Student goes on tour during placement year

Posted 3 July 2017

Jane Shaw’s placement year was with John Deere as the Sales and Marketing student. It was very exciting and challenging at times, but she says she learnt a lot and appreciated the great opportunities.

The 23-year old BSc (Hons) Business Management and Marketing student from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, said: “I was fortunate enough to get a placement job with John Deere within the sales and marketing team at the head office in Nottingham.

“While I was there they released a new machine, the 9RX. Due to high customer interest the marketing team decided to do a three month road show across UK, to promote the new product.

“I was involved throughout the three months marketing this new product to customers and creating market awareness for the 9RX through media interviews, ride and drives and interacting with customers.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year; it allowed me to meet some inspirational people and learn more about the dynamics of a successful international business.

“Although at the time I felt a little out of my depth due to presenting over a two week period to the UK and Ireland dealers, I now recognise that I’ve not only grown in confidence, but the year taught me responsibility and a professional way to interact with dealers and customers.

“My ultimate plan is to return to my family farm after having a number of years in the marketing and agriculture sectors and building-up experience. I’d then like to be able to help my dad on the farm, but have my own area of the business.

“In time it would be great to set up an Open Farm Sunday, encouraging the public to walk around the farm and get involved with learning about the agricultural sector and where their food comes from.”

Jane has been awarded a Kildare Charitable Trust Scholarship. On this she said: “Receiving this scholarship will allow me to concentrate fully on my studies.”

Building on her leadership skills is another area Jane has been able to work on while being at university due to being the University netball team’s captain and executive and a member of the Harper Adams Summer Ball Committee. These experiences build on her previous sporting leadership experiences, as well as her time trekking in the Absaroka Mountains in America. She added: “In America we were a team of 15 hiking in order to cover 100 miles and climbing 2,000ft within a month.

“The month also involved passing a Wilderness First Responder Certificate which required 80 hours of medical practice and as a team we had to manage challenging medical scenarios, such as rescuing five injured people from a fast-flowing river crossing.

“I was elected as leader for a couple days; this meant taking responsibility for the team and to encourage a proactive, open discussion between the team however noticing the importance of making the most effective decision.”