GO Wales Case Studies

Beki Lee graduated with a 2:1 in Media Communications from the Atrium, University of Glamorgan. Eager to start work she secured a GO Wales Work Placement with Cynon Taff Community Housing Group and has gained fantastic marketing experience. Beki Lee tells us her story;

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying, and feel the knowledge I gained over the three years is invaluable. However, I wanted more. Confidence and experience in practical skills were what I really needed to develop myself further and prepare myself for the working world. This led me to apply for work experience.”

“I applied for a GO Wales Placement after hearing more about them in a Careers Fair over the summer. Impressed by the time scale of ten weeks, and a good weekly wage, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. Luckily, I was a successful candidate and began at Cynon Taf Community Housing Group, a Housing Association in Abercynon, South Wales. I applied for this particular placement because it was for Media and PR graduates, an area I have always been interested and educated in.”

“My placement has almost come to an end, but already I have learnt so much about my professional skills. Integrating myself into a hard working team of people has given me motivation and drive to try my best and reach my targets. Honestly, I feel this placement has aided the growth of my confidence and determination to perform better and exceed expectations. I have always had a competitive streak, but Cynon Taf Community Housing Group has given me more independence, brilliant resources and countless challenges, and through support and inspiration from fantastic colleagues, I have succeeded in the tasks set.”

“One of the biggest projects during my placement was organising, advertising and then filming the Annual General Meeting which took place at the beginning of September. My Media and PR skills were really put to the test as I designed and created invitations, posters and flyers, wrote adverts for the local press, ordered the exhibition furniture, managed the venue arrangements, filmed, photographed and conducted interviews with visitors on the day itself. It was a truly successful day, and Darshan Matharoo, a member of the Welsh Government left the event with some encouraging words; "The exhibition style display was a great idea. Sitting at my desk wouldn’t have made me this aware of what the association has done… All day there was a buzz amongst everyone – there wasn’t a dull moment.” Undoubtedly, the AGM was my highlight of the entire placement.”

 “I have been offered a direct contract with the company immediately after my placement ends. When thanking the Chief Executive, Antonia Forte, she replied, “No, thank you. You did the hard work and made yourself indispensible. I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t take up the offer.”

“I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to be involved in an opportunity like this. Too many graduates, like many others in our society, are struggling to find any work at all, let alone a job that is suited to the individual’s skills, strengths and qualifications. This placement has given me hope in finding a career I love. For this reason, I recommend a GO Wales Placement to any graduate who desires precious experience in the industry they wish to pursue a successful career within.”