March 2, 2021, by stykjsk
Going on Placement? Time to Get Excited!
By Katy Skillen, third year nutrition and dietetics student
A few weeks ago, I found out that my placement for next year has been confirmed! Despite all the difficulties brought about by Covid-19, with lots changes and uncertainty, I can now say that in July this year I will be heading off to complete NHS hospital placement.
I’m anticipating that the placement will be equally exciting and challenging. So now that the hospital has confirmed the placement, what can I do now?
Connect with others
As soon as I received my placement confirmation, I messaged other course-mates who have been placed in the same hospital. It’s safe to say that a WhatsApp group chat was swiftly made. This is a great way to share information, remind each other of any upcoming deadlines and advise each other on how we are preparing. Going on placement can be daunting, so building a strong community around you is key to gaining confidence.
Do your research
It sounds pretty obvious but taking time to give your future placement organisation a good old Google is a great way to start. Try connecting on LinkedIn or sending an introductory email to your future team. Perhaps, doing other courses or research to help you feel even more prepared for staring work may also be useful.
Tackle the practicalities
Even if your placement isn’t for another few months, there is no harm in organising yourself early. If you are moving to a new city, maybe start looking at accommodation options? Or maybe you need to think about buying new clothes? Does this placement mean you are going to have to change how you budget your money next year? While this may seem overwhelming at first, tackling each issue individually over the next few months is the best way to feel prepared. You can do it!
Ask advice
Now is the time to really lean on others. Why not connect with someone who has been on that same placement previously about what top tips they would pass down or wish they had known? Having a strong knowledge of what the placement is going to be like will make you even more excited, and in the new virtual world, finding these connections has never been easier.
Get excited!
The hospital where I’m going on placement is in Doncaster; a town which I have never been to and know very little about. So, of course I’ve spent the last few days looking up all the nearby places to visit (weekend trips to the Peak District?), restaurants and bars, shops and other activities. I’ve noticed there are two golf courses in Doncaster, so I’m seriously considering taking up golf as a new hobby…
But my final, and most important, piece of advice is to believe in yourself. We all experience imposter syndrome at times, especially when we are going to a new place, and it’s okay to be nervous. But remember you are talented, capable, and have worked really hard to get to this point. Be proud of all your achievements and get ready to accomplish even more during this next stage of your life.
Inspired to get work experience? Tomorrow we are hosting the virtual Graduate Jobs and Internships Fair between 11am and 3pm. The employers attending have vacancies to fill so don’t miss out on this opportunity to find out more.
Also check out all the options on our work experience webpages, which highlight the different ways you can gain experience and where to look for vacancies.
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