At North Hertfordshire College, we’re all about helping learners find their pathway and build the skills and experience they need for a successful career. One way we do this is by providing work experience placements to test different career opportunities and find one that’s right for them… as Level 3 Business student Becca McKechnie found out!
Becca joined NHC’s Marketing & Communications team for a behind-the-scenes look at how a college marketing campaign comes together and the sorts of activities the department take part in to keep students of all ages coming through the doors. Find out more about Becca’s NHC and work experience journey in her (temporary!) meet the team interview below!
Why did you choose to study your course at NHC?
“I chose to study at NHC because I decided that the structure of sixth form would not be the best fit for me so I researched colleges and decided that the course and lovely environment at NHC would be best. It also helped that my sister studied here and enjoyed it so I thought I would like it as well.”
How did you choose your placement organisation?
“I decided to do my work placement in the marketing department at NHC because the role they were offering is like what I’d like to progress into after my course. Hopefully, my future role would be in an office so I thought it would be most suitable to experience that environment and to find out if I would likely enjoy working in business in the future.”
What was the most interesting part of your placement?
“I enjoyed the photography training that the team were taking part in and that I got to join. An aspect of marketing is photography that can be used to tell stories and sell ideas, so it was interesting to learn more about how to take good pictures. One of my hobbies in my free time is photography, so it was great to see how this can be applied in my future career.
“I also enjoyed the office environment that the team were working in, it’s friendly and welcoming. I took part in a variety of tasks as a Marketing Assistant for my work experience placement, including writing articles, student stories, and social posts, conducting interviews, completing research tasks, attending events, and taking photographs that can be used for marketing materials.”
How does the placement help you with your decisions about your next steps, in education or in employment?
“This placement has taught me more about marketing and the sort of work the department does. I was surprised by how much my tasks varied from day-to-day, it kept my placement exciting, and I was able to learn and develop my skills. I have learnt about the social media and website aspects of the college, and now understand content creation and the work that happens behind the scenes of the marketing content.
“The new skills I’ve learnt will also be useful in any business role, whether that’s in marketing or in another department. The placement has made me realise that I would like to work in an office environment. I enjoyed learning on the job instead of learning from textbooks, so I’ve decided to further my education through an apprenticeship instead of university.”
If you could speak to someone who was thinking of applying to NHC, what would you say to them?
“I would recommend NHC because of the lovely environment. I’ve been able to find a group of people with similar interests and help each other throughout our course. I enjoy my course because its practical and not just taking notes and writing assignments. I enjoy presenting, planning events, going on trips, groupwork, creative tasks and overall learning by doing, which is something that I’ve learnt about myself since starting my NHC journey.”
What are your next steps after the programme finishes?
“I would like to further my education and get an apprenticeship in the business sector. I enjoy marketing and admin tasks so would like to progress into a role that is relevant to my interests. NHC has helped me apply for apprenticeships with the support of my lecturers and attending apprenticeship events such as the Big Apprenticeship Breakfast (created by Amazing Apprenticeships and the College).
“In five years’ time, I hope to have some good qualifications on my CV and to be in a degree-level apprenticeship or working in a company that I enjoy.”
If you feel inspired to start your own journey with North Hertfordshire College, be sure to check out our full range of learning opportunities! With NHC, you can stay close to home and learn the skills you need to go far in your future.