First Years try a ‘Working Week’
Some of the Working Week students at PPG in Birstall.
Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:49:00 BST
Straight after their exams in June a group of 16 first year students embarked on a new initiative run by the Business Schools Placement Unit called the Working Week.
The idea was to give first year students the chance to spend the week working in a role they have an interest in and gain some real world business insight. Students signed up for the scheme expressing their area of interest and the Placement Unit worked to secure opportunities that matched their interest. Students worked in areas including Marketing, Finance, HR and Supply Chain in organisations including global businesses, SME’s and charities. Having taken part in the project the students will have a better idea of what they want to do for their placement year and the experience will set them apart from other applicants. Some of the employers who supported the initiative included Cummins, PPG Industries, JLA and FGH.
Comments from students who took part included:
"Being able to work with people who had a lot of experience in my chosen field was probably the most enjoyable aspect. They were willing to teach me what they knew and share tips about the industry."
Karen, Marketing student
"The experience it gave me has been really useful in terms of opening my eyes in what the actual world of business is like out there. I never once was a ‘tea girl’ like I thought. Paul, the manager did everything he possibly could to get me involved and make the most of my week."
Alex, Business Studies
"Its was actually really fun being in an environment related to my course. I was lucky enough to be working closely with interesting people who had a lot to share.
I definitely recommend doing the work week. This experience gave me such a large insight of what the real business world is and any chance of gaining experience is always valuable."
Lynne, Business Studies student
"I was given a lot of freedom within the organisation to manage their social media content as I saw fit and they also sought my advice as to overall marketing strategy. I was also encouraged to ask questions to learn more about the business’s operations, and they gave me the opportunity to look over marketing plans devised by specialist organisations and sales pitches to multinational organisations."
Chris, Business Studies
If you’re a first year student and interested in taking part in the Working Week next year call in and speak the guys in the placement unit or email businessplacments@hud.ac.uk
