Placement and internship case studies

I felt it was a fantastic chance to gain some valuable work experience in a professional environment.

Through family or friends

I had to send firstly my CV, and then I had to directly contact the President of the association in order to explain why I was interested in working for the ASF.

I had a number of responsibilities. I not only had to log data in order to help the ASF develop a phone application, I also had the role of researching a writing information in relation to Scottish Architectural history in New York.

I would arrive at the Foundations offices located on Madison Avenue at around 11 each morning, where for two hours I would log date on and excel page in order to send to an app developer so that he could begin the app curation process. After Lunch, my role varied, I would either travel round New York taking pictures of Scottish Architecture for the foundation, or I would spend time writing up historical overviews of Scottish-American history in New York.

I loved being in New York. It really is a wonderful city, and it felt very special to work in a professional workplace in such a city.

Being in New York by myself was quite challenging. Having to find my way around proved difficult, but I got the hang of it in the end. It was also quite odd being in a formal workplace, it reminded me of school.

Communication is probably the main skill I was certainly able to develop. I had to keep in constant contact with Camilla Hellman, the President of the foundation, in order to make sure I was fulfilling the role expected of me. Travelling around New York on my own also helped me to understand more about myself, in that I can handle significant responsibilities that previously I was unaware of.

To some extent. Being in another country was great, so my placement reinforced the hope that when I have finished my degree, finding a job that includes the chance to travel or even work abroad would be great.

Take a chance, if there is the possibility of gaining a placement abroad, take it. It really a fantastic experience.