By Loreto de Luna Font – Placements & Employability Intern
How did our Media students benefit from the disruption of Covid-19?
With Covid-19 still hovering over us, going out on a placement may seem worrying, boring, lonely and/or not worth it at all. However, remote and hybrid placements are increasingly common and our 2021-22 Media Placement students claim to have hugely benefitted from the experience.
Aadam Hands Mirza and Brooklynn Kelly are both Media Studies students who explored the production and radio sectors. Brooklynn went on a remote placement and said that the placement has been a true experience of “being out in the real world” that prepared her for post-university life. “I met new people and experienced their work, how the company works and what is going on”, she mentioned.
Students are positive about placements being a striking experience which has helped them gain and develop valuable, essential qualities including confidence, written communication, tech skills, presentation and verbal communication skills. They don’t hesitate in agreeing with having chosen to go on a placement even if it was not compulsory in their module.
In my opinion, not only is it a way of building your CV, gaining experience, knowledge and exposure, but Aadam claims that he has made connections for the future and learnt to understand what business-people want from graduates. “Through uni, you can’t get taught this in-depth what to do when you get into industry and you kind of need that”, he says.
Challenges of going on placement
Going out on a placement can sound very scary, stressful and demanding. Indeed, facing challenges like time management and loneliness is incredibly common but certainly not something you can’t handle!
Time management
Areej Al-Habsi, a Media and Environmental Communications student with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) reveals how, despite the challenges she faced with time management, she found the placement easier and less stressful compared to university work. “Uni is stressful. I have too many readings and lectures to go through so the placement has been quite easy for me in that regard. I am working in a sector that I enjoy so I try my best every day and don’t have the pressure of assignments” she says.
Also, Music, Business and Media student Herbie Douglas in the Marketing sector agrees with how the placement has been “definitely different” and a bit more laid back with workload. Although placements carry responsibility because you manage your own time and work, Herbie insists in doing your own thing that you really enjoy makes the placement easier compared to university.
Loneliness
Lily Creaton, a Media and Environmental Communications student on a placement in the charity sector reveals how on-site placements can also feel lonely, which was a challenge she faced. “For like a week I sat by myself, writing my own stories” she claims, but encourages future students on placement to speak up and ask for help and support if you’re feeling stuck. As Lily rightly said: “Just do it”.
Unfamiliar tasks
Many other students talked about finding themselves a little lost with the tasks they were given, wishing to have known beforehand, for example, the size of the business. Brooklynn, working with Community Link Radio, acknowledged how she was trying to find their wings. “It was a very small business and I wish I had more knowledge on how to help” she says.
Placements are full of challenges and benefits that will make your experience unique, there is no need to be scared or worried as long as you tackle it with confidence! Going on placement is a winning opportunity!
Support
Could you imagine having to do all the placement process by yourself? Our placements teams and central careers team has your back 😊
Students perceived the structured plan and process for preparing and applying to a placement incredibly helpful.
Our Placements Officers and Careers Advisors can equip you with the necessary tools and tips to write your CV, covering letter, emails, make phone calls…as well as suggesting and offering organisations for your placement. Take a look at the placements webpage to find out who to contact regarding placement support. If you can’t spot your course on the list, your dedicated team is the central careers team and you can contact them on careers@brighton.ac.uk.
You have all the resources at your disposal and wonderful staff to direct your questions towards!
