How can placements boost your career? Read Pip James’ experience at The Perfume Shop
Want real-world experience to build your career? At the University of Brighton, we’re here to help you connect with the right placement opportunities that can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Pip James, a Marketing Management student at the University of Brighton, recently completed his placement at The Perfume Shop, where he developed key skills and valuable experience to hit the ground running as he graduates this year. Here’s how he found his placement, the skills he has developed, and how our placements team can help you find a similar role.
Placement at The Perfume Shop
Pip’s placement journey led him to The Perfume Shop’s head office in High Wycombe, where he gained a range of business insights. Pip’s manager, Karen Harris, reflected on his positive impact and drive:
“Pip attended the Jim Jackson Foundation, an Educational and Enabling Foundation that helps young people take their first step into a business career. During this time, Pip met our Managing Director and left a very positive impression, leading to an introduction to me. This process was followed by an interview where we ascertained Pip’s interests and preferences.
“Pip joined The Perfume Shop in our Customer Team in July 2023. During his year-long placement, he displayed exceptional talent, remarkable drive, commitment, and creativity in his work. Pip delivered beyond all expectations across various domains, including Marketing, Media, Social Media, Online, and CRM. He is an incredibly positive energy, always looking forward and upwards.
If he didn’t know the answer, he would ask, independently learn it or find it. This attitude drove results and opened further doors into new areas. A positive attitude and willingness to try something new, coupled with energy and drive, are fundamental to a successful placement. As a business, we wanted to ensure that the placement offered variety. Working with Pip, we flexed the plan to ensure a rich experience with a clear direction for his future chosen career path. We hope Pip enjoyed the experience as much as we enjoyed having him in the team.”
Karen’s endorsement highlights the impact Pip made, his proactive approach to challenges, and the variety of skills he developed — qualities that make a difference in today’s competitive job market.
What is it like to go on placement?
A placement is more than just work experience; it’s a chance to gain practical insights and build essential skills.
“The day-to-day was really varied, moving around different environments and getting a taste for different sectors within the business,” Pip says. This hands-on experience sharpened his teamwork and people skills – the type of skills we know employers value. “At first, it was a big change from casual work, but it gave me a good insight into the professional working world, developing my people skills,” he recalls.
Placements like Pip’s provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the working world, face new challenges, and see how your studies apply in real-world contexts.
Advice from Pip: The Power of Networking
One of Pip’s key takeaways from his placement journey is the importance of networking and taking initiative. “Talk to everyone—make use of your connections, from friends, family, colleagues, and lecturers—you never know who your connections might know,” he advises. He encourages students to reach out to businesses they’re passionate about, even if there aren’t advertised openings, as showing genuine interest can lead to new opportunities.
Networking doesn’t just open doors—it builds relationships that can shape your future career. Pip’s story is a great reminder of how proactive steps and connections can play an important role in finding the right placement.
One-on-One Support from Careers Advisors
As a student at the University of Brighton, you can book a 1-1 support session with our team of placement advisors. “I booked a session with the placements team, who gave me some advice on what to do next and the best route for me,” he explains.
Our team is here to help you find and secure placements that align with your career goals – if you’re struggling to find a suitable placement, you can book a 1-1 support session now.
Start Your Placement Journey Today
“Students who complete a placement year develop high-level skills and experience vital to the working world. Our dedicated Placement Year team are here to support students with finding and applying to exciting opportunities. If you would like to explore a placement year you can book in a support session with the team now on Careers Connect.” – Mark Eslick, Head of Placements, Internships and Volunteering
Ready to start your placement journey? Book a session with our Careers Advisors on Careers Connect today, or explore and apply for opportunities!
Ollie Taylor • 31/10/2024