What are your main responsibilities in your placement role?
The primary purpose of my role (Programme Support Officer) is to support all ICMM programme areas, through providing cross-programme research, analysis, developing content, and administrative assistance so that ICMM can effectively deliver its work plan. Within ICMM I facilitate on Innovation (Climate Change, Circular Economy, Tailings, Health and Safety), Nature and ICSV (Innovation for Safer and Cleaner Vehicles). The best way to summarise my role is that I'm a spare pair of hands, eyes and a fresh brain.
How did you find out about this placement opportunity?
I found this opportunity on Gradcracker, a placement website.
Can you tell us about any help you received from Academic Tutors or the Careers Service when you were applying for placement opportunities?
I had several 1-to-1 sessions with the Careers Service to help me with what to do. The first meeting was on how to find placements and was directed to a few websites where placements are listed. My second meeting was surrounding professional interviews; I'd secured an interview for a placement and had no prior experience in professional interviews. The Careers Service set up some test interviews and guided me on how to answer questions.
Are you enjoying your placement? Can you tell us a bit about some of your highlights to date?
I love my placement. the company is amazing and got so lucky with all the benefits I get. My highlight has got to be our Annual Member Meeting, the RMLF (Responsible Mining Leadership Forum) where we brought together our 26 member mining companies, key steak holders and parties of interest to discuss all the work we had been doing and showing the positive influence we are having as a company, on making the mining industry sustainable. I got to meet and connect with so many amazing people, such as the CEO of Rio Tinto, Mark Carney, and many others.
What is the most exciting thing you've done on placement so far?
Probably go on holiday! Work took me on an all-expenses trip to Spain where we got to visit some of our members, enjoy Spanish food and drinks and explore Seville and Huelva.
Please can you give us an overview of what a typical day on placement has been like for you?
So I wake up and decide if I want to work from home or go into office (my job has the option to be 100% remote if I want). This is usually controlled by the weather. When I get to office I go get a free coffee and then sit down and check my emails and messages. Finish any tasks that I planned to get done today. Take a few calls, have a few meetings and project planning sessions. Wrap up and go home!
How has your degree helped you to be successful on placement?
It provided me with the base knowledge I needed to be able to thrive and survive in this role. It also introduced me to concepts such as sustainability and circular economies which play a vital role within the company.
Do you think this placement year will benefit your studies when you return next year?
Yes, it will not only provide me with a deep understanding of certain topics, but it will allow me to complete my dissertation on topics that I would otherwise not know about. ICMM will also supervise me with with any help I need.
Do you feel that your placement with also equip you for life after University?
Yes, it has eased me into what post-uni life looks like, how companies work and how to live and budget off a full time salary.
What advice would you give to students thinking about doing a placement year?
Remember that it is just experience, its great if you get a placement in a sector you really want to go into, but experience is experience. It Is one BIG thing that will allow you to stand out from others in the application processes.
