My name is Dorisa Walaszek, I’m 21 and I’m in my third year studying BSc communication, advertising and marketing (CAM), currently I’m on placement with the Ulster University Business School in the Business Engagement Unit, working on student engagement and digital project support.
My placement journey
First things first - finding a placement is difficult (at least it was in my case). If you’re currently in second year, scared of what’s coming, and wondering if it’ll all work out, let me tell you: it will.
I started my placement hunt back in October 2023, full of confidence and naivety. ‘It can’t be that hard’ I thought. I applied far and wide certain I would secure the first opportunity I applied for. I didn’t. I didn’t get the second one or the one after that. I finally secured my placement on the 28th June 2024.
At first, I was picky. I applied for jobs I thought I wanted – marketing and digital marketing roles only. Turns out, the industry is hard to get into. Who would’ve thought. I started applying to anything that sparked my interest. I realised I shouldn’t limit myself, and neither should you.
The rejection process
However, the hardest part wasn’t the application process – it was the comparisons I made. I didn’t understand what I was doing wrong. My CV was polished to perfections, thanks to the resources I had at university, and I was getting interviews. But job offers? Nothing.
At this point, I started overthinking and blaming myself. ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m terrible at interviews’ I thought. I know that I’m not alone in this feeling but the voice in my head was constant. Whether you’re applying for a placement, a graduate job, or changing your career, rejection is never nice. After five rejection emails or no call backs, you start wondering if it’s you, if you’re not good enough. But you are, it’s the ‘big bad world’ we were warned about our whole lives.
Support
Thankfully, I had a great support system; my mum, my boyfriend, my friends, and the university staff were all there for me when I felt like giving up. I reached out to my placement coordinator, freaking out as I wasn’t hearing back from anywhere, but I got the reassurance I was looking for, I was told not to give up and keep looking as there was still a lot out there. If you’re in a similar position, please reach out – it helps more than you would think.
I reached out to family connections who were graduates from CAM. Despite their busy schedules, they both provided me with valuable guidance, tips and tricks, even possible connections. I was encouraged to focus on the STAR (situation, task, action, and result) technique. Which I had learned about during my studies, however, I hadn’t used it to my advantage. After a lot of practice, I felt confident in my answers. I was starting to feel hopeful about the interviews I had lined up. I’m forever grateful for the support I got as I don’t think I would be in the position I’m in if it wasn’t for everyone around me.
Group placement
Light at the end of the tunnel
Finally, June came and I had my final two interviews, this was all or nothing. I went to the Belfast Campus and done my interview and felt… horrible. I left feeling overwhelmed, completely shattered. My confidence plummeted rapidly. Fifteen minutes later, I was at my last interview, which also didn’t go well. The interview itself went great, I was proud of my answers, but I knew that this wasn’t going to a company where I was going to flourish. I was disappointed, defeated and down in the dumps. Later that evening, I hesitantly checked my emails. To my shock, I had an offer – just two hours after my interview I received the offer for Student Engagement and Digital Project Support at Ulster University!
My placement year so far
Fast forward to now, I absolutely love what I’m doing. The work I’m doing ties directly to my degree, the team has been extremely welcoming, and I’ve been given the freedom to work on my passions and skills. At the moment, I’m working on the Ulster University Business School Instagram as well as other social media platforms, I get to hear some of the most inspiring stores from fellow students and write about them. I have been able to attend some incredible events and make meaningful connections. Everyday is different and I couldn’t be happier. Looking back, I’m glad that I went through the gruelling placement process - I’ve been able to appreciate this placement a lot more.
To anyone who’s feeling defeated or overwhelmed by the interview process: hang in there, it’s worth it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, reaching out can help you tremendously. And trust me, if I can do it, you can too.