“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela

As thousands of students found out their A-Level results this week, I can’t help but reminisce over my results day. It seems like only yesterday that floods of tears were streaming down my face as I read my results, which meant my mother thought that I had failed. How wrong she was!

Compared to 2012, the number of students scoring an A or A* has fallen by 0.3% but there was a rise in the number of students taking what are considered to be more academic subjects. This doesn't surprise me as much as the news that the number of people going to University is rising, despite the £9,000 tuition fees.

Its five years since my results day and I’d like to think I have a better understanding of my career path, than I did back then. During my school years, I hadn't the faintest idea what I wanted to do but fortunately through work experience and University I have come to discover my strengths. If I could give advice to 18 year old me, I would probably say:

‘Don’t worry about not knowing what you want to be in the future. You are most definitely not alone. Take everything in your stride, enjoy yourself, join University societies and with time, you’ll discover a bubbly, creative, confident side of you that you never knew about.’

If these past five years have taught me anything, it’s that life isn’t black and white. Yes, thousands of students go to University but there are other options too. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn on-the-job. In Germany, students who don’t plan on going to University are offered a two to three year work placement – something similar to what is slowly being introduced in the UK.

This week I’ve been very fortunate to have been working at Target PR, helping me gain an insight to the world of PR. From day one I knew this was a sector I’d enjoy. From drafting press releases to editing a newsletter for the UK’s most trusted opticians, this work experience has certainly broadened my understanding of PR. I am extremely grateful to the team for welcoming me in and showing me the ropes.

To all those A-Level students worried about what awaits them, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of networking and researching. Talk to people, look on the web or visit your local Jobcentre and slowly but surely you’ll come to know what you want to do after studying.

A huge thank you to the Target PR team for this fantastic opportunity!

Lourizza Ball

Intern

A week in the life of a Target PR intern

No matter what you’re taught at university in terms of theory, practice and knowledge, I believe you don’t really start learning until you’re in a working environment and gaining hands-on experience - something I have always been eager to do. When I was offered the chance to work with Target, it was something I was very much looking forward to.

Now, coming to the end of my work experience placement with Target, I reflect on my week.

Arriving on Tuesday, I was filled with pre-placement nerves. Still in my first year studying Public Relations and Communications at Leeds Metropolitan University, I really didn’t know what to expect. But, there was no reason for me to have been worried. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel very welcome. After meeting everybody and having a tour of the office, it was straight into work.

Working on behalf of a number of clients including Specsavers, Cotswold Outdoor and ADEY, my week has consisted of a variety of tasks. These included checking newspapers for relevant articles, drafting press releases, conducting research, and helping to create a newsletter. I also sat in a discussion for a campaign which I found very interesting as I was able to see the thought process and different ideas bounce off one another in the office.

Throughout the week, I have been able to gain insight into the PR industry and how a PR agency operates. I feel that the team at Target has given me valuable experience and feedback which I will use constructively to help me both within my studies and in the future.

After an enjoyable week, I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and I would love to come back to such a lovely agency.

A huge thank you to everyone at Target!

Jess Collier
PR student