Three Months, Lots of Learning: Yasmin’s Placement Journey So Far
From struggling with WordPress at University to managing client marketing campaigns, here’s a look back at my first three months as a Yellow Cherry!
When I started my BA (Hons) Business with Marketing degree at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, I knew I wanted to make the most of every opportunity that came my way. Fast forward to third year, and I found myself preparing for a 12-month, full-time placement – a chance to step out of the lecture theatre and into the world of work.
Three months into my placement at Yellow Cherry, I’ve already learned more than I could have imagined. From getting hands-on with digital marketing and managing client campaigns to attending networking events, moving offices and discovering my new favourite chai latte spot, it’s certainly been a busy few months!
But let’s rewind to where it all began…
From WordPress panic to joining the punnet
When it came to choosing a placement, I wasn’t too bothered about the location. I just knew I wanted somewhere I could get stuck in, take on real responsibilities and feel like part of the team – not just be on tea and coffee duty!
My interest in marketing started during a university module called Digital Media Platforms and Practices, where we explored everything from social media marketing to web design and digital advertising. Our assignment involved creating six blog posts using WordPress. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not for me! When I first opened WordPress, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.
But after plenty of trial and error, something clicked. I went from dreading the assignment to genuinely enjoying designing pages, writing blogs and even helping my classmates figure it all out. By the end, I didn’t want the module to finish!
That’s when I realised digital marketing was something I wanted to pursue, ideally within a busy, creative marketing agency.
There was just one problem – when placement applications opened, there weren’t any marketing opportunities advertised through the university. So, I took matters into my own hands and started reaching out to agencies in Aberdeen and Inverness.
After plenty of emails and very few replies, Sarah from Yellow Cherry got back to me and invited me in for a chat. Sometimes, all it takes is one reply! Before I knew it, I’d secured my placement, found somewhere to live in Inverness (with a little help from Sarah!) and was getting ready for my first day at Yellow Cherry!
Marketing, Multitasking & Everything in Between
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about working in a marketing agency, it’s that no two days are ever the same!
I was naturally nervous on my first day, but a lovely card from the team quickly made me feel welcome. Within my first few weeks, I’d been invited to the Highland Business Awards and joined the team for Jason’s leaving meal. It didn’t take long to feel like part of the team!
And since then? It’s been pretty much non-stop (in the best possible way!).
Over the past three months, I’ve gone from learning the ropes and completing Google courses to getting hands-on experience with, Meta campaigns, SEO, social media management, email marketing and website support. I’ve also been learning about the behind-the-scenes side of agency life, from client communication and project management to campaign reporting and marketing strategy.
One of my biggest highlights has been being trusted to manage marketing activities for a range of clients, including their social media, email marketing and Meta campaigns. It’s a lot of responsibility, but exactly the kind of hands-on experience I was hoping to gain from my placement.
And when I say no two days are the same, I really mean it! One minute I could be creating social media content or planning a campaign, and the next we’re dealing with unexpected PHP security issues. Not exactly something you expect to be navigating just a few months into your first marketing role! But it’s all part of agency life, and I’ve quickly learnt that being adaptable and thinking on your feet is just as important as the marketing itself.
It’s not all been behind a desk either. The team has encouraged me to get involved in networking events, and I’ve even become a member of Highland Business Women! It’s been a brilliant way to build my confidence, meet new people and get to know the local business community.
We’ve also recently moved into our lovely new office at Solasta House on the UHI campus. After plenty of box carrying and heavy lifting (not quite what I imagined when I signed up for a marketing placement!), we’re now settled into a bright new space with an amazing view.
Although, I do have one suggestion for improving campus life…
Perk, if you’re reading this, please open a shop on campus! I’m already missing the chai lattes and ham and cheese croissants.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much I’ve experienced in just three months. From client campaigns and networking events to unexpected technical challenges and an office move, it’s certainly been a busy start – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Beyond the 9 to 5
Of course, it’s not all been work, work, work!
When I first moved to Inverness, I didn’t know anyone, so alongside starting my placement, I was also finding my feet in a completely new city and getting used to a new routine.
And it’s safe to say my weekends have been just as busy as my working weeks! If I’m not at Pilates, shopping, out for a walk or enjoying some good food with my family, I’m usually heading through to Aberdeen for a few drinks with the girls!
With so much going on, having that balance and making time to switch off has been really important. It’s been lovely exploring Inverness and slowly making the city feel more like home.
And, of course, no weekend would be complete without a chai latte (or two)!
The cherries behind Yellow Cherry
I couldn’t write about my placement without giving the cherries a little shoutout!
Sarah has been brilliant at getting me involved, trusting me with responsibilities and making sure I’m settling in. Wiktoria, Jason and Russell have all been great at sharing their knowledge and putting up with my endless questions! Aimee has taken me under her wing and made me feel part of the team from day one. And, of course, there’s Nola, our office dog, who’s always around for a cuddle!
Finally, a special mention to Shane for keeping us fuelled with coffee deliveries – always appreciated!
It’s been great working alongside such a supportive team, and I’ve already learnt so much from everyone.
Three months down, nine to go!
It’s hard to believe I’m already three months in! From moving to a new city to getting stuck into agency life, I’ve learnt so much already, and there’s still plenty more to come.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give anyone looking for a placement, it’s to put yourself out there. You never know where one email might lead!
I’m excited to see what the next nine months bring, take on new challenges and keep learning along the way.
For now, I’m just happy to be one of the cherries in the Yellow Cherry punnet!