Placement Experience: Brand Communications Assistant- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars -Isabella Mills

What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?

A placement year was an obvious choice to me, I only saw benefits and I was passionate about developing my professional skills and building my CV. For me, it was important to have an end goal, setting my sights on Rolls-Royce Motor Cars gave me the motivation to work harder to secure a role there. I was drawn to the brand itself, luxury branding and marketing is a career I want to pursue.

How many placement applications did you make? 

I applied for 4 roles at Rolls-Royce, I was denied 3 times before I got my role as Brand Communications Assistant. It was a tough 6 months of waiting, taking tests and interviews, but ultimately my perseverance through the process is what mattered. Do not let rejection set you back, stay determined and you will be given the opportunity to prove yourself.  

Applying for placement roles takes perseverance, which is why it is so important to have a support system behind you whilst doing this. Luckily, I had the support of the University Placement Team, as well as my friends and family.

What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?

Prioritise time wisely and utilise time between lectures and seminars. Internships will be a 40-hour working week, the best way to get into this mindset is to start practising a 40-hour week whilst at University – make a working schedule that works for you.

What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?

Having already taken a gap year, extending my degree by a year was a concern of mine, as I felt the need to complete my degree in a timely manner. However, once I considered the long-term benefits of a placement year, it was an obvious choice to pursue it. I knew the placement year would provide me improved job prospects and a head start in my career.

How did you adjust to a new workplace environment, and what resources or support helped you during this transition?

It is an overwhelming experience starting a full-time placement, there’s new work to learn, people to meet and a new environment to get used to. Observe and pay attention to the workplace culture, engage in conversations, and introduce yourself, doing this will allow you to adapt to the general work environment. Regular check-ins with your manager are crucial, they can help set your goals and provide valuable feedback on performance. Get involved with other interns at the company, everyone is in the same position, be the first to step out and talk to others. Be confident and be yourself.

What has been the most rewarding part of your placement and why?

The most rewarding part of my placement is having the opportunity to contribute to significant projects and seeing them go live on website and socials. As Brand Communications Assistant, almost all our work can be seen by the world, knowing that the work I am producing has an impact on the company and clients is deeply rewarding. Overall, the opportunity to apply my knowledge and have my opinions trusted has been the most rewarding past of the placement. 

Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?

Yes, my placement has positively influenced my perspective on my career path in Marketing. I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the efforts it takes to successfully launch campaigns and events. Exposure to a range of different projects and responsibilities at Rolls-Royce has shown me the opportunities for new potential avenues and specialities within marketing. Interacting with the professionals in my workplace has allowed me to broaden my knowledge on different career paths and I have gained valuable guidance and mentorship. This placement has reinforced my passion for marketing, expanded my future prospects and equipped me with the practical skills and industry insights I need to navigate my future career path.

Would you recommend the placement year to other students?

I would highly recommend the placement program. It allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real scenarios and gain essential skills that you will continue to use in your personal and professional life.