Shaping the Future – Charlie’s reflections on her seven month work placement

Hello, my name is Charlie. Over the past seven months, I have completed a 315‑hour industry placement at TPSquared as part of my T Level qualification in Business Management and Administration at Dudley College of Technology. This experience has been a defining part of my course, giving me the opportunity to apply my classroom learning in a real creative environment.

Working closely with the TPSquared team gave me a far deeper insight into how a truly collaborative and hard‑working agency operates. The team placed genuine trust in me by giving me meaningful responsibilities that contributed directly to day‑to‑day work. Having the opportunity to take ownership of real tasks made my placement feel purposeful and rewarding, and it helped me build confidence in my ability to deliver work that meets professional standards.

My main responsibility during my placement was managing the social media presence for Miss Chief Threads, where I was actively involved in creating, designing and scheduling content. I used Adobe Express to produce engaging and promotional content that aligned with the brand and I planned and published posts through Meta Business Suite. To keep the workflow organised, the team set up an online spreadsheet that allowed me to track upcoming uploads, monitor progress, and ensure each piece of content was reviewed and approved before going live. This hands‑on experience helped me develop my skills in content creation, digital marketing workflows, and maintaining a consistent online brand presence.

Alongside my social media responsibilities, I also supported the team with a broad range of general administrative duties that helped keep the studio running efficiently. My role involved maintaining organised records through filing and invoicing, managing data within spreadsheets, and assisting with the overall organisation of the office. I regularly used Microsoft Office tools to complete tasks to a professional standard. I also had the opportunity to attend client meetings, which gave me valuable insight into how projects are planned, discussed and developed. In addition to this, I supported the team with practical tasks such as preparing customer orders and contributing to email marketing activities. These varied responsibilities helped me develop strong organisational skills and a clearer understanding of how different parts of a business work together.

One of the things I appreciated most about my placement at TPSquared was the incredibly supportive and welcoming environment the team created. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable asking for help and knew I would always receive clear, constructive guidance. The team regularly provided thoughtful feedback on my work, which helped me refine my skills and understand how to meet professional standards. Their encouragement and willingness to share their knowledge played a significant role in building my confidence. They also offered valuable advice on my next steps, including helping me understand what employers look for in a CV – from presenting my experience clearly and highlighting relevant skills, to improving the overall design and professionalism of my layout. Their support has given me a much stronger understanding of how to position myself effectively when applying for future opportunities. Being part of such a positive and collaborative team has had a lasting impact on my confidence and has prepared me well for the next stage of my career journey.

Overall, my placement at TPSquared has been an incredibly valuable experience that has shaped both my personal development and my professional ambitions. The combination of hands‑on responsibilities, consistent support, and exposure to real industry practices has given me a strong foundation to build on as I move forward.

I am grateful for the opportunities I was given and the trust the team placed in me, and I feel far more prepared for the next stage of my journey.