First Steps into MedComms: a Work Experience Placement with Mearns & Pike
“Starting my work experience at Mearns & Pike was both exciting and a bit scary (at the start). But what I discovered and learned here has been amazing. Here’s a glimpse into my incredible experience and the valuable lessons I’ve learned”
Last week was a Mearns & Pike first, as we opened our doors (laptops?) to a Year 10 work experience student, who joined us to learn a bit more about the diverse and collaborative world of PR and communications. A learning experience for all of us as well, we were so impressed at her approach to taking on the very same work that makes up our day-to-day, as she tackled a range of tasks within our current projects.
In this blog post, she shares her first impressions and thoughts from her week with us. Her fresh and enthusiastic perspective gives a great insight into what it's like to step into Medical Communications for the first time, something that is so valuable to be reminded of. We’re so pleased that she enjoyed her week with us, and hope that by sharing her experiences it may spark interest in others who are curious about a future in this field. Who knows – maybe we’ll see her again someday as a new Account Executive!
My Journey and Learnings at Mearns and Pike
Starting my work experience at Mearns & Pike was both exciting and a bit scary (at the start). But what I discovered and learned here has been amazing. Here’s a glimpse into my incredible experience and the valuable lessons I’ve learned.
Freedom and Teamwork:
One of the first things that struck me at Mearns & Pike was the freedom compared to school. Here, I can work with team members and ask for help whenever needed. Everyone was super supportive, and I felt like I belonged right away. Plus, I got to wake up later than I need to for school which was great!
Overcoming Initial Nerves:
At the beginning, joining calls and meeting new people was quite daunting. However, the team were so chatty and friendly that I soon forgot about my nerves. The calls soon became one of my favourite parts of the experience. I loved learning about everyone’s roles and chatting with them about all kinds of things. It was fascinating to learn about their jobs and career journeys.
Exploring Different Roles and Tasks:
Mearns & Pike provided me with loads of opportunities to learn about different aspects of the business, allowing me to discover what I truly enjoyed. Each task was different, which kept things interesting. I realized that this industry might be something I want to explore more in the future.
The Power of Teamwork:
One big thing I learned is how important teamwork is. Working with others makes the job easier and more fun. Sharing ideas, combining knowledge and listening to everyone’s point of view helps everyone understand things better and complete tasks more effectively.
The Necessity of Communication:
Regular communication is super important, especially for people working from home. Catching up with the team ensures everyone is on the same page and helps track progress on various tasks. This is important when everyone is working towards the same goal.
The Importance of Taking Breaks:
Staring at a computer screen for hours is neither healthy nor productive. I learned how important it is to take breaks and get some fresh air. Sitting in front of a computer all day isn’t good for anyone. Taking a break helps recharge and stay focused.
Client Care and Respect:
Treating clients with respect and caring for them is really important. Each client deserves the same level of attention and respect. This not only builds strong relationships but also trust and satisfaction.
Time Management Skills:
Effective time management was another critical skill I learned during my time at Mearns & Pike. Balancing multiple tasks and ensuring they are completed to the best of my ability required careful planning and prioritization. This skill will definitely be important in my future.
A Heartfelt Thank You:
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Mearns & Pike for their warm welcome, guidance, and patience. But especially a massive thank you to Kirsty and Jon for providing me with this amazing opportunity. My work experience here has been interesting, insightful and exciting! It has offered me a sneak peek into the working world and I can’t wait to get started.
My journey at Mearns & Pike has been incredibly rewarding. The lessons I've learned and the experiences I've had will stay with me into the future. Thank you for making this such a memorable and enriching experience.