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Two university placement students who have spent almost a year with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are encouraging other undergraduates to follow in their footsteps. Seanna McGowan and Jack Deery, based in the Council's Sustainability and Environmental Health Departments respectively, say they will return to university with invaluable knowledge, experience and skills to help shape their future careers.
The placement scheme allows students to gain hands-on, degree-relevant experience with departments across the organisation, giving them the opportunity to earn while they learn. Due to leave in August, both students say they have progressed from shy, nervous placement students to feeling they have worked for the Council and known their colleagues for years.
Seanna, who is from Loughinisland, was unsure of what to expect, but initial thoughts of being office-based with a fairly structured and predictable workload were quickly dispelled. Stepping outside her comfort zone, the nervousness disappeared and, with the support of her colleagues, she quickly embraced her new role. "One of the most valuable experiences was being given real responsibility. I wasn't just observing, I was actively involved and encouraged to develop new skills. The team around me was incredibly supportive and encouraging," she said. "What surprised me most was how varied the work was. No two days were the same and I was delivering talks to primary school children, something I never imagined I'd be doing and while it was nerve-wracking at first, it quickly became something I looked forward to."
Seanna said she is taking so much knowledge back to university and, more than anything, is leaving the Council with greater confidence, a wider set of skills and a much clearer idea of the career she wants to build. "Choosing Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for my placement was one of the best decisions I've made for my future. I've been challenged, supported and helped in ways I didn't imagine. I'd encourage any student considering a placement with the Council to go for it. They'll get far more from the experience than they can ever imagine," she added.
Jack, an undergraduate from Newcastle, described his placement as "eye-opening," saying it reshaped both his confidence and understanding of professional life. He explained that from the outset, he was struck by the supportive environment he was working in. "I didn't feel like a student, but part of a working team. What I hadn't anticipated was the sheer variety and volume of work. It really was eye-opening to see how many moving parts exist within the organisation and how they all connect to serve the wider community," he said.
Jack said his colleagues were welcoming and inclusive and that after only a short time, it felt as though he had known them for much longer, with the responsibility he was handed helping his confidence grow. "Each day brought something different, making the experience dynamic and engaging. I enjoyed food sampling and visiting the labs, as well as speaking directly with the community. The interactions gave real meaning to the Council's work and reinforced the impact it has on people's lives," he said. Jack added, "I feel fortunate to have completed my placement with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The link between my studies and a professional environment has been invaluable and made a meaningful contribution to my development and future career direction."
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said, "The student placement scheme provides an invaluable opportunity to learn on the job. We are fortunate to attract applications from such motivated and dedicated undergraduates. They are a key part of our organisation and we greatly value their input."
