During my time here at UON both in my previous course and current course I have been on a placement. Placements, in my opinion, are one of the most useful things you will do, as sometimes you will learn something that you won’t have learnt in the classroom. Irrespective of where and what you are doing.
My placement experience
I have completed two multi-week placements and whilst they were both very much differing experiences I did learn something and were useful enough for me to develop my own skills. Whether that be problem solving, communication, teamwork or practical skills like digital skills. I found my first placement a challenge, as I wasn’t enjoying it and thought I couldn’t do it, however, it did give me the confidence to try and change that. Then I knew that my previous course wasn’t for me because I knew I couldn’t handle that environment.
Despite this, I did however learn something important, perseverance, I knew I had to do it and just did it. I learnt some valuable skills on that placement, sometimes you just need to go through tricky periods to truly develop certain personal skills.
My second placement for my new course was something I was more interested in, and I really enjoyed being a part of the team, and I got to develop journalistic skills I may not have had I not gone on placement. I was so glad to have gone on my journalism placement as the team I had around me definitely helped me.
My placement advice
Before going out on placement, you need to work out, what skills you hope to develop, where you think you will gain the best experience but also, choose or go somewhere where you know you’ll be comfortable. Being somewhere comfortable will allow you to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Taking initiative, sounds simple enough but make sure that you are missed when you have to finish your placement! Being able to get involved and show you care enough will make them want to help you develop your skillset further, and therefore by showing what you can do, why you are here doing what you are doing is important.
If you have the opportunity to have a placement or work experience, whether that is for a week, a month, the summer or a year, take it. Quite simply, take it, take the opportunities when they come.
Find out more about the opportunities we offer at UON by visiting an Open Day.
