Hannah Nolan

Tell us a bit about your work placement?

I spent my year working at an integrated marketing group based in Otley called Ponderosa Group. My role as an Account Executive involved supporting the Account Managers with their day to day tasks as well as liaising with creative and development teams.

I worked closely with a variety of well-known clients including Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Puma, WeightWatchers, Nectar and Genting Casinos. I was able to experience the running of a number of national press campaigns and being part of the filming team for the Crabbie’s Christmas TV commercial.

How would you describe your experience of doing a work placement?

I feel like I’ve benefitted hugely from doing a work placement year in so many ways.  At the end of my second year at Leeds I felt like I was lacking focus and didn’t know what direction I wanted to take.

Another thing that was in the forefront of my mind was that I needed to make my English degree relevant to the working world. Despite the degree being held in high esteem by employers, I felt that completing a work placement would highlight my transferable skills like teamwork and verbal communication.

Doing a work placement year has definitely given me a clearer idea of a career path for the future. It allowed me to see what aspects of the role I was good at, and what parts did not suit my skills and personality. It gave me a clear insight into the industry which means that my decisions regarding my career will now be much more informed.

I would really recommend anyone who has a career in mind to take a year out and explore - ultimately you have nothing to lose and are more employable when you return to Leeds to finish your degree.