My placement experience
Looking to explore an interest, gain new skills, or build experience? A placement could be perfect for you!
For a week in September 2025 I assisted the University of Worcester Communications Department during graduation, working closely with the Press Team and Social Media Team.
My interest in journalism came from attending a Career Pathway Development session put together by my course leader. A member of the Press Team delivered a really engaging talk about journalism and all its different facets.
I was gripped, so I got in contact.
Across seven days, I was involved in photography, interviewing, chaperoning, writing press releases and video editing.
I was also lucky enough to work in the office for a few days, which involved shadowing my placement supervisor and working on my own stories. This gave me the opportunity to explore different writing styles while finding my tone.
I had done a couple of these things before (such as photography and creative writing) but not at a professional standard, which initially made me nervous. However, I don't think the team could have been more inviting or accommodating; they made me feel immediately comfortable.
This experience was tied in with a placement module I was taking that semester, so I had guidance available from my course team and module supervisor. This module required me to complete 96 hours of voluntary work. It flew by and had me asking for extra time at the end of the module!
With everyone working to support me, I felt reassured and ready to get going with my placement.
Why should you do a placement?
Placements are (commonly) unpaid, voluntary work with significant benefits
One element I found beneficial was gaining experience in a field I knew I was interested in, which helped refine my interests. For example, I knew journalism appealed to me but through my placement I discovered I preferred interviewing over writing press releases.
My placement also gave me exposure to a structured, day-to-day working life in the field. I was able to work in different environments, such as the busyness of graduation and the quieter office, giving me a clear picture of working in the industry.
Moreover, my placement showed me the different types of people in the business and helped me form connections. It was clear that everyone was enthusiastic about their role and this was welcoming and encouraged my own excitement.
Placements can help build general skills and confidence alongside specific knowledge. Your placement could teach you about technology relevant to the business, notable people or concepts, and field-specific language.
Placements are not restrictive either. I study Criminology and my placement was in Journalism. Your course does not need to link directly to your placement. You only need to feel passionate about it!
How do you start?
Your course
Whether you're considering a placement linked to your course or not, your lecturers are the best place to start. Remember, the university campus is filled with experts and professionals who want to contribute to others' learning. If there aren’t opportunities being advertised, don't be afraid to ask!
Networking
This is a fancy way of saying talk to people and make an impression. An example of networking could be: attending a talk, seeing the speaker afterwards, stopping for a chat, sharing your thoughts, and asking if they know of any opportunities in their field. Networking is another way of expanding your chances of finding something, and if the person you're talking to doesn't know about any opportunities, you can ask them to speak to others on your behalf!
University of Worcester resources
There are so many great opportunities created for students at the University. The Careers Team can help you find a placement or, again, you can ask them to put you in contact with others to widen your search. The Hive is also a great hub for connections.
The main thing to take away from this is that there is no harm in asking! It's okay to be nervous to talk to new people, but the more you do it the easier it gets.
Overall, my placement profoundly affected how I consider my future career. The skills and knowledge I learned inspired and encouraged me to grow, helping me make valuable connections and gain incredible experience. The same could happen for you too!
Blog uploaded: 22/06/26