Marketing and Communications Placement Review

As a Marketing and Communications Placement student, I have the opportunity to be involved with a range of day-to-day tasks. This includes: writing articles for internal communication purposes, organising various events (e.g., Bring Your Child to Work Day, Christmas Party, Christmas Quiz), assisting on media visits and tours, helping to promote the business through social media, ordering promotional merchandise and occasional graphic design/ photography.

I have learnt and developed a range of new skills through my placement year. One example of this includes my networking skills. By being involved with numerous events and attending work socials, I have met people throughout the company, who I wouldn't necessarily work with on a day-to-day basis, who have been very supportive during my time on placement. Other key skills I have developed include: creativity, time-management and copywriting skills.

Since my team is relatively small (just the 4 of us) I am often given tasks that require responsibility so the team can stay on track. This suits me as I find that these tasks are the ones that I learn the most from during my time on placement. However, I have regular check-ins with my team to ensure that I am on the right track.

My team have been extremely supportive during my time on placement. I have Monthly 1 to 1's with my line manager who ensures I am being supported sufficiently during my time on placement. At least one member of my team is always in during the days I work in the week so I always have support available if needed.

As part of my role I am involved with ensuring the company culture remains positive. This includes various employee engagement activities such as Christmas Week which involved Raffles, Quizzes and a Christmas Party. In addition to this there are a variety of work socials available to attend. I think the 4 day working week is a great indicator that the company care about employees as it allows everyone to get Fridays off!

Although I am only half way through my placement, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lockheed Martin. My personal highlight so far has been attending tradeshows as this gave me the opportunity to learn more about the company and meet the wider team. My proudest accomplishment is leading a large internal STEM event (Bring Your Child to Work Day), in which 50 children attended.

Yes

Be prepared to be involved with STEM outreach. Lockheed Martin aim to inspire the next generation with their outreach activity and, as an early career, this is something that you will be likely to be involved with.