BSc Modern Languages (Spanish with German)
Class of 2022
Studied abroad at Otto-Friedrich-University Bamberg and worked abroad at VeryChic in Barcelona
Why did you apply for a placement year?
It was a crucial part of my degree to utilise my languages in their true setting and put myself in new and daunting environments to experience new cultures and put into practice what I learnt in my degree. It was important work experience and a formative time in my life to see the world through different eyes.
Not only was it a crucial part of my degree, it was important to put my language skills to practice in their natural environment and context, as well as in a new professional setting. I knew a Placement Year would allow me to develop personally by living alone in another country and making a life for myself, but also develop professionally, employing my knowledge and skills in a new role and company.
What was important to you when looking for your placement?
I wanted to explore an industry and area of work that I could be interested in after graduating, in a new place that had good social opportunities to engage in the local life.
It was important that I found a Placement in an area relevant to my studies, but one where I also still had a lot to learn. I wanted to work in a sector that I was interested in and wanted to learn more about, but one that also allowed me to use what I already knew and had learnt throughout my studies. A safe, supportive country and working environment was important too.
What advice would you give to students looking to do a placement?
Don’t give up early, it can be tough to find something interesting that’s for you straight away, but what’s for you won’t pass you by and the right opportunity could come at the last moment.
Try out new things and be open to different industries, start out by being interested in everything that you find and then be more selective as you go.
Stick with it, even when the search or the Placement itself is difficult! It’s a long journey from deciding you want to do a Placement, to thinking about what you want to do, starting to search, applying and interviewing, and then doing the Placement. When looking to do a Placement, think about why you want to do one, what you want to do, and what you want to learn and gain from it. This should help you choose the right thing for you and steer you in the right direction.
How did your Placement shape your early career?
It was valuable life and work experience that made finding my first job after graduating much easier as it meant I had things to talk about that I had done and learnt on my placement year. It also made starting a new job less scary as I could put into practice everything I learned while working on placement. It confirmed that I want to use my languages in a practical and professional way every day at work, and gave me the belief that I can.
My Placement enabled me to discover a career path that I otherwise may not have tried, and ensured I had more confidence in job interviews after graduating, because I had practical experience to relate to the interview questions. My first job after graduating enabled me to directly use my German language skills every day, and the confidence gained from my Placement Year enabled me to succeed in that role. I now work at the Royal Albert Hall, supervising the tours team and welcoming customers from all over the world to such an iconic venue.
What was your best memory whilst on your Placement?
Being given the autonomy to work independently and integrate in a company to feel like part of their team, opening my eyes to the world of work and the opportunities to come after graduating.
Work aside, exploring a new city and country was incredible and I made lifelong friends from all over the world.
Living in other countries was a challenge, but the memories made with the people I met were the best thing about the year abroad. I still feel really proud of myself when I look back at what I achieved, despite the challenges, and the first time I really felt at home in Germany and Spain, while simply having dinner in my flat, or shopping in the supermarket, are the small memories that I’m still fond of.
