Earlier this week, we welcomed Becca and Gabrielle to the Communications and Marketing Team for a two-day work experience placement at MCR Pathways.

From learning about the theory behind communications and marketing to video interviewing techniques, writing press releases and understanding search engine optimisation (SEO) and much more, the pair gained valuable insight into the fast-paced world of strategic communications.

We caught up with both Becca and Gabrielle on their final day to reflect on their experience with MCR Pathways.

Stock photography used.

Meet Becca

Three interesting facts about Becca:

• I taught myself to play drums.
• I got a tattoo in Canada when I was 16 which represents the sunsets on Salt Spring Island.
• I have made two dresses from scratch in school despite having no fashion experience.

Becca is aspiring to study Events Management and Tourism at Queen Margaret University and hopes to eventually pursue a career in Canada. “I’ve wanted to get into the events industry since S2 after seeing a video about it on TikTok,” she explained.

Becca said she wanted to take part in work experience to develop new skills and build confidence for the future. “I was happy to attend work experience at MCR Pathways because it gave me an insight into what happens behind the scenes and how the business world works on a day-to-day basis.

“I didn’t know what to expect before coming to MCR Pathways, but after my first day I gained confidence and a much better understanding of how the organisation operates. It also helped me learn lots of new skills.”

Becca attended the placement on 26 and 27 May and described how much she had learned in just two days. “Before coming here, I only knew basic business information through school, but now I understand more about how everything works smoothly and how MCR Pathways reaches different audiences.

“Both Gabrielle and I learned marketing and communications theory, including how decisions and ideas are developed and the procedures they go through. We also carried out practical work, including filming video interviews with team members and learning interview techniques.”

Reflecting on the experience, Becca said it had positively impacted her confidence and future career development.“This work experience has helped me gain confidence and work-related skills that will help me in the future. I can use these skills in decision-making and when collaborating within a team.

“Overall, work experience isn’t as daunting as you think. It’s there to benefit you, not make you anxious, and it definitely helped me gain a better understanding of a professional work environment.

“I would recommend MCR Pathways for work experience because it can open up so many opportunities for your future, and you leave feeling even more confident than before.”

Meet Gabrielle

Three Interesting Facts about Gabrielle:

1. I have dual citizenship in Australia and Scotland.
2. I taught myself to play guitar.
3. I won a bronze medal in high jump at the Scottish Athletics Championship.

Gabrielle explained that she wanted to take part in work experience because of the value it can add to future opportunities and applications. “I attended the MCR Pathways work experience because it’s very valuable to have evidence of experience. Initially, I was anxious because I had never been in a work environment before and I was nervous about stepping outside my comfort zone.

“After settling into the environment, I became much more confident because everyone was so welcoming and immediately made me feel at ease.”

Gabrielle said the experience gave her a much deeper understanding of the organisation and the charity sector. “Before this, I had little knowledge about MCR Pathways, but after completing the placement I now understand that mentoring young people is at the heart of the organisation’s purpose. I also learned a range of skills about branding and how a successful charity operates.”

Gabrielle reflects on the range of interactive activities completed to push that learning forward. “We did lots of activities, including a Q&A with employees, which was really enjoyable. We practised interview frameworks on camera and filmed interviews ourselves.

“We also learned about social media platforms like LinkedIn and Bluesky, and how they can be used for networking and recruiting mentors. That will definitely be useful for my future career aspirations.”

Looking back on the experience, Gabrielle said it was far less intimidating than she had expected. “The work experience definitely wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, and I’ve taken away so many valuable skills.

“I’d strongly recommend it to anyone who feels work experience is overwhelming or out of reach because the environment and activities were highly enjoyable.”

A Positive Introduction to the World of Work

Gary Seath, Strategic Communications Lead at MCR Pathways, praised both young people for the enthusiasm and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the placement. “We all remember how important those first experiences of the world of work can be. That’s why we were delighted to provide an introduction to communications and marketing for Gabrielle and Becca.

“I was massively impressed with their abilities when it came to delivering high-quality film interviews. Moreover, the press releases and wider pieces of work they produced as part of the experience were phenomenal.

“With so much natural aptitude, it’s clear they both have very bright and promising futures, and we’re delighted to have provided a positive experience on their paths towards realising their potential.”