Networking
It is important to network and having a broad range of contacts throughout the company, as this will allow you to understand different areas of the business and potentially help you when applying for a graduate scheme. Building your network and introducing yourself to others will give you access to a wide range of resources and support which will aid in this process. For example, arrange calls with other students and interns within the company to exchange ideas and share experiences of your placement year.
Mentoring
If there is a particular area you are interested in or want to know more about, speak to your line manager and they will be able to advise who the best person to contact is. Once you know who to contact, arrange a call to introduce yourself and ask questions about their role and things that interest you about their job.
Having the opportunity to openly ask questions and learn from an expert in a field which appeals to you will greatly benefit you in the long term, as they will be able to give you guidance and advice on ways to improve and expand your knowledge.
Volunteering
Taking part in events and volunteering is a great way to gain exposure to other areas within the company, as it will allow you to understand the business on a deeper level and increase your awareness on other aspects they are involved in. By engaging in opportunities like this, it will not only benefit your professional development but also your personal development as it will stand out on your CV in comparison to others.
Courses
Completing different courses throughout the duration of your placement will aid in your future development. Take advantage of any opportunities to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge to increase your potential. If there aren’t many courses you can complete within your placement internally, aim to complete independent learning by listening to podcasts or Ted Talks regarding specific areas which will help you in your role. There are various of free online courses which are also industry recognised, for example Bright Network offer a variety of courses and skill sessions throughout the year.
Ask Questions
Throughout your placement year, it is important to ask questions about anything you are unsure of. It doesn’t matter if you are at the beginning of your placement or halfway through your placement, it’s never too late to ask for further guidance or clarification. Having a clearer understanding of the task or topic will aid in you completing the assignment or future tasks correctly and appropriately.
businessplacements.wordpress.com 