Placement Experience: Youth Worker - Outbreak - The Pimlico Foundation - Daisy O'Shea

How did you find your placement role? What support did you get from the Placement team?

I have volunteered at the Pimlico Foundation Outbreak since I was 17, so I already had a strong connection with the organisation. I approached the manager to ask whether they would consider taking me on as a placement student and support me in carrying out my dissertation research. This made the transition natural as I was already familiar with the team, the environment and the young people.

Can you describe the process of applying for placement roles? E.g. how many you applied to, if you had a system or sought support from anyone.

I explored a few different placement options, but I realised that many of them didn’t fully align with what I was passionate about or the research I wanted to conduct for my dissertation. Because of that, I focused on finding something meaningful rather than just applying everywhere, which ultimately led me back to Outbreak.

Did you have any concerns or uncertainties about taking a placement year, and how did you address them?

Yes. I wasn’t sure whether I would enjoy it, and I was nervous about the workload, adjusting to a new routine, and how different it would feel compared to university. I managed this by speaking to the team at Outbreak, asking a lot of questions, and reminding myself why I wanted to do it in the first place. Once I settled in, my confidence really grew.

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

Start early and give yourself time to think about what you want from a placement rather than rushing into anything. Be honest with yourself about your interests and career goals. Organise your time well, break tasks into manageable pieces, and don’t be afraid to ask lecturers, the placements team, or past students for help and advice.

Please tell us a bit about the company you work and your role?

The Pimlico Foundation Outbreak is a youth organisation focused on supporting young people through positive engagement, mentoring, and providing a safe environment. As a Youth Worker, I help run activities, support young people with personal and social challenges, build trusting relationships, and contribute to programmes that encourage positive behaviour and opportunities. I also link my work to my academic research, which has been incredibly valuable.

What challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to working with different personalities and situations, especially when supporting young people through difficult circumstances. I’ve had to develop patience, emotional resilience, and good communication skills. I overcame these challenges by seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, reflecting on my practice, and being open to learning.

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

The most rewarding part has been building genuine relationships with the young people and seeing the positive impact the project has on their confidence, behaviour, and wellbeing. Knowing that I’m contributing to something meaningful and seeing progress first-hand has been incredibly fulfilling.

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

Absolutely. It has strengthened my passion for working with young people and given me a clearer sense of the real-world impact of criminology and youth intervention work. It has confirmed that this is a field I want to continue in, whether through further study or future employment.

Would you recommend the placement program to other students? If so, what advice would you give them? 

Yes, I would recommend it. A placement gives you real-life experience, confidence, and clarity about your future. My advice would be to choose somewhere that genuinely interests you, be proactive, and make the most of every opportunity to learn. It’s challenging at times, but incredibly worthwhile.