I’m Scarlett Rose, a Communications Assistant based in London. I joined RSM as a placement student, taking a year out of university, where I am studying Business Management and Marketing.

Gaining real-world experience in marketing

During university, I realised how valuable a placement year could be in applying what I was learning into real-world scenarios. It wasn’t until I discovered RSM that I felt confident I’d found an opportunity that would support both my academic studies and future career.

Since joining the Integrated Marketing Communications team, I’ve had the chance to rotate across various areas, from Brand or PR to service and industry line marketing teams. I’ve contributed to major industry and employer brand campaigns, gaining hands-on experience in campaign management and successfully delivering results using our resources.

No two days are the same, and my day-to-day can vary depending on the team I’m supporting and their current projects. I’ve had the opportunity to work across many areas, such as podcast production, collaboration with merchandise suppliers, digital processes, and working with our social media agency – all of which I’d never done before.

Getting involved beyond the day job

I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in opportunities outside of my core role. I joined the social committee for the department regionally around Christmas, taking on a “12 Days of Christmas” initiative in the lead up to the festive break. Collaborating with my peers and planning events with the committee has been a fun way to challenge myself while also bringing colleagues together.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been learning from the people around me, understanding their career journeys and experiences to help me explore where my interests might lie after university. Building professional relationships across the company has taught me about the working environment and how to effectively communicate with peers, whether I was collaborating with senior colleagues or an external body.

What makes RSM’s placement programme stand out

The placement application process can be demanding, especially alongside university, but RSM stood out from the start for me. The interview process was really positive, from the people team’s support to the welcoming culture making me feel at ease right away, which continued once I joined.

What set RSM apart from other opportunities was the structured placement year rota. If I had stayed in one team, I would have missed out on exploring different specialist areas, understanding how each team operates and learning from people across the company about their journeys and expertise. As a student, it’s difficult to know what potential career paths may look like after university, so this was a rare opportunity to discover what options there are.

How I’ve grown personally and professionally

Throughout my year at RSM, I’ve experienced personal and professional growth. Entering the world of work has been overwhelming, but developing skills that will benefit me after university has been a key part of my placement. My confidence has grown massively, whether it’s presenting to colleagues, collaborating across teams or learning how to navigate a professional environment.

I’ve also developed my critical thinking by reflecting on my work, learning from feedback and understanding where I can improve, developing everything from creative writing to campaign planning.

A spotlight into life outside RSM

Outside of work and university, I enjoy singing and performing arts, having done so since a young age. I left my singing academy when I started university, having completed singing grades in musical theatre and pop. I now have at-home recording equipment to use outside of work and my studies.

My advice for others starting their journey

For those considering joining RSM as a placement student or intern, my advice is this: if you’re out of your comfort zone, it means you’re doing something right. Starting at a new company is overwhelming, especially as a student new to the working world.

But every time I've stepped outside my comfort zone this year, I have achieved something I didn't know I could. I am now a different, much more confident version of the person who first joined RSM last year.

Make an impact. Be our future.