Reflections on a Placement at Cobden Works - Dongjiao Hu and Freya 

These opportunities have left a legacy, empowering them to carry forward their learning and embed their creativity and event expertise within their communities.   

This year, we’re continuing that commitment, beginning with two International MA placements from University of Manchester: Dongjiao Hu and Freya. Here’s their reflections on the opportunity so far: 

Since starting my placement at Walk the Plank, everything around me has felt new and inspiring. This is my first real step into the creative industries, and I was nervous when I first arrived. But everyone here is so kind, and the office atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The daily “Would you like a drink?” and the managers’ generous encouragement and guidance helped me settle in quickly. I now look forward to real working life and hope it might be as positive and fulfilling as my experience here. 

My marketing internship has been a profound lesson in turning theoretical knowledge into practical action, and in embracing learning through trial and error. Tasks like updating contact lists, conducting market research, and curating media and award rosters taught me that precision, adaptability, and critical thinking are the cornerstones of effective marketing. 

The time I’ve spent here is a unique and precious part of my master’s journey, one that brings to life what I’ve always wanted to do: moving from textbooks to practice. Now, I’ve moved on to the production department, and I look forward to learning more and truly experiencing life on site at an event. 

Spending the first half of my placement with the Production Team at Walk the Plank has been one of the most rewarding parts of my postgraduate experience. As I rotate into the Marketing team for the second half of my placement, I have been reflecting on how much this time in production has shaped my understanding of how events truly come to life. 

Most of my time was working at the office, participating and witnessing how an early idea slowly turns into a real event that inspires shared public experience. During this period, I came to realise how much production relies on people working closely together. Every project involves conversations between production managers, artists, and freelancers. Being closely involved in meetings and preparations helped me understand the importance of clear communication, especially when timelines are tight and details matter. I also learned how flexible the team needs to be as outdoor events rarely happen in controlled environments, and each site brings its own challenges. 

This insight became clearer after joining a site visit to Parr Fold Park ahead of the Wagon Train event. Before this, I hadn’t fully appreciated just how detailed the pre-production phase must be. Our team physically walked the route, assessed road gradients, checked whether technical trucks could access the area, and identified potential bottlenecks where audience flow might be disrupted. 

What moved me even more was how naturally community engagement was embedded into this process. While walking through the park, team members actively reached out to speak with local residents, asked about their relationship with the space, and invited them to our upcoming event. I was so inspired to see how production work also carries a deep sense of social connection and responsibility. 

As I move into the Marketing team, I feel that the production experience will stay with me. I am excited to see how the two teams connect from different angles of the same creative journey to together form our communication with the public. 

And finally, I would like to sincerely thank Walk the Plank for their support and generosity during my placement. I truly appreciate the welcome and patience everyone has shown. Being trusted to observe and participate has made my experience incredibly enriching. This experience of working in a different cultural context abroad is something I will genuinely treasure and carry with me into my future.