Prospect 13 picked up the Student Placement award at this year's Northern Star Business Awards, and were presented the title by sponsors Robert Gordon University.
Sarah Kelly says the extent to which Prospect 13 has gone above and beyond the call of duty is summed up by the fact that she was offered a full-time job, half-way through her initial 12-week placement.
Sarah is studying BA (hons) in Digital Marketing at Robert Gordon University and her third year placement was aimed at providing hands-on practical digital marketing experience to put the theory learned into practice. She joined Prospect 13 and became part of a team developing two websites.
“I received clear direction, defined objectives and I instantly felt I was empowered to share ideas and add value to the projects,” she said.
The scope of her placement quickly stretched beyond the original brief, as her mentor, managing director, Cerri McDonald, was keen that her experience should have no boundaries. She wanted her to feel like a key team player and receive exposure to the wide variety of digital marketing activities delivered across a broad client base.
Sarah showed initiative in quieter times by helping the busy team with other projects and was given the opportunity to communicate with clients, something she feels placements sometimes don’t offer.
“Very quickly, I was trusted to support wider projects and be involved in day-to-day activities,” she said. “I became part of the team and soon I didn’t feel like I was on placement. A particular high point was working with communication colleagues to plan, implement and deliver two focus groups for International School Aberdeen as part of ongoing market research.”
Sarah was the focal point for the project and was given the opportunity to work closely with kindergarten and grade seven parents and report findings back to ISA with a clear set of actions and recommendations.
“This exercise provided a real depth of customer understanding which aided the direction of the marketing strategy for 2022-23. I was able to use a variety of skills which I realise are invaluable in any career.
“In addition to launching two new websites and completing a market research project, I enjoyed a range of unique opportunities including writing everything from social media content and blog articles to creating facts and stat carousels for client platforms.
“I feel I have matured in verbal and written communication ability and have honed my skills in being able to listen carefully to what customers want and deliver it effectively. Prospect 13 offered an environment for my creativity to flourish and develop skills which will stand me in excellent stead, wherever my career takes me.
The finalists
The other finalists in the category were:
- CFINE
- Diversity Energy Solutions
- Sport Aberdeen
- RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited
Click here to view the finalists video.
About the sponsor
Robert Gordon University provides industry led undergraduate and postgraduate courses leading to highly relevant awards and degrees. Situated on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK, the university provides facilities that will have a real influence on your capacity to learn.