Work Experience

We know that work experience is hugely valuable when applying for jobs.

Employers want to see what the student can do and whether they have already “been thrown in the deep end”. This will help them gain an insight into the candidate’s strengths and challenges

The week long work placement our students undertake in their third term is a very important part of the course. It gives them an insight into the world of work, the different roles within a business and the pace and responsibilities expected. They will begin to see whether they would like to work in that particular role in that sector.

We work very closely with well-respected boutique recruitment agencies in London and Oxford who start working with our students at the beginning of the course. They give advice about the job-market, interviews, job searching and arrange the work experience week. Having interviewed each of our students they carefully match them up with their clients who are more than willing to offer our students an opportunity to shine. Each year some students are offered a permanent job based on this week. Students are also encouraged to find work experience placements individually.

Arianna describes her work experience week in the City of London

I was working in the City, just by Poultry, which was very exciting as it was right in the centre of the business district and I’d never been there before. I was working for Leverton Search a recruitment company that specialises in executive search for Investment Management companies.

On the first day they were very friendly and considerate. There were also 2 other OMBS students doing work experience so we had lots to discuss and chat about. The MD took me out for a cup of tea in the morning and we chatted about my future plans. It was lovely to feel warmly welcomed. It was a very small office of 4 but we were situated in a WeWorks building where there were ping pong tables, a free barista, tea and coffee, Prosecco and beer on tap and free breakfast on a Monday!

I loved the morning commute as I felt very important but it was tiring and busy. I didn’t socialise with the people I was working with but I attended all the drinks from the recruitment companies which was a great way to catch up with the other OMBS students and share funny moments about the day.

Yes, I had to make telephone calls, create itineraries, organise their databases but they were all things that I have been used to. It made me realise how well prepared we are for the workplace.

I didn’t really know what to expect but I now know that I definitely want to work in the City. At the start of the week I was hopeless with the tube but by the end of the week I found it much easier which really improved my confidence. The week has made me decide that working in a busy place with a strong work ethic is really important to me.

Pip Cox at Joyce Guiness Recruitment

Last week we had Tess, a student at Oxford Media & Business School working with us and gaining experience of being in an office. She spent her week doing lots of social media, writing job adverts and learning how to manoeuvre around the website and how to add jobs and content. We thought she was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed having her in the office with us. Thank you Tess!

Tess reviews her week at Joyce Guiness

I originally had a place at Oxford Brookes University to study Anthropology. During my gap year, I realised that I was picking the course for the sake of going to University. After doing some work, it was evident that I wanted to get into the working world as soon as possible, rather than studying for three more years.

After some research into alternatives to university, I came across the Professional Business Diploma course at Oxford Media & Business School. This course was exactly what I was looking for and so I made the conscious decision to withdraw my university offer. The course has given me the opportunity to spend a year in Oxford as a student, whilst developing my business and IT skills. It has been a fantastic course and I know the transferable skills I have learnt will be extremely useful in any job.

The course also incorporates a week of work experience. I was lucky to have spent this week with the wonderful Joyce Guiness team. It has been interesting finding out what recruitment involves and to get a feel for different types of jobs. This week has also given me the opportunity to experience the working life in London. Thank you JG for having me!

These are some of our work experience companies: