The following post was kindly written for us by one of our Career Ambassadors, Lucy Griffiths. Lucy is a 3rd year student in the York Business School.

In 2016 I undertook a work placement at the Students’ Union here at York St John, specifically working with the Human Resources team. I chose this placement because I knew it would give me a useful insight into what working in Human Resources would be like if I was to pursue it as a career.

The SU was a relaxed environment to work in which made the experience enjoyable and fun; I don’t think most organisations play the ‘Macarena’ during an ordinary work day! Another positive thing about my time on placement was the flexible working hours, designed to fit around my academic timetable. Undertaking my placement in term time meant I didn’t have to worry about accommodation or travel back to York during breaks, which was ideal for me.

So what did I do on placement? I got to grips with key HR documents like the competency framework and the staff handbook as well as getting a chance to see how the Recruitment and Selection policy fit with an active job description. I was given responsibility for filling in timesheets in Excel for payroll purposes, which was interesting to me because it gave me some insight into the deadlines and processes applicable across HR. Plus – that active job description? I even got the chance to take part in the recruitment and selection of an Events & Venue Co-ordinator.

I now understand payroll information, the recruitment process, contracts of employment and employee performance appraisal processes. All of these things are useful, especially since I knew I was going to be doing the Strategic Human Resource Management module. And – aside from academics – this experience helped me think about my career. I have something to put on my applications that is relevant, and I have a practical understanding of what to expect when I apply for jobs in this field.

Doing my work placement with the SU encouraged me to build and engage with my professional network more especially with the connections that I had made with my supervisor and by using my account on LinkedIn. I am now more confident in my ability both practically in the work place environment, and academically.

It’s been a year now since I did my placement. Since then I’ve become even more aware of the benefits this experience has granted me – especially when I think about applying for graduate roles. Seeing the recruitment and selection process from the employers’ perspective has been especially helpful – it gives me insight into what recruiters are looking for in my applications!

Since setting up my LinkedIn profile whilst on my placement with the assistance of the Human Resources Coordinator I have been able to connect with employers who have graduate opportunities in Human Resources such as Peninsula Business Services, Hays and Odeon & UCI Cinemas. It has enabled me to search for potential employers who I might be interested in networking with to get in insight into what they offer graduates.

Overall, my work placement has significantly enhanced my employability when applying for graduate roles now especially if it requires experience in Human Resources or in an office environment. Not only that, I had a great time doing it, and feel much more confident about future opportunities.

[Editor’s note: remember, if you’re looking for work experience opportunities, you can check out our Jobs & Opportunities site or come along to a drop-in to see an advisor!]