Year 12 students at Queen’s recently completed an exciting week of work experience, gaining invaluable insight into a wide range of industries. A common theme in their feedback was a preference for variety and active roles, with many discovering that traditional office-based desk work wasn’t for them; instead, they thrived in hands-on tasks, creative challenges and dynamic environments.

Placements spanned creative and environmental sectors, with students working on photography and branding projects for companies such as Evo Agency, LittlePod and Evergreen Escapes—styling shoots, creating social media content and contributing to live campaigns. One student supported marketing efforts at Boohoo, gaining insight into fast-paced influencer promotions, while others explored areas including property investment, ballet teaching, primary education and digital communications.

Environmental placements included work with the National Trust’s wetlands team, where students helped with butterfly surveys and learned about habitat restoration, and at Heatree Activity Centre, where students taught kayaking and climbing as part of an outdoor education programme. Aspiring healthcare professionals took part in physical rehabilitation placements, including visits to Exeter Chiefs and 40 Commando to meet performance physio teams. Budding dentists observed both practical and cosmetic procedures, experiencing the full process of creating implants and even practising fillings on model teeth.

For many students, the week confirmed existing interests, sparked new career ideas, or clarified what paths they might not wish to pursue. It also resulted in unexpected part-time job offers. Staff and families were incredibly proud of how the students represented Queen’s College and deeply grateful to the many employers who provided such enriching and varied opportunities.