work experience
Kate Wells attending SPARKies awards and playing ‘who wore it better’ with YellowDog!

My work experience at OggaDoon came about after I attended a Glug event when I had just moved to Bristol. Emily, the Associate Director here at OggaDoon, presented a talk about the term ‘fresh’ and I was really impressed with how she was just buzzing with insight and passion for the industry.

I knew that she was someone I could learn a lot from. So I got in touch with her following the talk. And now I’m here! On my final day working with her and the rest of the OggaDoon team, and feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

How the week started

On my first day, we sat down and set some clear objectives for the week ahead. What did I want to achieve/gain from this week? What can I do that will make sure I achieve these goals? In my case it was something along the lines of: give me loads of stuff I’ve never done before so I can decide if I like it or not. Because I come from a graphic design background I love being creative. But I don’t want to get pigeon holed into sitting on InDesign all day (as much as I do love design).

To start the week I researched and writing some blogs and social media posts for clients. Then I was trained to do social scheduling. On Tuesday we ran a creative session to outline every single aspect of an efficient and successful digital campaign. I was genuinely excited by how much I learnt from that half an hour (I have no shame in my nerdyness).

How the week ended

Half way through the work experience, I had a meeting to reflect on how it was going. So we looked at whether there was anything that I’d like to do differently. If we were on track to meet the objectives we set at the beginning of the week? Was I happy? And the answer was ‘Yes’. Honestly, I’ve really enjoyed it. And no, I’m not just saying that.

I’ve really valued this work experience, more than many of my other placements, for a few reasons.

Why I loved my work experience at OggaDoon

At OggaDoon, I felt genuinely valued. Often when you’re an intern you can almost feel more like a burden than an asset but since I got here my work has been actual client work. I’ve been treated as an equal member of the team in every sense, and I’ve left the office every day feeling satisfied that my work actually made a difference. To support their workload in a positive way is incredibly refreshing.

I’ve had the perfect balance of being really busy and having enough to do, without being completely overwhelmed (or underwhelmed). The team was very trusting of me and what I’m capable of since I got here. They’re flexible and genuine and have very realistic, human, expectations of you, unlike a lot of employers.

Despite this being my shortest placement, it has been the one that has felt most in-line with where I’d like to work in the future. It has given me a real confidence boost, and left me feeling inspired. This week has pointed me in the right direction and given me hope that there are jobs out there that I could really love and excel in. And after months of interning in roles that aren’t quite right for me, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.  Thank you OggaDoon!

One more highlight…

I also had the absolute pleasure of meeting the office doggo, Bonnie. And I can’t not mention the thrill of watching their very own office version of Springwatch as two baby seagulls, with incredibly protective parents, grew up on the roof terrace just the other side of the window. (See OggaDoon’s Instagram stories for live updates – it’s all very cute!)