Micro-placement profile

Jessica Bantleman, BA English

How did you hear about the micro-placements scheme?

I heard about the micro-placements scheme in one of my lectures from one of the Careers Consultants and I thought that it was an amazing opportunity and something that would set me aside from other candidates in potential future employment. 

 

Where did you complete your micro-placement?

My micro-placement was with BANG Showbiz!, a London-based entertainment news agency which provides the latest celebrity news to online, print and broadcast media outlets across the globe.

 

What’s did you enjoy most about your placement?

The thing I enjoyed most about my placement was the variety of the work I was doing. One day I would be in an office environment working on news stories and the next I would be at a red carpet event interviewing celebrities!

 

What did you learn while on your placement?

My placement helped to show me what I wanted from a future career, as well as the elements of a job I didn’t enjoy as much. I also learnt a lot about myself and my work ethic and the environment I’m able to work best in. 

 

How did the Careers & Employability Service help you?

The Careers & Employability Service was amazing at every step during the placement; before, during and after! They helped me so much with my CV, refining it and showcasing exactly what I needed to do and their advice is still something I carry with me today whilst applying for different jobs. They were also helpful in preparing me for interviews and the real working world. 

 

What have you done since you graduated?

Since I’ve graduated, I’ve been doing some freelance writing for various companies and have even been invited to attend and write about shows at both London and Paris Fashion Week! I’ve also been doing a lot of work with various brands such as; McVitie’s, Biscuiteers and Gola shoes on my own blog that I’ve really been enjoying.

I’m just about to start full-time employment with the place I interned with through the placement scheme, BANG Showbiz! As a junior reporter/editor and I’m very excited. It wouldn’t have happened without the micro-placement scheme! 

 

What would your advice be to current students who are considering doing a placement?

My advice to students wanting to do a placement would be to go in and be the best version of yourself that you can be. If you’re nervous or anxious about it, use this to your advantage and just try and make the most of every opportunity to be the person you want to be in future.

Say yes to things and show you’re committed, even if that means staying late or working earlier.

Demonstrate enthusiasm and above all be authentic – as much as the company want the work to be completed, they also want to meet someone who will fit in to their team and embody their work ethic! Be open to every opportunity because you never know who you might meet, what contacts you might make and what may come of it in the future!

Find out more about the micro-placement scheme.