03 Jul Work Experience Spotlight: Kyson Chan from Ratcliffe College
Posted at 15:55h
in Insights
What were your first impressions of Digital Office Group when you arrived?
At first I didn’t know what to expect honestly, I had done some research on DOS beforehand, so I knew they provided office equipment and tech support, but I had no idea the exact work they did as I was a newcomer to the field. I was admittedly somewhat nervous on my first day here, but everyone was very kind and open to talking to me about work and other things, especially Jack and George, who stuck by me the entire duration of my work experience to support me in the tasks given to me.
What departments or teams did you spend time with during your placement?
I spent the most time in the marketing team during my work placement, as I am a media student, I want to get into the media industry in the future, and marketing was an option I had heavily considered beforehand. Spending time in the team has revealed to me the many tasks one has to do in such a position and has given me a lot of insight into the industry.
Was there a particular task or project you enjoyed working on the most?
As a media student, I am most proficient in analytical writing and photoshop work, therefore I found creating flyers and case studies for DOS most enjoyable. The case study I did, on the Classic Prop Hire Company can be found on the Tetra website.
What new skills or knowledge have you gained this week?
Definitely working under pressure, whilst the team did not provide me much pressure when it came to the work I had to do, I still felt the desire to not disappoint them, and hence gave it my all when completing the assigned tasks. Moreover, I also gained some insight into the company’s custom designed systems and more skills regarding the design of a website.
Did anything surprise you about working in a professional office environment?
I found the experience of working in an office environment drastically different to a school environment which was very surprising to me. As I did not expect such a huge departure to what I was used to. However, what also surprised me was the communication between the DOS staff, as they were all very friendly with each other.
Have your career aspirations changed or developed as a result of this experience?
Honestly, I don’t believe my desire to work in the media industry has changed much, I still believe I would be able to work in a marketing department within a company proficiently. However, through this placement I have come to realise my skills mostly lie in writeups and visual design, so perhaps in the future I’d have to look for more specific positions rather than just a general marketing employee.
What advice would you give to other students considering work experience?
Honestly, just give it a good go. I had 0 prior experience working in an office or any work environment, and I feel like I’ve gained a lot just working for the team even if the work given to me was more entry/beginner level.
Would you recommend Digital Office Group to others looking for insight into the tech and communications industry?
Honestly, just give it a good go. I had 0 prior experience working in an office or any work environment, and I feel like I’ve gained a lot just working for the team even if the work given to me was more entry/beginner level.
Did you get the opportunity to work on any real-life tasks or projects?
I worked on 2 articles on the company’s Tetra website, and also worked on a flyer for DOS, both have been beneficial for me with regards to working under pressure and also keeping to the company’s house style, which was not something I could’ve practiced within a school’s education setting. I also was given the opportunity to meet up with a client and had some experience conversing with people I didn’t know in advance, which was also greatly helpful in allowing me to understand the type of work I may have to do in the future.
How do you think this experience will help you with your future career decisions?
Given the experience I’ve gained here, I feel like I understand a lot more about the marketing industry, and I’ve enjoyed the practical aspect of such a role. Overall, working in DOS I believe has strengthened my feelings in regards to working within the media industry.
What has been your favourite moment or highlight of the week?
While I was working on the case report after I finished my lunch, some of the staff hung around the desk I was working on and I was able to listen in to some of their interesting stories whether they be about their life or work in DOS. And that was wonderful getting to know the people I had been working with more properly.