expect in a corporate setting. The experience will also strengthen my CV when applying for roles that align with my passions after I finish my studies.

What advice would you give fellow students about finding and making the most of a work experience placement?

If you start early enough in finding the right placement, you will have more opportunities to choose from as they can fill up quickly. Make sure to get advice from friends and teachers because suitable placements can also come from personal recommendations, so it’s important to look at all your options. Be open-minded to new experiences, as they may alter your vision of your ideal career. Also, maximise your time by being proactive, asking questions, and seeking constructive feedback.

Finally, make sure that you keep note of what you have learnt, especially the skills, and what you need to improve on. From this experience, you can add the skills and achievements to your CV, and if you stay connected with your placement, you leave the door open to future opportunities, such as being a key reference or even receiving a job offer.

Work experience at Vertas Group

If you’re looking to gain valuable work experience, Vertas Group offers opportunities across a wide range of service areas, such as property design, recruitment, hospitality, IT, project management, marketing, and customer service. Whether your interests lie in creative industries or corporate roles, there’s a placement to suit your ambitions and help you develop practical skills for your future career. Visit our careers page to learn more.

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