Victor Richards not only gained 25,000 steps in one day during his work experience placement, but also gained comms skills and insights into the world of work at Imperial. Victor spent three days within ICT and Property Communications teams, focusing on photography. Hear from Victor in his own words:
About me
I’m currently a year 10 student studying for my GCSEs, and along with the mandatory Maths, English, etc. I also study separate sciences, Spanish, Drama, Film studies, and Fine Art. Out of school, some of my hobbies are playing basketball,
doing photography, and travelling to London whenever I can!
Working with the creative side of my hobbies, along with my love for London, Imperial has been the perfect place to carry out my work experience.
What did you get up to on work experience?
Over the course of 3 days, I was lucky enough to have a packed schedule catered specifically to my interest in photography.
Day 1 and 2
I was kindly shown round the stunning South Kensington campus, capturing many iconic spaces, buildings and landmarks. One that really stood out was the immensely impressive Queens Tower, which, after a very interesting chat with the staff, I discovered was recently refurbished and reopened, and is now standing there in all its beauty, on the Queen’s Lawn.
Staying on the theme of the Queen’s Lawn, especially in the sun, I found that it was the perfect place, not only to sit and get some work and photo editing done, but also just to relax and take in the lovely campus environment that Imperial creates.
The breathtaking location of the campus, within South Kensington, and all of its beautiful architecture, really make Imperial a wonderful place to be.
In the mornings of both the first and second days, I was initially greeted very warmly by the very kind and courteous staff, and then I was straight on to shoot a combination of the property, the security team, and even an amazing new returnable coffee cup system that is being trialled in a cafe in the Senior Common Room.
Along with the incredible opportunity to take photos, I was also very fortunate to be able to meet the official Imperial Photographer, Thomas Angus, a specialist in his field, to talk to me all about not only his specific style and approach to taking photos, but also about his journey to how he got to where he is now. Moving forward, with his advice, Imperial has provided me with a very interesting and useful insight into this professional world.
In addition to the photography side of the work experience, I was also given a tour around many of the buildings and lecture theatres, whilst accompanying the ICT AV team, which was equally very interesting, as I got to see how yet another role plays into this brilliant university.
Then, to finish up the first two days, I was invited to join the Property Division, where I was given a very insightful workshop on how to market and advertise all of the different food sites around campus. I was then given my own creative freedom to make up my own restaurant and make a poster of my own with the skills that I had been taught.
Day 3
Lastly, on my third and final day, I accompanied the ICT department to their Professional Services Hub out in White
City.
Out in white city, there was an absolutely stunning building, yet I found that it slightly lacked the same community feel that was clearly present within the South Kensington campus. However, seeing that a new campus is on its way to White City, I definitely see the potential in the area. All the staff here were yet again beyond friendly, which clearly made this community feel present again!
Day three mostly consisted of editing my photos, which was evident in my step count! From almost 25,000 on day 1, to very little this day, truly showed the concentration that I had!
I also very much enjoyed spending my afternoon writing this blog and finding out all about some other roles, which I discovered play a large part in this university.
and finally..
Overall, in just 3 short days. Imperial has managed to make me feel incredibly welcome, and I can really tell that Imperial values its sense of pride and community. Thanks to all of the staff involved, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I have come away from this having learnt a lot more about how so many small parts and job roles contribute to the great institute that is Imperial!
I am also very grateful for the lovely merchandise that I was gifted upon leaving, really reinforcing this amazing community feel that Imperial gives off.
If I had the chance to come back, I would say yes in a heartbeat, just showing how worth it it is to do a work experience placement here!
Victor Richards not only gained 25,000 steps in one day during his work experience placement, but also gained comms skills and insights into the world of work at Imperial. Victor spent three days within ICT and Property Communications teams, focusing on photography. Hear from Victor in his own words:
