So I know this is very different to my normal bookish stuff but I want a record of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!  A couple of weeks ago I applied for a number of work shadowing opportunities through ‘Go Think  Big’ (it’s an awesome website which has all sorts of opportunities- it really is great!).

I beat out lots of applications to shadow the digital director of O2, David Plumb. I know I want to go into a career either digitally or creatively based so I thought this would give me a good idea as to what one branch of it consisted. So on Monday the 18th of May 2015 (the day before my Spanish and Philosophy exam, mind!) I set out on my journey to Slough, headquarters of O2.

My first impression was about just how big the place was – literally, it had its own WHSmiths and Starbucks and everything!! – then after signing in I got a free coffee voucher (score!) And then finally when the PA Jacqui  came to meet me she was so friendly that it honestly put me so much at ease.

I then proceeded to shadow David during a number of meetings which I already knew about thanks to the itinerary emailed to me before hand (a huge relief for the anxiety ridden hypochondriac within me). Everybody was so nice and welcoming considering I was essentially a random intruder (sorry I can’t name everyone -I’m horrendous with names!!) and even though the meetings were really finance based, which is something I now know I definitely don’t want to get into (although I did manage to understand some of it which was an achievement in itself!) the whole day made me appreciate just how much effort and planning goes into a single decision – not just planning for beforehand but also so that the company can be one step ahead at all times! It also made me aware of just how essential it is to have an engaged and passionate team that work together. In addition, I liked how everybody had their own strengths to offer so that ideas were bounced off one another and and all things could be considered and discussed. It completely changed my original perception of work as a very serious, heads down, work-by-yourself sort of situation!

Overall, it was an excellent experience, I want to thank every single person who made me feel so welcome at the digital team at O2 and I would honestly recommend it to anyone looking for an honest insight into the digital world of work.