A blog post by Olivia, Fluency Placement Student, Year 12
Whether it was noticing a clever advert on social media or analysing how brands present themselves online, I found myself naturally paying attention to how marketing works in everyday life. My interest in marketing began in secondary school, when I chose Enterprise and Marketing as one of my GCSE subjects. I found myself engaged in understanding how businesses attract customers, build brands, and sell ideas. From creating a mock product campaign to learning how to pitch and plan, this experience opened my eyes to the world of marketing.
A-Level Choices
For my A-levels, I chose Business Studies and Media Studies to give me a balanced view of marketing. Business Studies helped me understand areas like market research, branding, and strategy, while Media Studies taught me how audiences engage with content and how storytelling influences perception.
Together, these subjects have shown me both the strategic and creative sides of marketing. They’ve improved my communication and analytical skills and confirmed my interest in pursuing marketing further through work experience, university, and eventually a career in the industry.
Work Experience at Fluency
When it came to choosing where to do my work experience, I knew I wanted it to be somewhere that aligned with what I was genuinely interested in. I wanted to get a feel for what it’s like to work in a fast-paced, creative environment where ideas and communication matter.
Marketing has always stood out to me as a career that blends business with creativity, and I wanted to see how that worked in real life not just in textbooks. Working at Fluency has given me an insight into how being in a professional environment where marketing is the focus every day has helped me see just how many elements are involved, and how much thought goes into every decision, from strategy to content.
What I have learnt
One thing that genuinely surprised me during my time at Fluency was how tailored their work is to each client. I had assumed that marketing agencies might have a set formula when creating campaigns or working with clients, but what I discovered was the opposite. Every customer had their own unique goals, challenges, and audiences. Fluency makes sure to design strategies specifically for the individual.
This personalised approach opened my eyes to the importance of understanding the client, and it made me appreciate the skill it takes to balance creativity with strategy on such a detailed level.
I was also impressed by how much they focus on industry events whether it’s attending, hosting, or supporting them. Events are a core strategy in how they network, share knowledge, and meet new clients face-to-face.
Eye-opening experience
One of the most eye-opening parts of my experience at Fluency was seeing how they connect with potential customers, not just through campaigns, but by building genuine relationships. I saw how important it is to be active and visible in the right spaces, especially in such a people-focused industry.
They make great use of platforms like LinkedIn which I was shown how to use by setting up my account. This has allowed me to understand how flexible and powerful the platform is for business use and service promotion. I was also taught how to use Canva, which gave me a valuable skill I can apply in the future.
My time at Fluency challenged me with real day-to-day tasks. These practical experiences have helped me find my feet and develop tools that will benefit me going forward.
Memorable experiences
One of the most memorable parts of my work experience with Fluency was seeing how they support the Chesterfield FC Community Trust with their marketing. I had the chance to visit Chesterfield Football Club, where the Trust is based, and I was honestly mesmerised by what they do. From community outreach and education to health programmes and youth support, their work goes far beyond football It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.
What stood out to me was how Fluency Helps the Trust share that impact. Through the promotion and support of their website, Fluency plays a key role in making sure the community sees and understands the incredible work being done. Their support has helped the Trust grow its presence, attract support, and connect with more people than ever.
Seeing this made me realise that marketing isn’t just about selling products it can be about helping organisations be able to accomplish even more for their trust. It showed me that a career in marketing has the potential to create positive change, and that’s something that motivates and inspires me moving forward.
Global Influence and Inspiration
One thing that inspired me during my time at Fluency Marketing Group was learning that they work with clients not just in the UK, but also in places as far away as the USA and Saudi Arabia. It made me realise how broad a career in marketing can be. The idea that you can create campaigns, build relationships, and make an impact across different countries and industries was exciting and something I had not considered before.
The global element has made me even more interested in pursuing marketing as a career. It’s made me think not just about the type of work I want to do, but the kind of opportunities that could come with it.
Exploring Innovation at the Advanced Materials Show – NEC Birmingham
On July 9th, I had the opportunity to attend the Advanced Materials Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham I got to walk the exhibition floor, exploring a wide variety of stands, each offering something unique. The atmosphere was inspiring with endless possibilities and opportunities. Some stands immediately stood out through eye-catching demonstrations or their game-changing innovations. It was clear that the pace of development in this industry isn’t slowing down any time soon.
I learnt that For Fluency, attending events like these is more than just exploring what’s new it’s about connecting the event taught me the value of networking at exhibitions like the Advanced Materials Show as a marketing company as building relationships with innovators, suppliers, and clients is crucial to ensuring they stay on top of industry trends to be able to continue offering informed, strategic support to our existing partners. This event wasn’t just about seeing the latest tech it was about understanding where the industry is headed. It showed me how important it is to stay engaged, be visible, and continuously learn to bring the best insights and value to their pre-existing clients.
Attending the Advanced Materials Show on July 9th at the NEC in Birmingham was more than just a day out of the office it was an opportunity to experience the real value of in-person networking and see first-hand how vital these events are for both marketing companies and the companies they support.
Looking to the Future
Before my work experience, I had a basic idea of what marketing involved. But working with Fluency expanded that understanding dramatically. I’ve now seen how diverse and exciting the industry really is, from branding and social media to strategy, events, and international work.
This experience has motivated me to consider studying marketing at university. I want to build on the knowledge I’ve gained, explore the different paths within the industry, and eventually find the area I’m most passionate about.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my experience, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from a professional environment like Fluency. It’s shown me that marketing is more than just a career option it’s a dynamic, creative, and people-driven industry with the power to make a real impact. From local community projects to global campaigns, the variety and potential within marketing are endless. This experience has not only strengthened my passion but also helped me clarify my future goals. I’m excited to continue exploring this path, and I now feel more confident than ever about taking the next step possibly studying marketing at university and building a career that challenges and inspires me every day.