Recruitment and Events Assistant Review

My day to day role consists of supporting the wider recruitment and University Partnerships team. On a weekly basis I collate reports on virtual/in person events hosted by the company and publishing my findings back to the senior management team, involvement within the Handshake management team where I publish upcoming events and job openings alongside sending direct promotional campaigns to targeted segments, advertising upcoming FDM hosted events. I have also have involvement within the marketing department, attending quarterly planning meetings where I provide feedback on my responsibilities and any events I may have attended.

I have personally developed in terms of confidence, communication and organisational skills as well as a newly built resilience whilst on my placement year with FDM. These skills are critical to my university studies as well as life after university in my future career. In particular my communication skills have improved the most and I believe the main reason for this is the interactions I have had with colleagues across the business in different departments and the exposure to these departments has allowed me to learn about the business and communicate more effectively.

Yes I was given responsibility across my placement in terms of representing the company at external events such as careers fairs where I attended on the companies behalf informing and answering questions from university staff and students about the company and what we were offering on the day. Alongside this I was able to give my opinion during weekly and quarterly meetings on my own personal opinions as a student which may have been useful in understanding the target audience.

My first weeks and months in the placement were difficult due to unexpected circumstances affecting the department. However I was supported by the previous placement student during a handover period who supported me for two weeks so I could understand my role and plan a development path throughout the year. I also had support from colleagues and senior members of staff within the recruitment department who were always available to give advice and answer questions. The support network at FDM allowed me to settle into my role quicker and I felt at ease rather than unsettled.

Three words to sum up the company culture would be welcoming, vibrant and ambitious. The Leeds office has a very positive atmosphere with staff from all departments happy to talk to others and be helpful in any way possible.

When I assess the placement year I have really enjoyed my time at FDM, I believe i have massively improved in terms of my social skills as well as my knowledge on what it is like to work within a business environment. I would recommend a placement year to any university student who would like to learn or develop skills associated to their degree as this will be very helpful in your final year at University as well as your future career.

Yes

Research the company and what they offer as part of their business model, this is a key part of understanding the company as well as successfully integrating into the culture. As well as research, being open and showing your personality during the interview process will be helpful as FDM appreciate authenticity and understanding the person as well as the skills they have.