WORK PLACEMENTS: CASE STUDY

Zainib began her journey as a Business and Management student at Aston University, who needed to branch out into work experience for a placement year as part of her degree.  

In June 2016, Zainib joined The People’s Orchestra as a Marketing assistant, aiding the promotion of a vast array of events. Through her dedication and enthusiasm, she was then offered the paid position of Community Development Officer with the company. 

Throughout her work experience, Zainib worked alongside volunteers and staff within the community hub project to host activities and connect local businesses with customers, as well as carrying out research and developing graphics and promotional materials for orchestral concerts. Zainib found she enjoyed creating work for print in newspapers, production TV promotions and press releases. “When you are able to see the progress and all the hard work that goes into the concert, it is a proud moment, and it motivates you to do even better the next time,” Zainib says. 

After working with the orchestra for her placement, Zainib has returned to Aston University to continue her studying and is working towards gaining a position in Marketing.  

“Working for The People’s Orchestra has been an amazing experience for me. When I applied at the Orchestra, I had thought that I wouldn’t get many opportunities but that wasn’t the case. The People’s Orchestra is working non-stop and there’s a lot of opportunity for everyone out there. I gained a lot of work experience, and even got the opportunity to get paid work.

The most fun part me must be working with the staff on promotional and marketing activities for the concerts. So, I would be contacting newspaper editors and getting articles in the newspaper, TV promotions, creating the press release, and all activities behind the scenes for the actual concert date. When you can see the progress and all the hard work that goes into the concert it is a proud moment, and it motivates you to do even better the next time.

The staff have been amazing, very friendly and will make you laugh to the point you can’t breathe. I have not only gained work experience in relation to my degree, but also have developed as a person, I have become more confident.

This is all because Sarah saw capabilities in me which I never knew I had and pushed me to bring out the best in myself.  Anyone who wishes to gain more skills and enjoy their work experience, should work at The People’s Orchestra, no matter what their subject”.