Last week, I had the opportunity to spend five days with PASHN as part of my work experience. Before starting, I knew a little about media & marketing, but I didn't realise just how many different people, businesses and moving parts are involved in creating successful campaigns.

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The week took me from Bath to London and Bristol, introducing me to everything from reporting and research to networking events, media owner meetings and even a film screening.

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Day One: Learning the Basics

My first day was based in Bath, where I was introduced to the team and learned more about how PASHN works as an agency.

One of my first tasks was helping with reporting and summarising data for a client report. This gave me an insight into how agencies measure campaign performance and use data to inform future decisions.

I also attended a meeting where I learned about the different areas of marketing and how PASHN supports its clients across media planning, buying and strategy. It was interesting to see how much planning happens behind the scenes before a campaign even launches.

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Day Two: A Day of Meetings in London

The second day was packed with meetings in London.

I attended a 9by9 breakfast networking event where business leaders came together to learn about one another's businesses and explore ways they could collaborate and support each other. It was interesting to see how important relationships and networking are within the industry.

Throughout the day, I also observed meetings with several companies that work closely with PASHN, including Evolve, Causal and Action. Each meeting showed a different aspect of how agencies work with specialist partners to deliver the best outcomes for clients.

One of my favourite meetings was with a group of audio experts, who explained how audio advertising works and the many different ways brands can use sound to connect with audiences. Before this week, I hadn't realised how much thought goes into radio, podcasts and other audio channels.

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Day Three: Research and Attention to Detail

Working from home on day three gave me the chance to complete a research project.

I was tasked with investigating children's magazines and identifying which titles might be most suitable for advertising films. This involved looking at different magazines available in local shops and comparing their audiences and content.

I also helped review a board presentation to ensure everything was accurate. It showed me how important attention to detail is, especially when information is being presented to senior stakeholders.

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Day Four: Behind the Scenes at ITV

Day four took me to Bristol, where we visited ITV.

This was one of the most exciting experiences of the week. We were able to look around the studio and watch a pre-recorded news programme being filmed. Seeing how television is produced behind the scenes was fascinating and gave me a new appreciation for the work that goes into broadcasting.

I also attended a series of presentations about ITV and ITVX, learning about how audiences consume content across different platforms. One presentation focused on the differences between linear TV and streaming services, and how viewing habits vary across age groups.

Later in the day, I observed a board meeting and listened to discussions about future plans and opportunities for the agency.

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Day Five: Films, Media and Finishing Up

My final day took me back to London, where I was lucky enough to attend a screening of the upcoming film Coyote vs Acme.

After the screening, we joined media owners and the PASHN team for lunch, which provided another opportunity to learn about the relationships that help drive the industry.

I then spent time completing my school report and reflecting on everything I had experienced throughout the week.

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My Biggest Takeaways

The biggest thing I learned is that marketing is much broader than I originally thought. It isn't just about advertising or social media. It involves data, strategy, partnerships, creativity, research, technology and relationship building.

I also realised how important communication and collaboration are. Throughout the week I met people from many different businesses, all working together to help clients achieve their goals.

I'd like to thank Adam and the entire PASHN team for making me feel so welcome and for giving me such a varied and insightful introduction to the industry. It was a fantastic experience and one that has given me a much better understanding of the world of marketing and media.