My Work Experience with See It Be It
June 2024
From the 18th-20th of June, I was lucky enough to join the fabulous ‘See It Be It’ team on a work experience placement. In only a short three days, the jam-packed agenda has been not only beneficial, rewarding, inspiring and moving but also incredibly invigorating!
I’m sure that most sixteen year olds cannot say that they have been prop hunting beneath the Crucible, sat in on a meeting behind the scenes of Meadowhall and visited some incredible charities, all around the fantastic Pride of Place event with over 200 guests. But that’s what makes the whole thing so incredible – young people are the main focus, and people from all different walks of life are being given exciting opportunities to kickstart their careers.
Tuesday
Walking toward the Sheffield Library on Tuesday morning, I already knew that See It Be It was a team of caring, ambitious people – but any first day jitters that I did have were instantly taken away when I was greeted with smiling, friendly faces. I was able to look over the plan and set up Eventbrite in preparation for the event, before being taken down to the crucible prop cupboard (which has everything, by the way), and helped to identify props in preparation for the SIBI photobooth with a theme of ‘What you wanted to be when you grew up’ , some of which included: sailor hats, paramedic costumes, hardhats and even boxing gloves.
Wednesday
The big day was here, and as people began to flood in from all over the city, I begun to see the scale of the event - even being introduced to the Lord Mayor and Master Cutler -all whilst having the responsibility of checking in guests which allowed me to meet a range of brilliant and interesting people. The event itself featured some fantastic speakers, and we even received fabulous photos from Sheaf college students.
The afternoon involved a trip to Meadowhall, where I got to be involved in a team meeting behind the scenes of the shopping centre, where there were more enthusiastic people discussing an action plan to help young people.
Thursday
My final day! It had all flown so quickly but it wasn’t time to go just yet. I had a step-by-step tutorial helping me create a brand new LinkedIn so my opportunities can keep expanding, before taking a trip to ‘The Suit Works’ ( an independent charity that changes people’s lives through styling) and ‘Ed’s Workshop’(a community of makers that sell some beautiful pieces), both of which aim to help people find their way into the workplace, leaving me feeling both inspired and proud.
The people I have met and places I have been during this placement have not only opened my eyes to a plethora of careers and experiences, but has also given me a newfound faith in the world. The endless work these charities do to inspire a new generation is not talked about enough but is very prevalent, and makes you realise that people are out there, fighting, to create a better future for all – no matter their past, strengths or weaknesses.
If I had one take away from my work experience – it’s that it truly makes a difference.
I would urge all employers to consider doing the same, as anything you can provide for a student can excel their future, inspiring new beginnings. Take me as an example, or any of the other wonderful young people I have mentioned as we are the future, and people like you can help us achieve something incredible.
Maia King