Leah Heath is studying a BA Media and Communication with a Year in Industry with us, here she tells us about her experience so far.
Dechra Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a veterinary pharmaceuticals company that operates in 26 countries worldwide. I work as part of the central team for the EU department that is responsible for creating marketing content for the 16 EU countries we work with. Working in an international role has provided me with exciting opportunities of overseas visits such as Split, Croatia and Barcelona, Spain!!
My application process:
Applied for the job in mid-December – early January had a recorded interview – mid-February in person interview – 2 days later, phone call received offering the job.
What I get up to on a day-to-day basis:
- Translating websites for EU Markets.
- Monthly internal newsletter – liaising with different departments.
- Supporting kidney and gastrointestinal campaigns so that I am able to lead my own cardiology campaign by January!
- Uploading translated artwork of products so that markets can use .
- Content for vet/owner apps.
Leah’s tips and tricks to securing a placement year:
- Take your time when applying – it is easy to rush an application when you just want it to be over with, this doesn’t show the best representation of you
- It’s never too early to start researching placement years that are available
- Don’t be too narrow with what you are applying for – The industry is very broad, apply for as much as you can, e.g. Marketing, Journalism, PR etc.
- Have someone proofread your CV – Employability office, even if it’s just someone at home, take on board any feedback
- And most importantly, don’t give up! – It is so easy to want to stop applying for placement years when all you are receiving is rejection emails