Get Oldham Working: Shadowing helped me see the light

WORK experience at the Chronicle . . . Kate Maher

OVER the last two weeks I have been getting an insight into the world of work and experienced first-hand some of the possibilities on offer after sixth form.

I have now finished my AS-level at Blue Coat School in German, English literature, psychology and sociology and I am hoping to complete my A-levels next summer. From there, I hope to go to university.

I began applying for work placements via email and my first was at Newlands School in Middleton. It supports pupils aged three to 11 with a range of special educational needs. I felt this was particularly interesting in illustrating what working with people entails to show the inspiring relationships formed between its members.

Witnessing the staff adjusting to pupils individual needs and the activities on offer to support their learning was eye-opening. I came out of this placement recognising the rewarding aspects of jobs centred around working with people.

After this, I took part in a psychology research experience programme, known as PREP, at the University Of Manchester.

I found this valuable in discovering what a psychology degree involves, including a selection of mini-lectures and a talk from the careers service, as well as completing and presenting research projects in teams.

Explore

Within this I got the opportunity to explore the equipment used in psychological research such as EEG (electroencephalogram), which tracks brain waves using a cap covered with electrodes.

I also saw eye-tracking technology and a mock MRI scanner.

Finally to finish the two weeks I have been shadowing reporters and photographers at the Chronicle.

In the newsroom I experienced the process behind writing and editing stories and shadowed reporter Rosalyn Roden for the royal visit of Prince Andrew.

My placement at the Chronicle has been particularly useful to show the range of work packed into journalism.

Many students today face difficulties in not knowing what path to choose surrounding their future. So I would strongly recommend taking part in work shadowing placements to help your future decisions and to gather practical knowledge and new skills to boost your CV and set yourself apart from the rest.