By Hannah Reaney, BA Business Management
During the summer of 2018 I was fortunate to gain an internship as a Marketing Assistant at a local engineering company in Sheffield called Performance Engineered Solutions Ltd. They are an engineering design business that provide solutions to clients’ engineering challenges. They work in a variety of sectors including Formula 1, aerospace, energy, marine, automotive, and many more.
I decided to do a summer placement because I felt that it would provide a great opportunity of putting what I have learnt at university into practice and give me some real-world work experience. During my course I really enjoyed studying marketing modules, and found it interesting learning about the best methods of communication for different businesses. I was excited to have the chance to apply what I had learned in the workplace, and see if I enjoyed a marketing role.
I first found out about the role on the University’s Careers Connect website, where I had to write a CV and a cover letter. In order to prepare, I visited the Employability Hub, the careers service that is based within the Management School, for some practical advice on my application. The Careers Advisor was able to check over my CV and cover letter before I submitted it, and I also gained some valuable advice on how to approach an interview if I was successful. Thankfully, I was! For my interview I was told I had to prepare some work on my thoughts and ideas on the current website and how it could be developed. My interview went well, and I was offered the role.
I really enjoyed my summer 
internship, and feel that as I was at a smaller company compared to a larger PLC, I was offered more responsibility and was able to see the end results of what I had worked on during my time there. It’s easy to only consider the big names when you’re looking for a placement or internship, however I definitely wouldn’t change where I chose to work. My summer with PES Performance was a great experience with a great team of people. I’m pleased to say that when my internship finished they offered me a part-time role whilst I complete my studies, which means I have some extra income and some great experience to put on my CV and speak about at graduate interviews. I would recommend a summer internship to anyone!