By Jocelyn Davies on Wed 28 June 2017 in Placement Blog
I started the year feeling apprehensive about working in the software and B2B industry – I knew very little about it, and this was pretty daunting for me! But looking back, I’m so glad I took the decision to undergo a placement year, particularly one at ProspectSoft! I’ve learnt so much, not only about technology, but I’ve also developed skills I didn’t necessarily consider at the start of my placement. For example, I’ve developed some great transferable soft skills such as time management, assertiveness, team working and decision making. I’ve also gained lots of commercial knowledge from working in the Marketing department, including creating brand personas for our different SME customers in various industries.
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is how important it is to take a step back from everything to focus on the big picture, as this has helped me prioritise more effectively. In our lives, we may all end up with what seems like millions of things to do at once, which previously would have led me to feel overwhelmed. But from my placement year, I now know that it’s important to manage your tasks one by one in order to get the best results.
I am really thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given in my role, including the ability to manage my own workload and to take the lead in projects which have been beneficial to the business. I know I’ve made lifelong friends, and I’m going to be really sad when it comes to parting ways with my housemates – I’ll definitely miss all our laughs, our discussions and their great cooking (thanks guys!). Saying that, I’m also really looking forward to being reunited with my University friends and taking on the challenges that come with final year.
This weekend we’re having our yearly staff get together at the Henley Regatta which everyone is looking forward to, and I’m sure this will be a great end to my placement year!
My advice to future placement students would be get out of your comfort zone, try new things and change your environment –after all, your placement is your chance to learn more and find out what you love to do.
As Harold Geneen says “in the business world everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first: the cash will come later”, and I definitely agree!
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is how important it is to take a step back from everything to focus on the big picture, as this has helped me prioritise more effectively. In our lives, we may all end up with what seems like millions of things to do at once, which previously would have led me to feel overwhelmed. But from my placement year, I now know that it’s important to manage your tasks one by one in order to get the best results.
I am really thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given in my role, including the ability to manage my own workload and to take the lead in projects which have been beneficial to the business. I know I’ve made lifelong friends, and I’m going to be really sad when it comes to parting ways with my housemates – I’ll definitely miss all our laughs, our discussions and their great cooking (thanks guys!). Saying that, I’m also really looking forward to being reunited with my University friends and taking on the challenges that come with final year.
This weekend we’re having our yearly staff get together at the Henley Regatta which everyone is looking forward to, and I’m sure this will be a great end to my placement year!
My advice to future placement students would be get out of your comfort zone, try new things and change your environment –after all, your placement is your chance to learn more and find out what you love to do.
As Harold Geneen says “in the business world everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first: the cash will come later”, and I definitely agree!