Meet our Marketing Placement Student

At GOSS, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth and development. Our placement and graduate programs are designed to offer real-world experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on impactful projects. To shed light on the experiences of those who have embarked on this journey with us, we sat down with our placement and graduate students to share their stories, insights, and the invaluable skills they have gained during their time with us. In this first article, we interviewed Lauren, our Marketing Placement Student for the 2023/24 academic year, to hear about her experiences of working at GOSS.

Lauren Hetherington

Marketing Placement Student 2023/24

What inspired you to apply for a placement position at GOSS?

I currently study Business Management at the University of Exeter and one of my favourite modules is Marketing so I wanted to find a placement in this area. I really liked that the placement role at GOSS explores all areas of marketing as opposed to being overly specialised, as I wanted to gain experience in all fields so that I could get the most out of my placement year.

What skills have you developed during your time at GOSS?

During my time at GOSS, I have developed a wide range of skills including digital marketing strategies, content creation, competitor research and data analysis. I have also gained valuable experience in event management and prospect nurturing strategies.

How do you feel GOSS has prepared you for your future career?

GOSS has allowed me to gain experience in several areas of marketing, providing a well-rounded foundation for a career in this field. The hands-on experience, combined with mentorship from experienced professionals, has given me the confidence and skills needed to excel in my future career.

What do you enjoy most about the work culture at GOSS?

What I enjoy most about the work culture at GOSS is the collaborative and supportive environment. Everyone here is approachable and willing to share their knowledge. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and encourages employees to take initiative and explore new ideas. This has made my placement experience incredibly enriching and enjoyable.

What challenges have you faced during your placement program, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my placement program was learning about the digital transformation industry and adapting to the remote working aspect. The digital transformation field is complex and constantly evolving, so getting up to speed with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices was initially overwhelming. Additionally, working remotely presented its own set of difficulties, such as maintaining effective communication and staying motivated without the traditional office environment. I found that my team were brilliant at answering any questions that I had and teaching me how to adapt my previous experience in marketing to make it more appropriate for this industry. They are also always available for a chat and really make the effort to communicate with me online and through video calls which made it a lot easier to adapt to working remotely.

What is one piece of advice you would give to future placement students at GOSS?

My advice to future placement students at GOSS would be to stay proactive. Do not be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback. Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge around you and use every opportunity to learn and grow. Also, be open to stepping out of your comfort zone - it is the best way to develop new skills and gain confidence.

How do you see your experience at GOSS impacting your career trajectory?

My experience at GOSS has been transformative for my career trajectory. It has not only provided me with practical skills and knowledge, but also with a network of professionals and mentors who have guided and supported me. This experience has given me a clearer vision of my career path and has opened numerous opportunities for future growth.

Why would you recommend taking a placement year?

I would highly recommend taking a placement year because it offers invaluable real-world experience that is hard to get in a lecture theatre at university. It allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, develop professional skills, and gain insights into your chosen industry. A placement year also enhances your employability by giving you a competitive edge when entering the job market.