The first day of my work experience was certainly eventful. Having been let down by my SAT NAV, which was defiantly informing me that I had reached my destination despite the fact I was outside an Indian takeaway, I reverted to calling the reception to ask for directions.
I had spent the previous week making myself aware of the exceptional business skills possessed by AD Communications, imagining the extent to which I would be hideously out of my depth in the office. However, upon my arrival I was immediately put at ease by the relaxed and warm welcome I got from everyone in the team.
After receiving several offers of coffee and biscuits (before I had even had a chance to do anything worthy of such reward), my nerves were all but extinguished. While many of my previous work experience placements had taught me to observe, AD ensured from the outset that this would not be the case. After several members of the team had taken the time out of their undoubtedly busy schedules to present me with a wealth of knowledge about the industry, including examples of client work they had produced, I was presented with various tasks of my own for the following days.
Amongst these was to contact a list of magazines to request media and features information for the New Year. Having initially felt nervous about this prospect, I was soon talking in full flow on the phone.
I was also given the job of finding suitable Twitter accounts for one of AD’s clients to “follow” to enhance their connections and engagement with their customers online. Prior to this week I was less than familiar with the trendy world of Twitter. Not knowing a hashtag from a handle, I had not realised the pivotal role that social media platforms play in the world of B2B PR and marketing communications. Subsequently, I felt a great sense of responsibility during this task, swiping through profiles and deciding whether or not they were worthy of a place in my exclusive shortlist.
Amongst everything that I learnt in my brief introduction to AD, I have seen how a group of people that work in the competitive and stressful world of marketing can still make their working day jovial, upbeat and relaxed; factors which I have come to notice are conducive to a thriving business environment. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the team for the week, but, the experience is over and I now face the small task of finishing (and starting) my dissertation, and attempting to figure out how to be half as successful as the people at AD!