30 July 2024
5 Things I Learnt on my Placement Year.
I’m a year into my placement and this is how I made it a success. I’m Rhea and I work at RateMyPlacement. There’s been ups, there’s been downs but here are my most valuable takeaways.
Don’t get too comfy
I like to think of a placement in different stages.
First is the newbie stage, where you’re clueless and a sponge for knowledge, eager to soak up as much as possible. Then comes the improvement stage. You begin to grasp things, piece them together, and get better at your role.
Next is the best stage, the “aha!” moment. You’ve been with the company for a while, and everything starts to click. You understand how things are run and your role within it. Tasks that once seemed difficult become second nature, and you’ll feel relieved because you finally get it!
However, this is also where you can get complacent. It’s easy to coast through your placement in this stage without growing further, so it’s important to make that extra effort to avoid staying in your comfort zone because just outside it is where you’ll learn to thrive!
Which brings me onto my next bit of advice…
Ask for more
It’s easy to just do as you’re told, but once you’ve done that, what’s next?
If your tasks start to feel repetitive, your workload lightens up, or an interesting project comes along, just ask to be involved! You’ll be surprised how often people appreciate the help and extra input, AND you’ll get to experience something brand new.
Do you want more training? Or do you want to deepen your understanding of a particular aspect of your role? Bring it up!
You don’t want your final months of placement to feel like deja vu, so don’t be afraid of asking for more. I promise you, people absolutely will appreciate the enthusiasm!
Get a mentor
One of the best tips I can share is to find a mentor or a work bestie, or both. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal arrangement. Just pick someone who seems familiar with the business and could genuinely be a friend.
Having someone you can turn to for advice, support, and a bit of a laugh can make all the difference. Whether it’s navigating tricky projects or just needing a sounding board. Need some technical help? Someone to rant to when it’s stressful ? Or some urgent office outfit inspo? They’re your go-to person!
Workplace buddies are like your personal GPS for the office. They’re the ones you can ask those silly questions that you don’t want to ask anyone else; like where stuff is or how to use the printer (though there is no question too small or too silly).
They can also help you make connections with other people in the company. Some of these initial connections will almost certainly lead to long-term relationships.
Get clear on your end goal
Being crystal clear about your goals makes it way more likely that you’ll achieve them. Who would’ve thought?
It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just a straightforward statement will do. Something like “I want to be more confident by the end of my placement” or “I want to improve my coding skills” works perfectly.
This keeps you focused and intentional during your time at the company. Repeat your goal to yourself now and then, like a little personal mantra.
It’s worth checking in with yourself perhaps at the halfway mark and looking back at your progress. You can even discuss these goals with your mentor/work bestie.
This way, you’re actively improving yourself during your placement plus you now also have a solid, authentic answer to that classic interview question: “What is a personal goal you’ve worked towards and achieved?”
Do other things besides work
Alright, so I know this blog is all about placement advice, and of course, doing your best is key. But when you’re suddenly thrown into the corporate world with a full-time 9 to 5, it can be overwhelming and all-consuming. It’s important to pace yourself.
Remember that, even though your life might feel like it revolves around work for the year, you absolutely need to carve out time for yourself outside of it. It’s essential for keeping your sanity (I believe they call it work-life balance).
So do whatever it is that you do to rejuvenate yourself so you can show up at your placement as a well-rested and just generally nicer individual.
Read this day in the life of a sales placement student to get a better idea of how they balance their day:
If there’s one last bit of advice I can possibly squeeze into this blog, it’s this: apply! RateMyPlacement already has openings at companies like The Walt Disney Company, Latham & Watkins, Savills and many more.
And when you’re done you’ll understand the theory in your lectures like a pro because you’ve actually seen (and done) it in action!
Summing up my placement year, I’ve never learned so much, grown so much, or made such amazing connections as I have this year. Do a placement —you won’t regret it!
