Work Experience Student Gains Valuable Industry Insight at McCann
McCann recently welcomed a work experience student to its marketing team, offering a week of hands-on experience and a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the UK’s leading civil engineering businesses operates. From developing a social media campaign to attending strategic business meetings, the placement provided a valuable opportunity to explore the many different aspects of the business while developing practical marketing skills.
Reflecting on his placement, Thomas shares how the experience strengthened his skills, broadened his understanding of the industry, and inspired his future career ambitions.
“In my week of work experience at McCann, I have spent my time undertaking marketing. I have learnt many new valuable skills, including knowledge of what happens inside a civil engineering company, showing me the reality of how a business operates.
On my first day, I was set a task to build a mini campaign around a specific product, service or upcoming event from McCann. I chose to base the campaign around the recently completed Waterside Bridge project in Nottingham. I created a 1-week grid showing what the company would post on their social media channels LinkedIn and Facebook for each day of the week, including before, during and after images of the construction of the bridge, helping the audience to engage with the project. Another method I used was an employee spotlight, which would help to humanise the company, and this would help to build good relations across the community, creating a positive brand image. Once I had outlined a plan, I made draft graphics using Canva with images and produced captions including hashtags.
On Thursday, I attended a meeting with Georgina, Marketing Executive, and McCann’s Business Improvement Consultant, John, regarding the company’s Visual Management structure which I thoroughly enjoyed as it gave me an insight into where the company is in terms of marketing. After this, John showed me the company’s goals for the next 5 years and how they are going to reach these goals. He talked me through how the strategies are put in place and communicated throughout the business, emphasising the key methods on how to do so and the importance of this. I am grateful for John giving me this opportunity to learn as it has helped build my knowledge and understanding of a business’s operations, giving me reason to pursue a career in this industry.
Finally, as my time at McCanns drew to an end, on the last day I attended the weekly team meeting with the commercial department on how the business is doing in general and new contracts that have landed.
I am very grateful for the opportunities McCanns have given me this week. I have really enjoyed it, and all the employees have been really good to me and really helpful, showing the strong values the company has being carried out through the employees.”
Work experience placements play an important role in helping young people develop practical skills, gain confidence and explore future career opportunities. Thomas’s enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to learn made him a valued member of the team during his week at McCann, and we were delighted to support him in gaining first-hand experience of both marketing and the wider engineering industry. We wish Thomas every success in his future studies and career and look forward to seeing where his ambitions take him.
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