Transitioning From University to the Corporate World

Jodie Fox is currently studying Business Management at the University of Leeds and is on a 12-month placement with FDM as our Marketing, Events and Recruitment Assistant, based in the Leeds Academy. Jodie talks to us about transitioning from university to the corporate world as well as the challenges and rewards a placement has provided her with.

Having never worked in a corporate setting, I had to adjust to the high level of professionalism at FDM, which is of course very different from the more informal environment that I was used to at university. In order to make this transition, I attended a week-long foundation training course alongside FDM trainees which focussed on professional skills. This covered email etiquette, presentation skills, elevator pitches and other areas that would aid my transition.

Being new to the company and the job role, I was often unsure how to go about tasks which I was given. I am grateful that my colleagues are always happy to help and answer any queries I may have, while coaching me along the right path. I have come to learn that making mistakes is an inevitable part of entering the corporate world, but that it is not always a bad thing as they have helped me grow and develop.

Despite these challenges, entering the corporate world has been a lot of fun, more so that I had expected. I’ve had the chance to work on exciting projects such as creating marketing material and organising events. It’s been great to put my two years of university theory into practice and to deliver results that contribute to far more than a university grade.

I have also had the chance to work with individuals from different departments and across different offices. This has given me first-hand experience of various business operations, something I had only read about in text-books. It has taught me skills such as teamwork and collaboration, which will be invaluable for me in future life, both inside and outside the workplace. It has been great to develop these skills in a fun and friendly workforce.

Entering the corporate world has been eye-opening and exciting, but it was daunting at the start. Here are a few tips to make the transition from university to the workplace easier:

• Don’t be afraid of asking questions or making mistakes
• Get involved in as much as you can, to learn as much as you can
• Be yourself
• Enjoy it!

Applications open for our 2019 Sandwich Placement in January