My work experience with Fortitude Communications

From attending a speedway fixture, client meetings and writing press releases – my placement at Fortitude Communications was action packed and fascinating.

The whole team were so welcoming and kindly took the time to involve me in the wide variety of work they do as an agency including PR, blog writing, photography, social media management and video production. 

Even though I was only there for a few days, every day was different and interesting. The team allowed me to attend key meetings both internally and externally with clients and gave me the opportunity to support them with creating a range of communication materials.

Media Relations

This included social media posts, blogs and press releases. I also shadowed a BBC Radio Oxford feature recording about the work of Fortitude’s client Oxford United in the Community to improve participation of girls football via its summer holiday camps.

We used the FIFA Women’s World Cup as a news hook to place the feature on the station’s breakfast show the following morning, it was great to be part of the process.

I also developed an understanding of the vital role communications plays to help run a customer centric business. This was enhanced by the team’s client meeting with the Oxford Bus Company which I attended where the team advised on how handle various topics regarding local transport routes and services. 

My particular favourite was discussing the launch of Oxford Bus Company’s annual Brand the Bus competition which offers local charities the chance to win advertising in the form of a full branded double-decker bus.

Valuable insights

Another aspect I found insightful was talking to the team about their careers to date and how a former background in journalism can be helpful when working in communications, especially when trying to place stories in the media.

Overall, the experience was incredibly valuable in helping me understand more about the world of communications and media relations which will help shape my decision making with university courses and future career choices.