By Luke, BSc(Hons) Digital Media
Last summer I decided to get prepared and create a first-year work portfolio, so I would be ready to apply for placements with my portfolio, and then just be able to keep updating it during my second year. This would have been a great idea had I done as planned. However, I ended up creating my portfolio as soon as I got back to university in the second year, rushing to create something to send off for applications. Due to being a little rushed, my portfolio was not as well designed as it could have been, resulting in missing a few application deadlines.
While creating my portfolio, I was doing it alongside my housemate/partner and there was one key difference between our portfolios, which was the experience they gained over the summer. They successfully secured an internship through the University, and it was clear how their portfolio played a key role in this. With this experience under their belt and their excellent portfolio, they were quick to get placement interviews resulting in a placement offer later in the year. It would be unfair to say they got the placement through the experience alone, but it put them in a stronger position over someone such as myself who lacked that experience.
Internships with the University are always advertised on the InfoHub and are updated during the year, so there is a constant flow of them. Before the end of the year, the University sends e-comms reminding students to consider an internship to gain experience over the summer. My advice would be for anyone looking for a second-year placement is to take advantage of this opportunity and apply to as many as possible.
Internships with the University are always advertised on the InfoHub and are updated during the year, so there is a constant flow of them.
Early on in 2023, I realised that while I was getting interest from placement providers, it wasn’t going anywhere, so I decided to change my portfolio design. With the Christmas break coming up I designed every page on paper and then translated it onto the website using the programme, WiX. After revising my portfolio, I started making it further along in the application process and in some cases getting to the final stage. In one instance the employer had to choose between two of us and unfortunately, I was unsuccessful. This is where the experience would have been key.
Realising I needed experience, I applied for internships that are available throughout the year. I made it through a lot of applications and eventually picked the one I wanted. With this experience, coupled with my role as a student content creator, my CV was in a much stronger place than at the start of the year.
I realised too late and all the placement opportunities I wanted were gone, but there are still placements available this late in the year. However, I’ve now decided on an alternative path and I’ll be applying for another internship during my third year, hoping to gain more experience to strengthen my CV further. So, my advice to students applying for placements is to apply for internships during the first year and over the summer, and to create a portfolio early on and update it during your second and third years.
I recommend you apply for all the placements you see, as it is never too late to apply and learn from the rejections. Also, maybe take a step back or get someone to look at your application for some constructive feedback. Ask the Careers Service for some help to help you create a CV and portfolio too.
And finally, don’t forget the University is there to support you, so make sure you take advantage of all that’s on offer. You could find you leave UWE Bristol with experience in three internships and a placement, and this real-world experience will really stand out on your CV and impress an employer.