News Story

As the end of my year-long work placement at Pavilion Dance approaches this June, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how impactful these past eleven months have been – not only for my development as a future marketer, but also for my confidence, creativity, and career aspirations.

I joined Pavilion Dance in July 2024 as a Marketing Officer on my university placement year. Moving into the centre of Bournemouth to be close to the venue, I quickly immersed myself in the vibrant day-to-day life of a dance charity. From the very start, I was trusted with real responsibility, and I’m so grateful to the team here for giving me such a warm welcome and the chance to get stuck in.

Hands-On Experience That Makes a Difference

Over the year, I've had the chance to support and lead on a range of exciting projects. This has included weekly social media campaigns and performance marketing, fundraiser preparations, running stalls, and newsletter content. I've written copy for everything from global dance workshops and professional residencies to wellbeing classes and youth dance flyers. The work has always been fast-paced, thoughtful, and meaningful. And no two weeks have ever been the same.

Some of my favourite projects have included:

Creating campaign content for our Business Come Dancing fundraiser and meeting talented members of businesses from all around BCP
Designing fun, themed weekly posts to promote our youth dance class Mini Movers with colour and creativity
Constructing monthly emails to update on classes & performances and helping to communicate important updates like our new accessible bar
Participating in monthly Green meetings and learning how to easily foster sustainable practices at work and at home

Learning, Growing, and Looking Ahead

This placement has been so much more than just a line on my CV. I've learned how to write across a range of styles and formats, how to tailor messaging for different audiences, and how to communicate the value of the arts in a way that's engaging and inclusive.

I have gained confidence in creative thinking, built stronger communication and teamwork skills, and experienced what it's like to work within a mission-led organisation. I've also learned to manage my time around a second job, while also maintaining a balanced home life. This is something that has made me more resilient and resourceful with my time.

As I prepare to return to university for my final year, I feel much more equipped to take on the next stage of my studies. Eventually, I hope to move into the creative industries. This year has confirmed just how passionate I am about working in arts and culture, and I'll always be thankful for the chance to contribute to Pavilion Dance's brilliant work.

To anyone considering a placement in the arts: do it. You'll learn so much more than you expect - about the work, the people, and yourself.