Supporting young people into the workplace

This International Youth Day, Caitlyn, Family Fund Business Services Business Development Analyst, is sharing her experience of doing a placement year at FFBS and how Family Fund Group help young people into employment.

“I’m Caitlyn, a recent graduate from the University of York, and I’ve worked in the Business Development team of Family Fund Business Services (FFBS), the trading subsidiary of Family Fund, since my placement year started in July 2022. 

Why a placement year?

“I’d previously worked a lot of part-time hospitality jobs, but was extremely keen to generate some ‘real-world’ experience in an office environment where I could develop my skillset and understand more about the working world. So, for me, a placement year was a perfect opportunity to take a break from my studies and gain some valuable work experience. I came across the position within Business Development at Family Fund Business Services and was immediately intrigued by the opportunity. The role offered some real business experience, focussing on generating income and securing new business opportunities, all the while giving me a role with purpose by giving back to a charity that was close to my heart and supports so many families across the UK. For me, it was a win-win! 

Skills from my placement year

“My placement year equipped me with unparalleled skills, knowledge and experience. I attended conferences and black-tie award events across the country, led on client meetings, wrote bids for contracts, supported on the team strategy and worked collaboratively across the whole Group. I learnt about how socially responsible businesses operate, understanding the not-for-profit model and how to use commercial selling and strategic thinking skills for good. 

Working alongside my final year at university

“My placement was originally a 12-month contract before returning to university to complete the remainder of my degree, but I enjoyed my time at FFBS so much (and I must have been doing something right) that my managers offered me the opportunity to continue to work part-time alongside my studies. At times it was tough, juggling deadlines for assignments and exams with work commitments, but the company values of determination and support really helped me in this period. My team showed flexibility, compassion and patience, allowing me to continue to deliver in my role and develop my career, all while finishing the degree I’d worked so hard for. And it went well – so well, that I was offered a permanent position in the Business Development team after my graduation. 

Returning to FFBS full time

“I returned to FFBS after my graduation and dived straight into the deep end, in an expanded role that gives me even more experience across the Group and develops my skills further. I was lucky that the transition from university to full-time work wasn’t too much of a shock as I’d been working at FFBS for over two years, and my placement year had equipped me with time-management, organisation and prioritisation skills that allowed my final year at university to be far different than my days as a Fresher (no more sleeping in until the afternoon!).

Flexibility to volunteer

“But it is not all work – I also took advantage of Family Fund’s generous flexible working policies, and I have recently returned from a 4-week volunteering expedition in Fiji. I spent time in a rural community facilitating a youth empowerment project, working with young people in the village on topics such as leadership, social enterprise and mental health. I was able to do a trip like this thanks to the flexibility and support provided by Family Fund, as well as the skills I’d developed through working here – like confidence, public speaking, leadership and communication. My experience in Fiji was life changing, opening me up to new cultures and lifestyles, meeting people from all walks of life and giving me renewed confidence and excitement to give back to our communities.

The importance of organisations supporting young people into work

“I was the first person in my family to go to university and felt a lot of anxiety about entering the world of work, with no family networks or guaranteed opportunities to fall back on. I feel passionately about organisations nurturing and empowering of young people/students into the world of work, as it will have incredible impacts on their self-confidence, and will likely unlock so much potential that young people like me didn’t know they had!

“I’d highly recommend a placement opportunity or internship at Family Fund; it’s an organisation that puts people first, which as a nervous, inexperienced university student was integral. I was nurtured, supported and pushed to achieve as much as possible, which has been incredibly valuable to not only my professional development, but on a personal level, allowing me to be more confident, trust in my own abilities and push myself outside of my comfort zone.”