I started my work experience at Velstar on May 21st and was assigned a role in the content department, where I met the welcoming and helpful team. From day one I was encouraged to ask for help when stuck, and provided with tutorials, examples and assistance prior to all assigned tasks.
As Velstar offers a hybrid working model, I was given the option to work from the office on some days and from home on others. If while I was in the office, my colleagues were busy, I was provided with a login for the internal messaging service, Slack and was advised to reach out if I needed help with anything. From day one, I haven’t been made to feel rushed to finish any of my assigned work, and while I have had deadlines, the approach has always been for me to focus on quality, the result and, most importantly, my development.
On my first day, I was introduced to the team and started by observing the processes, tools and strategies in place. On my second day, I put some of these observations to work, while receiving support and guidance from the content team. Just like a tiny snowball at the top of a mountain, I quickly gained momentum and traction. Fast forward a few weeks, I can now comfortably complete tasks that I struggled with in my first few days.
In no time at all I was familiar with all members of the team having spoken to everyone and gained an understanding of everyone's roles and individual approaches to work, different techniques and the wide range of great personalities. No matter what, whether you're stuck on something, or just wanting to chat at lunch, there is always someone on hand.
While I am having a great time, facing new and interesting challenges, it isn’t always a walk in the park. With some work experience, you might be left to make the cups or tea, or organise the stock cupboards, but at Velstar comes gaining knowledge and experiences across multiple areas, which can be a lot to take in, but I’ve taken it all in my stride. With plans in place, soon I will be learning the technical side of SEO which I’m really looking forward to. I am excited for the future, and the challenges still to come. Mondays don't feel like a burden anymore, but the start of a new chapter.
Being in Liverpool city centre, the office location is excellent. With multiple public transport links, amazing lunchtime food options (as well as in-house snacks of all varieties) and social activities around, you can always have a great time here.
Now I'll stick to my word of not being biassed, the only negative is that I didn’t start earlier! I can’t thank Velstar enough for this opportunity and I look forward to my future with the agency.