One of those students who joined us this year at our HQ, Cobden Works, is Zhichen from Shanghai, who is currently completing her master’s in Arts Management.
Zhichen joined the marketing department for a six-month placement where she gained confidence, not only in her marketing and research skills, but working in an English-speaking environment, developing an understanding of different work cultures and practices, and learning about the importance of sustainability in project planning and execution.
Here are Zhichen’s reflections about the placement:
As an international student coming to the UK, living independently in an English-speaking environment for the first time was both exciting and daunting. Despite studying English for many years, using a foreign language in a professional setting, especially in face-to-face interactions, posed significant challenges. Initially, I felt nervous and unsure about how to express myself correctly, fearing that others might not understand me. However, the patience and constant encouragement from my colleagues at Walk the Plank changed everything. They helped me gradually adapt, and over time, I found the confidence to communicate more freely without the fear of making mistakes.
Although I am a full-time student and could only participate in the placement one or two days a week, this arrangement extended the duration of my internship. This extension allowed me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the company's operations and the project lifecycle from inception to execution. Witnessing the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability and diversity was particularly enlightening. I am immensely grateful to both my university and Walk the Plank for providing me with this unique opportunity to balance learning and working.
