Written by Sophie Bowers.
Sophie Bowers undertook a one-month placement at The Guardian Media Group after graduating. I wanted to get into marketing all through university, and started applying for graduate schemes in my final year. I had heard about guaranteed interview schemes for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, these schemes were very competitive and I did not succeed in getting an interview. Following several months of unemployment after graduating, I approached The Wise Group: WorkAble who were able to arrange a one-month placement at The Guardian. There I worked within a small team on a financial magazine and a weekly. My main duties included co-ordinating direct mail, designing adverts for the magazine and analysing their success, researching information for the magazine’s monthly competition and assisting with organising an investment seminar and representing Money Observer at a Share and Investment Exhibition. I really started to enjoy being a valued part of the team. After working there for two weeks, they asked if I could stay on an extra month and I was delighted to accept. Not only have I gained confidence, but I’ve also learnt how to use Quark XPress and how to communicate effectively, and I’ve also gained some great friends! A few adaptations were needed for my visual impairment. For instance my colleagues had to get used to enlarging text on reading material and inform me of any issues to be discussed in meetings beforehand. This understandably took a little time for them, but they were very accommodating and willing to listen to any concerns. After my experience at The Guardian I felt a renewed sense of confidence when approaching the job market. I took on board the advice given to me by The Guardian and many of those who interviewed me said that it was my placement that earned me an interview. Since my placement, I have accepted a job at a publishing company as a marketing assistant and hope to progress further within this field. Further information:
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