My Professional Placement Year, working as a Communications Coordinator for the University of Reading has been incredible. Despite the lockdown, and the waves of disruption that came with it, I have learnt loads in my time here, and could not recommend a better role to go into for your Placement Year.
I have been very fortunate to work on projects such as the MyName project (which I helped create and manage), the new University of Reading Student App, Welcome Week, and supporting a team of Student Voice Ambassadors, to name but a few.
One of the most enlightening discoveries I have had in the placement is getting to experience university life from a staff perspective. Before I started working, I didn’t really know much about how all of the teams operate, however now, as I am approaching the end of my contract, I feel so much more prepared and experienced, ready to tackle my final year.
The team that you work with in Student Support & Engagement, especially in the sub-team Student Communications, are absolutely incredible. I received a very warm welcome to the job back in June last year, which I was particularly worried with, as I would be working from home, but the team instantly made me feel valued and like one of their own.
I believe that I have grown so much throughout my time in this role, not just in a professional sense, but also in a personal one. Despite having a bad Stutter and working amidst a global pandemic, they year I have had has been nothing short of outstanding.
The role has helped me hone my writing style, developed and vastly improved my communication skills. And has taught me a plethora of different skills, including learning how to use Content Management Systems such as Sitecore & OneLan. Also developing and using graphic and design skills through Canva, and how to organise a Social Media campaign for a project, all of which will play a vital role in my future career aspirations.
I could not think of a better role!
If you have any questions, be sure to drop me a message!
James Sweeney
