Work Experience Spot Secured!

So I travelled to London on the 8th of January to have a chat with Maria and Doug at LD Communications (www.ldcommunications.co.uk) about potential work experience with them for my case study.

The office was a bit hard to find at first (now I know where it is, shouldnt be a problem in future) but as soon as I walked in, I realised I really wanted to do this for my work placement!

It wasn't at all what I expected. I expected individual offices, people rushing around and an overall intimidating atmosphere in the room but it wasn't the case at all! The office was open plan, the people were really friendly and in the corner of the office, designated for "meetings", they had a TV with Kerrang (!!!) showing. When I had a look around at what people were wearing, I felt rather overdressed in my suit, as everyone had adopted the "smart-casual" approach.

So I was sat down in the meeting area with Maria and Doug, who does the PR for Download Festival, so I had a few (indirect) dealings with him and his colleague in the past. They were very friendly and just briefed me on what LD does and who they deal with.

My main concerns going to LD were:
1) They wouldn't be able to offer me the required 2-4 weeks of work experience
2) They wouldn't be able to offer me a placement in May
3) They would be able to offer it but I'd have to pay for travel
4) I'd just be surplus to their requirements, thus probably not having much use around the office.

Turns out all of my worries were completely unfounded!

1) They could ONLY offer me a 4 week placement which was PERFECT. They were of the opinion that any less than that and you don't get a "feel" for the organisation, something they have in commmon with my course leader.
2) They were offering a placement from 1st of May to 1st of June.
3) They very kindly reimburse travel expenses.
4) I'd be working on the Download Festival account (!!!) with Doug and also helping with the finishing touches to the Classical Brit Awards (again !!!) with the prospect of helping out at both, "on-site." Which quite frankly justifies the possible purchase of a new suit.

Incase anyone wanted to know a little bit about LD, they are a music, entertainment and event PR company. Their clients include the Rolling Stones, Dave Gilmour, Download Festival, Classical and "normal" Brit Awards, Live 8 and the concert for Diana, as well as smaller artists such as Mendeed. Basically, EXACTLY the company I want to work for when I graduate, so the fact I've got a work placement there is fantastic!

Come May, I'll be in London working for LD for the month.

So the intention of this blog is not only for myself to note down and keep track of my activities at my work placement for when it comes to write my case study, but also to give people an idea of what Music and Entertainment PR is all about, and what a company in "the industry" does.

Can't wait!