It is well known fact that when students leave school or university, although they may have good qualifications, they have no idea how to work in a business effectively and have little experience of team working in an office. 

However, employers are still refusing work placements. Why? If they want new employees to have an element of experience, offering work experience is the best option and by not doing so, they are missing out.

This week I have been fortunate enough to be able to do a work placement at Moose Marketing and PR. I was nervous beforehand and sceptical of the work I would be given, thinking I would be photocopying sheets all week. 

After finishing five days, I have realised that I could not have been more wrong.

I learnt how to not only write and craft an article, but how to upload it too onto the Punchline website. The feeling I get every day from knowing that articles I have written have been published and are being viewed by people all over the world was incredible, and I have discovered a career path for myself, after a long time of not knowing what I wanted to do.

I also learnt how modern day marketing works, doing photography work and managing social media accounts, which are becoming increasingly important in getting a message across. The varied opportunities I was given, and the experience in an office based environment has taught me valuable skills that are not only good for a job in marketing or PR but are transferable to any job sector or situation.

Work placements are so important because they give students first-hand experience of the world of work as well as bettering the work ethic of the younger generation.

In Sixth From, you are pushed to do work experience, to put in your personal statement and on your CV. Teachers tell you that it will be so beneficial for you, but you just don't quite believe them until you get there. My week at Moose has been so worthwhile, and I know it will hold me in good stead for anything I do in the future.

Lots of companies question giving work placements, but it is not only beneficial to the student in working out what career they want to do, it is also extremely valuable for businesses.

In terms of how they benefit employers, work placements are great because they help to branch out connections. If you can make a good impression on a student or school, these people will recommend you to friends or colleagues and you have the opportunity of gaining potential future employees.

I'm so thankful for the invaluable experience I have gained here, and I implore other employers to get on board with student work placements