The apt academy is a prestigious work-experience programme that gives hard-working, motivated and ambitious students the chance to hone their skills in a real-life, hands-on working environment. Here, one of our students reveals an extract from her diary...
"On
my first day at apt marketing & pr, I was nervous and really didn’t know
what to expect. Even though I did know someone here at the office (Rhian Dark)
I was still worried about how I would fit in and really focus on the tasks I
was given. Although, I was excited and really looking forward to see how it was
and meet everyone. So far I have learnt a lot more than I expected to learn. If
im honest I thought I would be just photocopying and making the teas and
coffees. But I was mistaken, once I had settled in and met everyone in the
office; I was given a little project, which I could do over the 2 weeks I was
here. I was really surprised but relived that I really could understand what
they did and how they managed the whole office.
I
have learned quite a lot of skills on the computer, which really could help me
in the near future. If I have learnt anything the most, it would be the fact I
have gained a lot of confidence within myself. Its helped me realise I can ask
for help when needed, and just do as much as I am capable of doing. I have
enjoyed a lot about this placement, I really thought that it helped that I had
a project to focus on and it made me think about how I could pace myself
through real office based work. I was worried about the skills I would of
needed for this placement, but I have realised I have come here to learn and
understand the way of working in an office. That is what I enjoyed about it, is
that I have always wanted to work in an office, and now I have I would be happy
to work in this kind of environment in the future.
I
have spent time in both pr and marketing while I have been here, it has been
something I thought I would never do. Don’t get me wrong it’s something I have
wanted to do, but I don’t think I knew what pr and marketing was before I came
to this company for work experience. I have learnt a lot from working in both
areas and its something I would be interesting in doing when I am older. When I
was working in marketing, I had been given a project on researching clients and
finding out how to use a website which is really helpful for finding this kind
of information. I did enjoy this task, because I had a deadline and a certain
amount of research I needed. It made me think of how I needed to pace myself
through this project, to make sure that it was all done on time. I then worked
with someone in pr, this was very interesting. This is the sort of thing I
would like to do when I am older, it’s associated with media and like I said it
is something I am really interested in. I was given a press release to look at,
I didn’t have a clue what it was before I came here, but now I have added to a
press release and understand what it is and how it is used. Also in pr there
was a planned launch for Tuesday and Wednesday of my second week here. I found
this really interesting to see the whole preparation and the result of the
launch. I was there to help put all the press packs together, and it
was really enjoyable to see the way they organise the way it all works.
Overall,
my time here has been an amazing experience. All my friends are at placements
which are not in offices. This is why I have found it interesting and enjoyable,
because it is something quite different to all the placements my friends at my
school have chosen. I think it has something to do with how well the apt crew
have helped settle me in and worked on what I wanted to do and what I was happy
with doing. I have to thank them all though, because I have realised the way
work is actually like, I thought it was just a place you earn money. Well
really it is, but in my eyes it’s different because it’s where you earn money
and where you learn a lot of new stuff. I will definitely remember my
experience here, and I hope they remember me. I am very glad I chose to do my
work experience here. It has been really quite fun in a way because everyone
gets on with everyone. Plus everyone seems to just be quite layed back and work
as a team well. I actually don’t want to leave!"
Lily, Aged 15
If you are interested in applying for work experience, please email Ruth