Laura Freeman

University: University of Leeds
Company: BestOf Kingston, a franchise that champions the best local businesses.
Project: Shadowing the larger company, BestOf Richmond, Laura used what she learnt there to help her update the BestOf Kingston's client database.  She conducted and experimented with market research, project managed a networking event-recruiting nearly 200 people, and designed the first monthly newsletter. 

“Shell Step is a really good programme for introducing students to business-you get a lot of support and the companies are generally small. Working on a specified project keeps you focused and provides evidence of your experience, which can be presented to potential employers in the future.”

Theo Brewer

University: University College London
Company: Netui, providing managed web services for the entertainment, music and new media industries.
Project:  To conduct a market research project.  Theo studied internet and technology trends, target market analysis and competitor analysis.

“I am ever so grateful for being given this opportunity. The placement provided me with the opportunity to see how my academic researching skills could be adapted into a business environment. I’m enthusiastic about doing this type of project again.”

Serena Box

University: University of Westminster
Company: EA Consulting Group
Project: Involved organising a complex corporate event for management and recruitment consultancy firm, EA Consulting Group.  The Media Studies: Journalism and Public Relations student efficiently managed all aspects of the event ranging from marquee and furniture hire, security, invites and the local press release. 

“I embraced the role enthusiastically as I quickly recognised it as something I would consider for my career.  The corporate event and challenges I overcame has given me the confidence to achieve my professional goals, and also inspired new ones.” 

Serena has since taken up paid employment with the firm working in sales and marketing.

John Bevan

University: Royal Holloway University of London
Company: The Gavin Jones Group Ltd, specialising in commercial-domestic landscaping and exotic plant sales. 
Project: John had a considerable impact on their marketing campaigns through re-branding and print advertising for clients; he improved their logo and trained other staff to use the software so they could implement things themselves. He has continued to work for The Gavin Jones Group on a consultancy level. 

“I would say that the real value has not so much been in gaining particular new skill sets, but in furthering existing creative ability, gaining a great deal of new knowledge and delivering a product of significant value.”