From Placement to Graduate: Navigating Growth, Remote Work, and Career Triumphs
By Amy Gallagher
Embarking on a placement journey is just like diving into an additional module during the second year of university, a blend of balancing academic commitments and navigating through the application process and interviews. Yet, the delight that accompanies securing a placement makes every ounce of effort worthwhile! My placement was secured in January 2022, after five months of persistent searching, relentless applications, and nerve-wracking interviews. The destination? Audere, an audio and video marketing agency that would become the place for growth in my professional journey and personal development.
All credit to the NTU Employability team and their seamless ‘Inplace’ function – a site that effortlessly connected me with companies seeking placement students. While setbacks and rejections were inevitable, the unwavering support from the team served as a pillar of strength. As I delved into the realms of podcasting and client engagement within the first month at Audere, it became evident that this was the perfect fit for me. I learnt skills from mastering Adobe software and podcast editing to crafting compelling blog posts and attending a variety of events and client recordings.
When I started our team was small, fostering a close-knit environment where collaboration thrived. Starting my journey alongside Tirion Jordan, we dedicated ourselves to amplifying the company’s social presence. The beauty of working in a remote team unfolded, providing the flexibility to break away from the conventional office setup. Whether it was a morning run, a leisurely lunch in the garden during summer, or the ability to work from amazing locations like Portugal and France, the benefits were immeasurable. Changing up my environment not only nurtured creativity but also enhanced a flood of innovative ideas.
Throughout the year, team meetups added lots of fun and opportunities to meet up in person – mini golf, archery, art exhibitions, and escape rooms which enhanced our teamwork and provided us with some great social content!
Escape room victory
The growth I experienced on a personal level throughout this year has reshaped my mindset and motivation as I step into my final year at Nottingham Trent University. Balancing university work and Audere work became seamless, fuelled by the genuine joy of collaborating with clients on their podcasts. I obtained the “Placement Student of the year award 2022/23” which was a true honour to have been recognised for my work at Audere. I am incredibly proud of the work I accomplished and this award is a testament to the support, mentorship, and opportunities I’ve received throughout my placement.
Being given my award by Professor Edward Peck
As I reflect on the journey, the offer from Russell Goldsmith to step into the role of an account exec, with client-facing responsibilities and exciting business development prospects, feels like the perfect fit for me and I can’t wait to add value to the team.
Come September, post a period of travel after receiving my final year results, I will officially step into this new role. I am grateful that NTU offer support with employability through course modules and the extra curricular activities that I’ve pushed myself to take; allowing me to feel confident entering the world of work.
Having completed a placement, I’ve come to understand the undeniable competitive edge it allows for. It transforms you into a more employable prospect, having already conquered a year in the industry. My advice to fellow students: explore the opportunities awaiting you, cultivate connections, and seek guidance from mentors who can help you on this path to a transformative placement journey!
