I will describe some of my experiences so far and highlight some of the benefits of doing a year in industry.
I found this placement through the Careers Service advertisement and in Geography emails. I had not previously considered doing a placement year, so I then researched what this would entail.
The application process was useful experience, particularly with a formal interview setting. I found it helpful to dedicate time to research the company and to understand how my experience applied to the role requirements.
The careers service also provide advice and learning material for placement students prior to the year starting, which reduced apprehension.
On a day-to-day basis, the placement involves collecting and analysing data, alongside supporting with sustainability projects. This has been rewarding, for example completing the carbon reporting for the club.
This involves working with an external consultant, providing me with an insight into the role of consultancies as well as a corporate environment.
Settling into a 9-5 routine is an initial concern for many placement students, but this quickly became normal for me.
There are also great perks of the role, including joining colleagues for a free lunch every day at the club and social events like the Christmas party.
I have enjoyed the volunteering opportunities, such as organising a litter pick, helping at a food bank and at the Dementia Memory Café.
Additionally, I have shadowed different teams to see various roles within the Club, and as my role is in the Operations department, I frequently witnessed how a match day at the stadium functions.
I have established football boot donation points in the club shops for supporters to pass on pre-loved boots to young players in need of kit, with Newcastle United Foundation and Premier League Kicks.
Collaborating with different teams to deliver this project resulted in over 50k views on social media, and many boots have been collected!
It is rewarding to see the boot donations and the continuing progression of the project. See this video promoting a one off collection point at a women’s game.
I also supported the Christmas sustainable teddies project, which were given to children in hospital by first team players.
This project involved collaborating with Newcastle Hospital’s, their sewing team, Northumbria University, as well as many internal departments. I was lucky enough to help with the filming of a video for this!
These projects showed me the range of ways that sport can have a positive impact on local communities, and the huge impact that players can have on supporters.
Another highlight of the placement so far was attending the Sports Positive Summit in London and the BASIS (British Association for Sustainability in Sport) Awards at Wimbledon.
These were inspirational chances to hear leading sustainability perspectives - and to get to go inside Centre Court!
The events were also great networking opportunities, and I learnt that these professionals often take various career routes to get to where they are now.
I would recommend a placement year to other students due to the invaluable experience to develop your knowledge and skills, meet new people, and broaden your awareness of the opportunities available