Progressing from high school to college is a significant step in any young person’s life, filled with decisions that shape your future career.
This summer, Sam Wildman took an important step in her own journey by completing a four-week work experience placement at Kenny Waste Management. Work experience is an opportunity for young people to develop transferable skills, such as time management and communication, within a real business setting. At Kenny Waste Management, we aim to inform, inspire, and raise aspirations.
Sam gained valuable insights into the Finance and Marketing departments, learning not just about the industry but also about herself and her career interests. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
Q1: What has your work experience placement involved you doing?
Sam: The first two weeks I was with the Finance team, where I was doing invoicing plus filling in and uploading tickets to Waste Logics.
The last two weeks I was in Marketing with Jack and Hashem. I’ve been doing a lot of research on things like ferrous/non-ferrous metals and making notes on what our competitors are doing on social media to look at strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. I’ve also been writing an article for the website. I’m now looking at how we can use social media to direct customers to our website, testing what works and what doesn’t.
Q2: What made you want to take up this opportunity with Kenny Waste Management?
Sam: It was an opportunity to see how different departments in a business work. You think waste is just trucks and bins, but there’s so much more to it. It’s a nice experience to have had and has given me a good idea of what happens behind the scenes in a business with everyone working together.
Q3: You’ve almost completed your four weeks work experience now. What are the main things you would say you have got out of the experience?
Sam: I’ve met a lot of new people, learned a lot of things I wasn’t aware of, and I really looked forward for my site tour.
Q4: How have other team members supported you?
Sam: Everyone has helped guide me through. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback too – Aimee calls me a ‘whizzkid’ as I pick things up quickly and get on with them. I also worked closely with Jack and Hashem who made sure I was included in conversations about what they were working on as well as showing me the basics.
Q5: What do you find most interesting about the waste sector?
Sam: I really liked seeing the different mechanisms of what the guys on site used, as well as the conveyor belt and how big the site is without realising it.
Q6: Is there something you’re especially proud of achieving or overcoming?
Sam: Making an article! Jack and Karl are going to be going through what I’ve done and making any edits and I’m excited that my name is going to be on the website!
Q7: What advice would you give to anyone looking to start or enhance their career at Kenny Waste Management?
Sam: Don’t doubt yourself. Also don’t be afraid to ask when you need help as everyone is really supportive.
Q8: Anything else you want to add?
Sam: Everyone has been super friendly!
Sam’s work experience placement here at Kenny Waste Management showcases how valuable hands-on learning can be when progressing through stages of education. Her efforts contributed to our own Finance and Marketing teams, creating a real win-win scenario.
“Sam worked very hard on the invoicing team and can work solo and within the team. Sam has a positive attitude to her work; she is a polite individual and will do her upmost best in each task given.
Good Luck in your future Sam!”
– Aimee Harrison, Invoicing
“Sam showed a first-class attitude to learning on the job and a great work ethic.
It just goes to show the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone, taking on diverse roles to better understand your own strengths and interests. Sam was a delight to work with, and I’m confident she has set a solid foundation for her future academic and professional success.”
– Jack Barwise, Marketing
By exploring both our Finance and Marketing departments, Sam discovered the interconnectedness of various real-world business functions. We are delighted that we have been able to support her as she gained confidence in her skills.
To keep up with the latest opportunities at Kenny Waste Management, visit our Careers page.
