My Time So Far

By Christopher Sylvester, Placement Student

Five weeks ago, I woke up with nervous butterflies in my stomach and a slight queasy feeling – symptoms of the anxiety I felt for the placement I was to begin that day…. a placement I felt completely unprepared for! Not that I hadn’t tried to prepare for it. I had done my research, asked my questions and, most importantly, stocked up on enough stationery to supply a small classroom….just in case. However, it was my lack of experience with working in this kind of environment that had me feeling so unprepared.

Five weeks on and I laugh at that version of myself for worrying so unnecessarily! My nerves were settled within my first hour. I was lucky enough to share an office with Clare Griffiths, Sam Zubaidi and Clare Hughes – each of whom made me feel welcome in their own way. Once all the formalities were out of the way, we began having conversations like normal human beings…not just sitting quietly typing away and keeping to ourselves like I had expected. A quick tour of Manor House showed that this level of friendliness was shared throughout.

While on placement with beepurple I have been given the opportunity to attend multiple events, workshops, one-to-ones and staff meetings. One thing that has struck me is the amount of time beepurple staff spend on organising such events and following up on points covered during their meetings with students. I have seen multiple occasions where a member of staff has gone out of their way to provide additional help for a student who has simply requested it. If beepurple staff are unable to help, they always no somebody who can!

Something else that struck me was the amazing attitude possessed by the students involved with beepurple. As mentioned before, nerves got the better of me during the first week but beepurplers were a big part in helping me overcome this. When I came to my first workshop, I chose to sit at the back of the room in a dark corner…trying not to draw too much attention to myself. However, beepurplers are a curious bunch and I found myself swamped in a number of polite introductions and questions during the tea break, helping me to feel instantly welcomed. Beepurplers also seem to have an enthusiasm rarely seen in other students, constantly asking questions during workshops, and actively making those important natural networks at every possible opportunity.

I should probably draw this blog to a close but before I do, I wanted to say that having had a number of placements and volunteering opportunities over the years, this is by far the best. The level of commitment from staff is amazing, and the enthusiasm from beepurplers demonstrates this. I guess I will finish by thanking staff and students I have met so far, and urge anybody who is not already involved with the Careers Service to do so… or else you may just regret missing out!