There's a big difference between studying how a business works and experiencing it first-hand. Sometimes, stepping into a new environment is all it takes to discover career opportunities you hadn't considered.
Through our Workplace Academy, we're helping students and graduates gain practical work experience and explore careers in the workplace design and fit-out industry.
We recently welcomed Olivia, a Business Management graduate, for a week of hands-on experience at our London office. From marketing activities to learning how different teams collaborate, she shares what she discovered and how the experience helped shape her next steps.
My Week of Work Experience at Workplace Creations: Exploring Career Opportunities
“As a Business Management graduate, I was keen to gain practical experience and see how the skills I'd developed at university could translate into the working world.
Before joining Workplace Creations, I knew very little about the workplace design and fit-out industry. I hadn't realised just how much planning, creativity and collaboration go into creating an office environment.
During my week, I learnt that workplace design involves much more than how a space looks. It's about understanding how businesses operate, what employees need and how the right environment can support different ways of working.
It was interesting to see how teams with different skills come together to deliver a project, from the initial design stages through to the finished workplace.
The experience introduced me to an industry and career opportunities I hadn't previously considered.”
Gaining Hands-On Marketing Experience
“One of the highlights of my week was spending time with the marketing team and getting involved in filming content.
Rather than just observing, I had the opportunity to contribute to real marketing activities and see how businesses use content to communicate their work and connect with their audiences.
Having studied Business Management at university, I was familiar with marketing from an academic perspective. But seeing it in practice gave me a much better understanding of the creativity, planning and teamwork involved.
I also gained insight into other departments and how they work together. It was useful to see how the different areas of a business contribute to shared goals, and how important communication is to making that happen.
Being able to connect what I'd learnt at university with real workplace experiences was one of the most valuable parts of the placement.”
What Work Experience Taught Me About My Career
“One of my biggest takeaways was that work experience isn't just about building your CV. It's also an opportunity to discover what you enjoy and what you might want from your future career.
For students and graduates, spending time in a professional environment can help you:
• Explore industries and career paths you may not have considered.
• Develop practical skills and confidence.
• Understand how different roles and departments work together.
• Discover your strengths and interests.
My week reminded me that you don't need to have your entire career planned out. Sometimes, trying something new is the best way to understand what interests you.”
Finding Career Direction
My work experience at Workplace Creations gave me a better understanding of the working world and helped me feel more confident about taking the next step in my career.
From discovering the workplace design industry to gaining practical marketing experience, I came away with new knowledge, skills and a clearer idea of the opportunities available to me.
For anyone unsure about their next steps after education, I'd definitely recommend seeking out work experience. Even a short placement can introduce you to new possibilities and help you make more informed decisions about your future.
Interested in gaining work experience with Workplace Creations?
Discover more about our Workplace Academy and how we're helping young people take their first steps into the industry.
