It was The Sun we contacted first.
I thought I was going to experience work at a newspaper I held so close to my heart. One of my peripatetic music teachers, Miss Harris, said she knew someone who worked their, in the sports section, and could get me in. I was excited about it all - this would be so good for me and I could go to work in London and I-
I’m not allowed? Why?
Oh, I’m too young. To be fair, they are a large corporation and would have to account for me. Safeguarding this, safeguarding that. Let me just try elsewhere. I wrote a sensible email about me, my background in writing, my blog, and why I wanted to complete work experience at a news agency.
I sent it out to my local papers, and every newspaper I could think of, and I waited tediously and patiently… Great, I’m too young or I get completely ignored.
Where else could I think of? I contacted and called a myriad of different company and organisations. Local media, local radio stations, media in London, hospital radio at one point, PR firms, areas of media in my specialism (motorsports), my local track Brands Hatch, Buckmore Park, local football teams, motorsport teams close to me…
Most ignored my calls for help. Some lovely individuals answered my calls or my emails, giving me their contacts for work experience when I’m older, but still nothing. I told myself they were all missing out, but deep down I questioned if I was the one who was missing out?
School had to get involved. We generated ideas, contacted and… nothing. All I wanted to do was write or speak or do media for a company. I was told I needed links with the company by knowing employees there.
I wouldn’t be much use at a primary school. If I was doing something that I felt no passion for, what would be the point? School told me of a nursery that were looking for students to help. I’ll pass on that one, I would feel mortified around toddlers, no offence to them or their families.
It was getting closer to the deadline and I was so stressed. The thought of having a small child pestering me for a week lurked in the back of my head. It was rather overwhelming. I had got an extension already and I felt as though I had been lazy in finding a placement. My displeasingly high standards got in the way.
Until one Friday evening, three days before the work experience window closed, we found something. My mother remembered our close friends owned a business that sold online English revision material. They work extremely hard at home and they are a thriving small business. I could write for them, promote their products, and partake in all kinds of media for them.
I wasn’t too young. It was a direct link. I knew these people from a young age. This was the place for me.
Mr L’s Online English saved me from a placement that I would have no interest in. (again, no offence schools. I commend you.) During my week of work I helped generate copy, adverts, and blog posts for my temporary employers. I learned how to promote my own blog (https://f1shifthappens.co.uk if you’d like to take a look) and now I had more ideas for my future career.
My time here was full of dedication and hard work, but also fun. I enjoyed my tasks because I had the passion for them. One of my key takeaways from this experience is having a passion and sticking for it, just like how Mr L has a passion for teaching.
And my advice to anyone looking for work experience?
Aim high, but expect rejection. I aimed for placements at large corporations and grew closer to rejection.
Do something you have a passion for. For me, it was writing and media.
If you have an idea for what you might like to do in the future, attempt to secure a placement in one of those fields.
Learn from your experience by working hard. This is not an opportunity for you to miss school and lounge about, this is a glimpse of the working world.
Don’t be afraid to communicate with adults. I certainly came out my shell making calls to potential employers, but I became comfortable talking on the phone. When you are at your placement, you may be around many adults, but you will get used to them all.
Be mature, and sensible. Show you are deserving of this placement. If you are capable in your temporary workplace, you will have good links there if you want to enquire for a future position there.
Don’t stress, and have fun! This is a week to showcase your talent, your skill, and your maturity. Get out into the working world, and don’t be scared of this new experience! You got this.
I’ve been Jess, and thank you for reading.