So here we are, three months in, and Red C has had me unleashed upon them without the safety net of my predecessor Anna Chan around to guide me. Though whilst I’m holding my breath and wishing myself luck, I think I’m going to be alright.

Here’s why:

1. The people I’m working with are ace. They are funny, clever and helpful

2. Holiday treats, birthday treats, leaving treats…there’s always some kind of sweet treat on offer, not to mention the decent coffee. Suddenly 7am starts don’t seem so bad

3. It’s a bit of a cliché but I can honestly say I’m learning something new thing every day

I remember when I first started searching for a placement last year and thinking that just getting one was what counted. Now I realise actually just how important getting the right one was. And I certainly found that at Red C.

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Pot Noodle... it's what students live off you know!

It’s been a month since I completed my placement at Red C, and I’m back studying at university. I’m back into student life, which, in case you’re wondering, doesn’t just mean sitting around eating beans on toast and watching Doctors on daytime TV. But it does feel  strange as the reality of returning to university as a final year student is a far cry from what I imagined it to be. Whilst I’m sat in a stuffy lecture hall struggling not to fall asleep from the lecturer’s monotonous voice, making notes about theory models, I can’t help but think back to my time at Red C and think how different it was.

I find myself missing the hectic bustle of the office, the ringing phones, even having to check through all the email links. It’s then I realise just how much Red C has changed me, motivated me and inspired me. When I look around at the other students who didn’t complete a placement, I can’t help but feel they’ve missed out. I feel my time at Red C was invaluable in helping me develop and for setting me on course to achieve my goals in advertising.

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On a recent holiday to Egypt I did an introductory scuba course. Probably not the best of ideas considering I’m terrified of deep water. However, the opportunity came about and my attitude is that you should always face your fears, especially when it allows you to learn something new.

So I went scuba diving, and guess what? I loved it! I was locked onto the instructors arm refusing to release the grip as the instructor pointed out all the beautiful species of fish and coral to me. It truly was a fantastic experience which, even though I was terrified, I am glad my fears didn’t make me miss out.

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With a background in design, later followed by psychology, my decision to explore advertising surfaced with the desire for creativity and a keen interest in human behaviour. So after hours of people watching and doodling I thought I’d study the subject in more depth, and went back to Uni to do a psychology of advertising MSc.

Psychology of advertising explores the many aspects associated with how ads are designed and executed, in order to effectively influence consumer buying behaviour. This might include various cognitive functions such as attention, perception and memory, as well as cultural and behavioural factors that drive our decision-making processes.

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As I approach the end of my placement year with Red C, I would like to emphasise how much I have enjoyed being part of such a dynamic and innovative company. Being at the forefront of marketing development and seeing an idea put into practice is an experience any marketing enthusiast would envy. The knowledge and skills I have acquired will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset in my final year at University.

From the moment I started my placement to the final week I genuinely felt part of the Red C team, rather than just a student having to be kept busy for the duration of her placement. The friendship, co-operation and genuine concern for one another became apparent as soon as I started working at Red C and something I will always remember.

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The phrase ‘time flies’ is testament to my experience at Red C. It’s been six months since I left and I still miss the place!

Before embarking on my annual festival trip to Glastonbury in the summer of 2008, I was elated to find out I had secured the Junior Account Executive placement. However, panic soon struck! As a student with no relevant, practical business experience I was naturally overwhelmed and nervous as to how I could make a positive contribution to Red C. Those insecurities soon disappeared when I realised I was surrounded by people (both in the account and creative departments) who were willing to help, advise and guide me if need be.

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Bloody Students

On the 7^th June 2007 I got the phone call to say…..I had secured the position as Junior Marketing Coordinator at Red C in their London Office. I was absolutely ecstatic as this was a bit of a double whammy for me seeing as it was also my birthday! I will never forget how happy I was to hear such good news.

In August 2007 I began my placement year with Red C. Moving down to a new city, was exciting but also made me very nervous at the same time; however the nervous feelings soon diluted as I began my placement journey. During the start of my placement, the routine of getting up early everyday and concentrating for the whole day was daunting and I did struggle to get into a regular pattern in the first few weeks.

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‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.

This was almost certainly the case for me when trying to find a placement for my year out from university. It had proved much more difficult than I anticipated, possibly due to companies being under pressure during the recession.

After numerous phone calls and e-mails I was still struggling to secure even a two-week placement, until a friend (Lee Fairhurst) mentioned that a marketing company he works for were looking for placement students. A phone call, and an interview later, I had got myself a month’s work placement at Red C.

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The benefits of a student placement vary greatly depending on who you speak to, to me personally it was just a part of my course, one that I was considering foregoing just so I could graduate sooner.

When I eventually found my placement at Red C I soon realised how vital the experience was, not just academically but also personally. Red C is a company that, as it says, strives to get under the skin of its clients. It’s a bold statement to make but it’s certainly true in every imaginable way, I know from personal experience – trust me!

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