As part of my Marketing degree at the University of Liverpool, I was encouraged to gain practical experience over the summer. This led me to spend a week at The Work-wise Foundation, working closely with Beth, the Marketing & Events Executive.

From the start, I was introduced not just to the company’s marketing and branding behind the scenes, but also to its ethos and strong commitment to supporting young people. I quickly found the projects they deliver particularly inspiring — combining professional development, practical skills, and industry engagement in a way that has a real impact.

During the week, I supported the team with a variety of tasks including scheduling social media content, writing blogs, and assisting with event coordination. These responsibilities gave me the chance to apply my academic knowledge in real situations, which was eye-opening and rewarding. The blend of hands-on work, observation, and learning helped me gain a well-rounded view of how organisations like Work-wise bridge the gap between education and industry.

A highlight of my placement was seeing the The Work-wise Foundation and Skills Street collaboration in action through the summer programme’s Fun with Flight event. Watching the hard work and planning that went into this project, and then seeing it come to life on the day, was both interesting and motivating. It was a clear example of the team’s dedication to giving young people meaningful opportunities to explore future career paths.

One of the most valuable takeaways from my time at Work-wise was learning about alternative routes beyond university. Before this experience, I was less aware of the variety of options available to young people, and I now see how important it is to have that guidance accessible to everyone. The advice and opportunities the foundation offers are not only valuable but also essential in helping people make informed decisions about their futures.

Looking back, my week at The Work-wise Foundation was highly rewarding. I developed practical and transferable skills relevant to my degree while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of outreach, inclusivity, and accessible career advice. Most importantly, it has motivated me to think about how marketing — and communication more broadly — can be used to engage and inspire audiences in meaningful ways.