Special Guest Blog Written by Evie Skyes
My experience at Searles so far has been an amazing opportunity to open my eyes to the working world and real life. After research I realized Searles was the place most suited for me and my interests in getting into marketing. Upon arrival I was very nervous but within minutes of meeting the marketing and pr team all my worries disappeared. I was greeted with warm smiles, friendly faces and nothing but kindness. I was treated like an adult and a valued member of their team.
Day One: Getting to know the business
On my first day Carolyn, marketing and pr manager, then took me on a tour of their offices, which was only a small insight into to how their team works and operates. Hannah then toured me around the Searle’s grounds and showed me some of the work they had done I was then tasked with researching and learning the core functions of the business and doing tasks such as researching brand guidelines.
Day Two: There’s more to marketing than meets the eye
Day two was very busy! I was introduced to the lovely Danni who showed me everything! She showed me how to use their software and how the backend of the marketing works. It was so interesting to see how all their work done went so unnoticed! They are the backbone of many things. After getting shown the software and equipment the team used, I was set the task of improving posters to brand guidelines and Searles’ regulations. Then I even got to create my own poster which was so fun!
Day Three: Creativity and exploration
Wednesday was full of content creation me and Danni went out and recorded some of the sales team for a video promoting the Searles Summer Sales Spectacular. I got to film and direct the shoots giving me lots of creative freedom and chance to explore! There were many funny out takes and bloopers! We then come back and transferred files and edited the clips.
Day Four: Bikes, camera, action!
Thursday was by far the best. Me, Danni, and Martin visited one of the sister companies in the Searles franchise, Heacham Manor where I was left to my own creativity where I shot and directed the whole bike hire promotional photoshoot! I was able to take all photos on the camera (after Danni taught me how to use it!). Heacham Manor also gave me the great opportunity to capture some food photography! We were sent out three of their delicious dishes to capture not only on camera but also video clips for the Manor’s socials! After we shot and recorded some clips, we were lucky enough to taste their dishes! Yum!
Day Five: All good things come to an end… or do they?
Friday then entailed editing all the clips we got into videos where Danni showed me some of her top tips and how to use their editing apps. I even managed to edit and post a video with the clips I filmed all by myself! We then went out around the Searles ground and shot some more content. Then we all got invited to a celebratory lunch where we all had food drinks and then presented with certificates and goodie bags!
Overall, this work experience has really opened my eyes and offered such a great opportunity for me to thrive and for me to express myself in such creative ways. I’m so grateful for the whole team and their positive attitude when I got over my learning curves. Everyone at Searles is so welcoming and treats me like a real member of their team, so much so that I was offered a job which I am so grateful for yet another amazing opportunity to expand my horizon of knowledge and skills in marketing!
