Catrin Holden - Placement Case Study
Catrin Holden graduated in 2019 with a degree in Media, Culture, Communication and secured a job as a Studio Researcher for the BBC’s One Show. When studying at LJMU she told us about the placement she undertook as a production runner at ITV studios.
Why did you want to do a placement?
I wanted to gain an insight into the industry and develop new and existing skills. I thought it would be a good way to see whether or not the TV industry was for me. My course lecturers expressed how important work experience was in my first year, so it was always something I wanted to do!
Where did you find out about the placement?
I found the work experience through expressing my interest for the industry on LinkedIn and I was lucky enough to have someone pick up on that and call me!
Describe the role you undertook and your main duties
Locating and calling stores to confirm stock and collecting props for the production team. Keeping note of all the props and returning them if they weren't needed. Ensuring the production team and talent had talkbacks, call sheets, scripts, cue card etc. on time before the show. General administration, including keeping the props sheet and budget sheet up to date using Excel and applications on Google Drive. Producing the end credits.
What did the application or selection process involve, and how did you prepare for each stage?
In order to be considered for the work experience I had to apply for the "Insight Programme". I believe they take applications twice a year. I applied in April. I remember the application being quite straight forward. I prepared by looking at the questions presented to me and bullet pointing what I wanted to get across in each question before writing it out in a paragraph.
What relevant work experience or Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?
Working for the Student Union has definitely made me become more confident when speaking to people, something that certainly helped!
What aspects of your degree were particularly useful in the selection process?
Because we cover such a broad range of topics on my course I felt like I had a vast amount of knowledge when applying for roles. I think skills audits are super helpful too, as it helps you identify your strongest skills and the ones you need to work one. Once you know what skills you need to work on you can take steps to enhance them.
Any other advice you would give to students about their employability?
Don't be disappointed if you can't get the placement you want straight away. Sometimes it takes a while to get your foot in the door. Just keep positive and keep applying for things and you'll get there in the end! Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch. For more information about the Bathgate Boost Award, visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.