Izzy

University student

Having just changed degree from neuroscience to English literature after two years of study, I applied for work experience at Pages Creative to gain some direction and purpose before starting my new course.

I was immediately made welcome, and the week progressed to shorts and flip-flops on day two, lunchtime yoga by day three and a good 400 per cent increase in coffee intake by the end of the week. In that time, I have gained in-depth knowledge of what it is like to work for a publishing company, the kind of work they do and the different stages involved.

I have written several pieces throughout the week, with detailed feedback and step-by-step guidance on how to lay out, target and write pieces in different styles, lengths and for different audiences.

I have written pieces from recordings of interviews with prepared questions in mind and from articles, and helped design and therefore actually impact real work.

I have gained an understanding of the technology they use (I can now cut and paste on an Apple computer – an achievement I am genuinely proud of), sat in on client meetings and proofread work. I have also had an in-depth tour of the printing press Severn, which was fascinating.

Included in all this was sparkling conversation and free coffee.

I have been made to feel extraordinarily comfortable and welcome by a company which is both professional and a pleasure to work in. Pages Creative is the perfect work experience because they know what they are doing and they do it well but, more importantly, their friendliness creates an environment that allows you to feel confident enough to contribute, make mistakes and learn.

I would like to genuinely thank them for the time they have spent looking after me – I have enjoyed myself very much. I would also like to apologise for the grammar and structure of this piece – I did learn something, I promise.