From Classroom to Real-World Marketing: My Placement Journey with Changing Relations

By Agnibeena Ghosh

When I first started my placement at Changing Relations C.I.C., I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I was eager to put my marketing knowledge into practice, but I didn’t realize just how much I would learn—not just about marketing, but also about teamwork, problem-solving, and the power of effective communication. Over the course of my time there, I got hands-on experience in event management, content creation, and customer relationship management (CRM), all of which gave me a glimpse into the fast-paced and dynamic world of marketing.

Bringing an Event to Life: The Changing Relations Auction

One of the most exciting parts of my placement was being involved in the Changing Relations Auction. I played an active role in setting up the event, coordinating logistics, handling guest interactions, and managing payments. It was a whirlwind of activity, requiring me to think on my feet, stay organized, and work closely with the team to ensure everything ran smoothly.

What stood out to me the most was how much goes on behind the scenes of an event. From keeping track of financial transactions to making sure guests had a seamless experience, every little detail mattered. I quickly learned the importance of clear communication and staying calm under pressure—especially when unexpected challenges arose. By the end of the event, I had developed a newfound appreciation for event management and the level of effort it takes to pull off a successful gathering.

Finding My Voice Through Writing

Writing has always been something I’ve enjoyed, but during my placement, I had the chance to develop this skill in a professional setting. I contributed blog posts and articles for the News & Events section of the website and formatted LinkedIn posts for the Director’s Blog. Each piece required careful research and attention to detail, ensuring that the content was engaging, relevant, and aligned with Changing Relations’ mission.

One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was understanding how digital content needs to be structured. It should not only capture the reader’s attention but also formatted to enhance its visibility online. Learning about search engine optimization (SEO) and refining my writing style to maximize clarity and impact was incredibly rewarding. By the end of my placement, I felt much more confident in my ability to create content that resonates with an audience.

Making Sense of Data: CRM and Stakeholder Management

Before this placement, I never thought much about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into managing relationships with stakeholders. Working with the CRM showed me just how crucial data management is in marketing. My role involved organizing and refining stakeholder data, ensuring records were up to date, and conducting research to gather relevant information.

At first, it felt a bit overwhelming—there was so much to keep track of! But as I got more familiar with the system, I started to see the bigger picture. Keeping well-maintained records isn’t just about organization. It is also about ensuring that marketing efforts are targeted, strategic, and effective. Analyzing stakeholder data helped me understand how businesses tailor their communication to different audiences. I also learned how CRM tools can streamline marketing campaigns by providing insights into customer behavior and preferences. Accuracy was key, as even small errors could affect outreach efforts. Over time, I became more confident in handling data and saw how efficient database management contributes to long-term business growth. This experience gave me a real appreciation for the role of CRM in audience engagement and business development.

Looking Back on an Incredible Experience

Reflecting on my time at Changing Relations, I can confidently say that this placement has been one of the most valuable experiences in my professional journey so far. I didn’t just learn technical marketing skills—I also grew as a communicator, a problem-solver, and a team player.

This experience reinforced my passion for marketing. It showed me how even small tasks contribute to a larger strategy. I’m incredibly grateful to the team at Changing Relations for welcoming me and giving me the opportunity to develop my skills in such a supportive environment. I know that everything I’ve learned here will stay with me as I take the next steps in my career.

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!