Placements Spotlight: Annika Loebig x Multiplii

Work placements can help students to grow their skills, build their networks and gain vital experience for their future careers. At London College of Communication (LCC), our Placements Team provides expert support around searching, applying and securing approval for opportunities across the creative industries and beyond.

Many students decide to gain industry insight with major companies and brands that are well-established in particular sectors, while others choose to make an impact with smaller start-ups and SMEs. Some even decide to expand their understanding of the global landscape by exploring international roles. Regardless of the size, scope or scale of a placement, all options offer useful ways to enhance your professional practice while building tangible skills in areas such as research, networking, application processes and interviews.

BA (Hons) Journalism student, Annika Loebig, is currently a Content Assistant for UAL's Knowledge Exchange while also undertaking a range of copywriting projects.

She recently completed a placement with Multiplii, a tech company that specialises in making small, impactful changes in leadership, communication and workplace behaviour. Underpinned by behavioural science, its ‘learning bundle’ and live calendar 'nudges' aim to integrate leadership guidance into the flow of an average work day.

We chatted to Annika about the ways taking part in a placement channeled her existing skills and interests into opportunities that enhanced her employability.

Tell us a little bit about your journey towards finding your placement.

I initially kept track of everyone I contacted regarding a placement in a Google Sheet so I knew when to follow up, as well as who I’d already contacted. I did this for a few months - and actually started before my second year at uni began - but it wasn't until I saw the opportunity via Moodle that I applied for the Multiplii role via the Placements Team. This was really helpful, since many places I applied for probably weren't set up for placements during Covid anyway.

The chance to work with Multiplii felt like a good way for me to combine my journalism skills and personal interests - for example, in behavioural psychology. Applying through the LCC Placements Team also made me feel a little more confident that it was an opportunity worth applying to, and that I might actually have a chance of landing a place.

How easy was it to transition into a work environment, and what were the major lessons you learned through your role?

It was super easy to transition into the role, especially since Multiplii are a remote company anyway and they have good systems in place for remote collaboration.

It was the first time I’d worked in a more corporate job, and I feel like I learned so much about the different kinds of industries I can apply my journalism skills to, especially in terms of research and writing. I also got to understand what it means to build an audience online from the ground up, since Multiplii is still in their early stages.

Combined with the skills I’d already gained at uni, I could really refine my abilities further during my placement, and it also made me think more about what I want to do when I graduate.

What were the major highlights of your time with Multiplii?

Knowing that what I’d produced would actually be displayed on their website and socials to help grow their company. It was also rewarding to take ownership of some of the tasks, and to feel more confident suggesting ideas.

I think delving into a blend of corporate copywriting, academic writing and social media helped me understand what skills I already have and what I want to learn more about, such as SEO, adapting my tone of voice and article structure for different audiences, and how to reach out to those who might benefit from my work.

How has the experience benefitted you, and what advice would you give to other students who may be considering taking part in a work placement?

I think if it hadn't been for the work placement, and the confidence it gave me to respond to professional briefs, I wouldn’t have been able to get the jobs I'm currently doing.

I’d definitely recommend that people should keep an open mind when applying for opportunities and just go for them. You’ll learn lots along the way, and even if something isn’t your perfect job, it can be helpful towards knowing what you do and don't want to do after you graduate.

Now is a good time to try and fail and try again, so that the transition out of university can be less daunting.

If you’re a current LCC student and you’d like further information on how placements can support you to build your skills and experience, contact our Placements Manager, Mandip Takhar: placements@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Related links:

• Explore the work of Multiplii.
• Find out more about work placements at LCC, as well as Careers and Employability at UAL.
• Learn more about our BA (Hons) Journalism course.