For me it was important to complete my work experience at a company that I knew would prepare me for the future and support my ongoing aspirations of what I would like to fulfil later after my school experience.
The process for many students of trying to find the correct work experience is challenging, with companies declining or just simply not being the correct fit for their aspirations and goals for the future. Fortunately, this is where my process and experience has been different.
After being declined from many other local companies, I chose to enquire for my work experience at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, where I very quickly received an offer allowing me to complete my placement with them.
The process was quick, easy and organised, filling in forms and receiving details regarding my placement, such as a timetable for the week ahead. The ease and positive experience of this allowed me to become excited for my time at the Chamber.
Whilst many companies would only teach and focus students on one specific area, this is where the Chamber stood out. As a company who works across multiple different sectors throughout their workforce, I found here would teach me different aspects of a running business, giving a further insight into where I want my future career to lead after education.
As someone with aspirations to pursue a career in media or journalism, I was excited to learn about the media department.
I gained an insight into how their news is produced, which is a major factor within the company, working with other businesses in the local area to present the latest news stories. Learning about the different platforms, such as the website, newsletter and magazine gave me a greater understanding of the work that goes on to present this content to reach different audiences.
Being able to work within the media department allowed me to match my skills learnt from my A-level studies to a real situation.
As well as my interest in media, business finance is also something I wanted to learn about too. Learning about finance in a real scenario boosted my knowledge for my A-levels, looking at the work that goes on behind accounting, and the different websites that the Chamber uses to complete this process. I was also taught how Excel is used within the finance department and the best ways in which to make this a simple process.
I was also able to work in sectors of a company that I had never experienced before, such as exports and membership.
I enjoyed working with exports, and learning about the variety of factors that have to be taken into consideration before a final decision is made, for example; customs, exchange rates, competition and much more. I researched a UK sports equipment company and made a decision whether exporting their goods would be beneficial or be a risk to them. Even though this was something different, I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon participating in this activity.
I also got to sit in a meeting organised for the membership team. A work meeting was something that I had never experienced before, however I enjoyed learning about the process that went with creating the new memberships.
Looking at the different factors and ideas that go into creating the application forms, prices and overall discussions surrounding the change for the company, provided an insight into what goes on behind the scenes before anything gets released publicly.
This also allowed me to expand my knowledge regarding how business decisions are made and the reasonings behind them.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my week of work experience here at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. A week of learning in a real-world company has expanded my ideas and knowledge around the different sectors and departments that add up to make a business run, as well as being able to boost my A-level knowledge with things I've learnt throughout my time here.
Throughout the week I have learnt about the sectors that I am most interested in such as the media and finance, as well as also being taught about other departments within the company such as HR and exports.
Not only have I enjoyed the work that I have been given, but the team in the office have also been friendly and welcoming throughout my time here.
For me, that’s why work experience is so important – not only does it allow you to see how a business functions, you also see that people are welcoming and willing to help – making the step into the real world of work a little less daunting.
