Placements Spotlight: Wildat Hassan x Educational Intelligence

Work placements can help students to grow their skills, build their networks and gain vital experience for their future careers. At London College of Communication (LCC), our Placements Team provides expert support around searching, applying and securing approval for opportunities across the creative industries and beyond.

Many students decide to gain industry insight with major companies and brands that are well-established in particular sectors, while others choose to make an impact with smaller start-ups and SMEs. Some even decide to expand their understanding of the global landscape by exploring international roles. Regardless of the size, scope or scale of a placement, all options offer useful ways to enhance your professional practice while building tangible skills in areas such as research, networking, application processes and interviews.

BA (Hons) Advertising student Wildat Hassan recently took part in a placement with academic market research company, Educational Intelligence, where she supported the promotion of Parent Ping - a daily survey app which helps families to share their opinions on current issues while gaining insight into the opinions of others. She now works as a Digital Content Assistant at PANGAIA, a materials science company which specialises in exploring the power of bioengineering to create essential lifestyle products in ecologically-conscious ways.

We caught up with Wildat to discuss how taking part in a range of opportunities alongside her studies has helped her to develop the industry knowledge and experience vital for her future plans.

What motivated you towards applying for a work placement, and how did you begin your search for potential opportunities?

I’ve always known that I have excessive amount of ideas swarming around in my head, and I feel like I’ve finally found a career path where I can let it all out.

I didn’t wait for the green light from my course to start applying for internships as I’m quite an independent individual. Finding work can be difficult, but if I can do it, anyone can!

If you’re a student who’s interested in getting some industry experience, I would urge you to email LCC's Placements Manager who is always happy to give you support and advice. You can also check out the paid opportunities board on ArtsTemps, which is updated very frequently.

Tell us about your placement - what types of activities were you able to take part in through your role?

My placement journey started off with working for Educational Intelligence - a marketing research group which focuses on creating educational apps.

My role involved researching their audience, with the objective of driving more traffic to their application. I also created a complimentary promotional video using my After Effects skills.

This was my first experience of independent advertising, and also assisted me in securing my next position at PANGAIA.

How has developing your work experience helped you to prepare for the next step in your career?

I've been able to receive first-hand experience in the corporate content and marketing realm. My placement allowed me to assist in the making of campaigns, and to control e-commerce. It also enabled me to build connections and receive advice from colleagues.

Now, I'm a Digital Content Assistant, with a schedule that's considerate of my studies. After graduation, I'm hoping that I’ll be able to pursue my creative journey further.

What advice would you give to students who might be thinking of undertaking a work placement?

If you’re on the lookout for an opportunity, make sure that your CV is up-to-date and actually resembles the work you can produce.

Companies are looking for fresh ideas every day. Stay confident in your work because art is subjective - you will appeal to somebody!

If you’re a current LCC student and you’d like further information on how placements can support you to build your skills and experience, contact our Placements Manager, Mandip Takhar: placements@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Related links:

• Find out more about the Parent Ping app and the work of PANGAIA.
• Explore work placements at LCC, as well as Careers and Employability at UAL.
• Learn more about our BA (Hons) Advertising course.