Professional and approachable: University student Emily and her time at PRP
After successfully completing my first year studying Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University, I gained valuable work experience during the summer holidays with Professional Role Players.
Since I thoroughly enjoy working with data and was a member of the Warren Youth Drama club; PRP was the perfect company to approach and to learn excellent transferrable skills, which are vital in the competitive modern economic climate.
My time spent in the office gave me good insight into the financial aspect of the company. I shadowed the finance manager and watched the process of payment from filing invoices to the end payroll. Carrying out these essential tasks reinforced the importance of having competent computer skills. Getting through the jobs quickly but accurately is imperative to the company. One little mistake and a cascade of jobs will need to be done to resolve the problem. Precision is what makes PRP thrive in what they do. I then helped the financial assistant process data using Microsoft Excel.
After, I worked on PRP's bespoke database system. This was a great opportunity to familiarise myself with all the role players PRP employ. I dealt with CV's sent in by the actors and ensured that their details were put correctly onto the system. The accuracy that is needed for my Mathematics degree helped in this instance and it was rewarding to put these skills to good use in the workplace. Being organised is key!
I also listened in on a meeting for a psychiatry job taking place in Sheffield. It was fascinating to observe how the PRP team bounced ideas off each other and discussed how to make the job run as smoothly as possible. Teamwork is a vital skill for a company to reach success. This observation later helped me during the First Aid Course for Adults in the Workplace, as I had to communicate efficiently with the staff members. We all passed and it was a lot of fun!
This experience has definitely boosted my confidence in the workplace. As well as integrating myself into a well-run company, I have learnt invaluable new skills that I'll be able to use once I graduate from University. The colleagues I worked with were both professional and approachable and they gave me guidance when necessary and also left me to use my own initiative too. Thank you PRP for a wonderful experience.