Esther is 16 years old and lives in south west London. She is in her first year at college studying for A-levels in Politics, Business, Sociology and Psychology. She had a one-week work experience placement with UKCES in February 2015.
Day 1
On my first day I learnt tons and had pretty straightforward tasks which helped me ease into 9 to 5 days! I enjoyed asking loads of questions and hearing information about various aspects of the Commission that I previously had no idea about. I learnt that it is imperative to do absolutely everything you are given with exceptional quality and to learn how to work to deadlines. Productivity and deadlines work hand in hand.
It was more than helpful to know the information behind youth unemployment specifically in the UK, as I myself have had issues with unemployment for almost eight months. I read three articles published by the Commission recently, Growth through People, Careers of the Future, Precarious Futures. All were really interesting and gave me knowledge on some issues and prospects I had no idea about previously.
Day 2
On my second day, I worked with some of the team at the Commission to do a briefing task for an APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) meeting on Inclusive Growth. It was fascinating to see how many people had so many ideas on one issue. I learnt that everyone’s views and opinions on an issue are rather important for different reasons and in different respects.
Day 3
It’s my third day! I’m exhausted at this point but really enjoying my work experience. I’ve spent most of my day scheduling tweets on HootSuite, writing up my second briefing and brainstorming ideas for my manifesto for a better Britain, which should be interesting.
I think I’ve had a Coke every single day with my lunch, unhealthy... I know right but it’s my favourite!
Today I've learnt that preparation and brainstorming is just as important as it sounds. Time management hasn’t always been my strong point but it’s my new year’s resolution and I’ve been working very hard on trying to keep to it. Also I’m learning to constantly evaluate myself and constructively criticise the work I do so that my finished product is always the very best of my ability. I’m looking forward to the last couple of days of my placement.
Day 4
It’s my fourth day and I’ve arrived in the office without any bad transport chronicles to tell. I opened up the HootSuite account only to find a swarm of tweets in reply to some things I tweeted about yesterday. I’m truly thrilled.
I’ve been working on finding some organisations who would be particularly interested in some of the Commission’s work on gender equality. I had to do some research and also give reasons why. I really enjoyed the task and was able to learn some new facts about gender equality in the work place and about the pay gap which I didn’t know about before.
Today I also learnt that you constantly keep growing and learning, it never really stops, there is always an avenue to learn in every circumstance. Do I sound like Dr MLK Jr yet?
Day 5
So it's my last day and I don't want to leave! I started the day by finishing off my manifesto task which was really fun because I was able to write down my ideas and potential policies that I thought would make Britain a better country. After sending that off to be looked at, I then had a quick trip to Parliament. How casual does that sound? Just saying.
I then had my meeting to go through my manifesto and got grilled about some of my ideas. It's interesting to see what you learn about yourself and your view on ideas when you read back over it and are asked questions about it. The backbone to most of my ideas in my manifesto were based on the fact that whatever the current government does, it needs to be sustainable enough to work functionally for future generations to come.
I have an interview later, which I've been nervous about since Monday. It's for me to learn how to get better at interviews. Wish me luck!
...So my interview has been done... and here are the results... drumroll please...*drumroll* it was GREAT! I was asked a series of questions that were challenging but straightforward and when I gave my answers I had to make sure I was linking back to the question and paid attention to making sure I was being convincing and formal. After my interview, I was given feedback on how I did and what I could have done to improve. This was helpful and will be great for when I start getting more interviews and applying for jobs again.
I love it here!
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