24Feb
Written by Amelia McArdle, Trainee Marketing Assistant.
When I look back to the start of my placement journey, it’s almost ironic how different my mindset was. At the beginning of the year, I was not initially planning on doing a placement. I was convinced that the quickest route to the ‘real world’ was to power straight through my degree with no professional experience under my belt. A placement felt like a delay in my tracks, and I believed it would set me back. My original plan was to secure a Summer Internship however this did not go plan.
However, the more I spoke to others, I started to realise how valuable a year of real experience could be. Everyone kept saying the same thing ‘it gives you such an advantage when you graduate, as you gain more work experience’. Slowly but surely, that idea started to sink in and what was originally perceived to be a detour, began to look more like an investment for my future. A chance to build confidence, skills and clarity before stepping into full time work.
So, I changed my mind and this is where my real journey began.
Starting Late and Catching Up Fast
As I am studying Marketing Management, I was drawn to placements within this field. However, the number of opportunities were limited as a lot of the deadlines had passed for placement programmes.
A great initial resource that I used was the Careers department at my University. I contacted the Careers team and was given a Placement Tutor. They advised me to look on sites such as Bright Network, Higher In and to keep my eyes peeled on LinkedIn. They also provided me with CV advice and how to tailor it to the roles.
I also carried out my own research into companies that had ran Marketing placements in the past and turned my alerts on via their ‘Register your Interest’ links on their websites.
My System
Very quickly into the process, I realised that applying for placements wasn’t something I could keep track of in my head. Also, on top of all that, I still had university lectures, seminars, part time work and assignments demanding my attention. It felt like I was trying to juggle two full‑time commitments at once.
So, I built a spreadsheet, then I colour‑coded it like my life depended on it.
It became the centre of my entire placement search and honestly, the only thing keeping me afloat while balancing other commitments at the same time.
I used it to track:
- Every company I applied to.
- The role and location.
- The date I applied
- Deadlines for online assessments to be completed by
- My stage in the process
Seeing the progress, I was making visually made the whole process feel less chaotic. Even on days when I got rejections, I could look at the spreadsheet and remind myself that I was moving forward with other opportunities even if it didn’t always feel like it.
The Emotional Dip: Rejections, Silence, and Everything In Between
Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional side of the placement search. It is the part that hits you when you least expect it.
After a while I could recognise a rejection email before even opening it. The subject lines all started to blur together.
‘Thank you for your application…’
‘ Unfortunately, after careful consideration…’
‘We regret to inform you…’
It did not matter how many times I told myself to not take it personally, it would eventually start to take a toll. It would become tiresome when I would spend hours completing an application, altering my CV and creating a cover letter. It felt like I was putting so much into each application, only to be met with an automated response. Honestly though, the silence was worse. Just refreshing my inbox between lectures, hoping for something to just appear.
Online Interviews:
Then came the interviews, some were over the phone, which was my preference as I was able to engage and have a more in-depth conversation with another person. However, the pre–recorded video interviews were not my favourite. Talking to a blank screen with a countdown timer ticking in the corner is quite a strange experience. You are trying to sound confident, professional and enthusiastic all while staring at your own reflection.
The Assessment Centre Stage:
One of the most valuable moments in my placement search was being invited to an in-person assessment centre for a huge, globally recognised entertainment company all the way in London.
Walking into that room was overwhelming as there were around 30 of us in total. The day was packed with group tasks, presentations, speed interviews and constant evaluation. You could feel the pressure and competition in the air, even though everyone was being polite and trying to make conversation.
It was intense, exhausting and honestly a bit of a surreal experience. I left feeling proud of myself for getting that far, however completely drained. I waited for about two whole weeks for a response, and I still hadn’t heard anything. After chasing and calling a few times for feedback, I was finally given an update.
After all the time, energy and hope I had put into the process, I was disappointed when I heard the I hadn’t been successful. However, this taught me a lot about resilience and made me realise how important communication and transparency is within recruitment. This is something I value highly especially since seeing this myself.
Why Cohesion Stood Out
After experiencing so many different processes I didn’t really expect anything to feel different. I thought that was just how early talent recruitment worked.
Then I applied to Cohesion.
Where Everything Finally Felt Human
From the very first interaction, it felt different. Each email came from a real person, and every update was via a phone call from the Early Talent team. There was no guessing, no chasing and no wondering if my application had been screened. I felt like someone was paying attention, not just to my CV but to me.
The team shared the interview questions in advance for the online video interview stage. That small gesture made such a difference to my approach to the interview. It took away the fear of being blindsided as I knew what to expect and allowed me to focus on giving thoughtful, confident answers. It showed me how much pressure can be reduced when companies prioritise the candidate experience.
The Assessment Centre That Made Sense
Shortly after submitting my interview, I received a phone call from the team a few days later. I really appreciated the swift response. I was then invited to the assessment day.
Upon arrival I anticipated around 15 of us to be there due to my previous experience., We had to prepare a presentation beforehand, which I didn’t mind as it was something I was used to doing at University and they gave me plenty of notice..
Throughout the day, the tasks were personal and meaningful. They weren’t designed to trip us up or force us into competition. Instead, they encouraged us to talk about our experiences, our motivations, and how we approach challenges. It wasn’t about who could dominate the room it was about who you were as a person.
For the first time in the entire placement search, I felt like I had a real opportunity to stand out for the right reasons.
The Impact of Good Communication
Every stage of Cohesion’s process was clear, supportive, and genuinely human. I never felt confused or left waiting. I never felt like a number. I felt respected, informed, and valued and that feeling stayed with me long after the offer came through.
It was the first time I thought,
“This is what recruitment should feel like.”
My 5 Top Tips for Anyone Applying for Placements
Here are the things I wish someone had told me at the start and the things that I felt genuinely made a difference to my search:
1. Start earlier than you think you need to
Even if you’re not sure what you want yet, start looking. The earlier you begin, the less overwhelming it feels later.
2. Track everything
A spreadsheet will save your life. Keep track of deadlines, stages, contacts, and notes. It keeps you organised and reduces stress.
3. Tailor every application
Generic CVs and cover letters won’t get you far. Tailoring takes time, but it’s worth it to stand out.
4. Don’t be afraid to call
Calling companies for updates felt terrifying at first, but it genuinely helped me stand out. Recruiters remember the candidates who take initiative.
5. Prepare for assessment centres
Practice group tasks, presentations, and interviews. The more familiar you are with the format, the more confident you’ll feel.
What’s Next?
Looking back, the placement ‑application process was far more intense, emotional, and time‑consuming than I ever expected. But it taught me so much about resilience, organisation, communication, and what I truly value in an employer.
And most importantly, it led me to Cohesion a company that made me feel seen, supported, and excited about my future.
In Part 2 of this blog series, I’ll be sharing everything that happened next:
My onboarding experience, my first weeks in the role, and what I’ve learned since joining Cohesion for my placement year.
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