Placement Portfolio
Entrepreneurial Theory And
Practice
Nathan Macrow - 23016245
Curriculum Vitae – Nathan Andrew Macrow
Personal Information
Address: 15 Plane Tree Close, Gamlingay, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 3NE
D.O.B:
5TH August 1995
Contact number: 07525023926
Qualifications
GCSE in the following subjects;
English Language – B
English Literature – B
Mathematics – C
Additional Mathematics – C
History – A*
Physical Education – A
Religious Studies – B
Science – B
Additional Science – C
Citizenship – B
Diploma in Digital Applications – PASS (eqv. C)
Business Studies – C
Certificate in Digital Applications – CREDIT (eqv. B)
A – Level;
Business Studies – B
ICT – D
Physical Education – D
Finance AS – B
History AS – D
Current Education
I have been studying at Sheffield Hallam University for over a year now, and am part-way
through my 4-year ICT (with Business) course. This first year has enabled me to settle into
University life and study for my degree, and my predicted grade is currently a 2:1.
Modules Year one;
Information Systems
Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice
Information Analysis
Understanding Organisations
IT Service Support
Introduction to ICT
Modules Year two;
Business Solutions
Databases for Businesses
Digital Marketing
Information Management
IT Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies
Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice
Work Experience:
Co-operative Food Ltd
I have worked as part of a large team within the food retail industry for several years. This
enabled me to experience a retail industry and gain knowledge of a working environment,
serving customers and team-working. At the Co-operative I had many responsibilities. These
included working on the tills, cashing up, dealing with stock rotation, creating displays for
promotional lines and closing the store at the end of business.
Saxon Leisure Centre
Gym Assistant - At Saxon Leisure Centre I did voluntary work in the Gym for 6 weeks every
Saturday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. At the Gym I used their Customer Relationship
Management system to consult with customers and develop a personal training programme to
suit their individual needs. This was prior to the Co-operative, and was therefore my first
experience in a working environment.
Bedfordshire FA
Young Junior Leader - I worked for Bedfordshire FA for two weeks (Monday to Friday) and
achieved my Young Junior Leader Qualification. This work enhanced my organisational
skills, taught me to work as part of a team. I also learned to appreciate and deal with the
difficulties a disabled person might face in sport. For example, I was responsible for
organising a football game for children with sight disabilities. I also organised a Sports
Tournament when over 100 children took part.
Macrow Energy
I worked for Macrow Energy for a total of eight weeks, three days a week. At this firm I
experienced many aspects of work, from telecommunication to invoicing and accounting.
Whilst working in telecommunications I improved my customer communication skills and
this in turn improved my confidence in dealing with the public. I had to deal with complaints
from customers and also answered any enquiries from them regarding the services being
offered by the firm. Working in accounts I gained skills and knowledge on the financial side
of the business, being involved in high volume invoicing and credit control. Another
responsibility I had at Macrow Energy was to update their new web portal with all the
previous customer information the company held on their old system.
Barr Ellison Solicitors
IT Assistant – I worked for Barr Ellison Solicitors as an IT assistant, a temporary job which
involved the maintenance and updating of their Trust database. Also during my time there I
dealt with any IT problems that members of staff had from time to time. I also prepared the
system for a phased changeover of the company’s software. In addition to my IT duties I
helped organise an annual event called the ‘Cambridgeshire Bumps’. My role on the day was
to provide hospitality for all the clients and ensure that prospective clients were introduced to
the appropriate members of staff.
Personal Attributes:
I am a keen sportsman and as a youth played for Peterborough United and Luton Town
Football Clubs. Both clubs encouraged a positive attitude, determination and self-discipline,
all of which I took on board. I experienced a major setback during my time playing football at
this level, snapping my Anterior Cruciate Ligament. This career-threatening injury left me
unable to train or play for 18 months. However, I was determined to overcome this obstacle
and return to playing football. I worked hard on my fitness levels, and on my return to
competitive action was named School Captain, leading the team to the National Schools Cup
Quarter Final and the Final of the Bedfordshire District Cup which we won.
I also participated in a pilot programme named ‘Run to Learn’ which entailed training for a
10k run and transferring those skills to the classroom environment. During this training I
showed determination and team skills, looking to encourage people during both the training
and the 10k run itself. This was in order to meet our final goal, which was to raise money for
‘Every Man’ charity.
In summary, I am an enthusiastic, dedicated and self-disciplined student and have the drive to
succeed in whatever I do. I firmly believe my past skills and experience will help me to forge
a successful career in industry.
STAR Statements
STAR statements show how someone has acted within a situation using different skills to overcome
different situation within a working environment or every day life. I have devised a series of situations
where I have shown a different skill in order to overcome a situation.
Adaptability:
When I worked for Macrow Energy, I occasionally received complaints from customers where - due
to the neglect of sub-contractors - the laying of loft insulation had caused a fire hazard. What had
happened was that the sub-contractors had laid insulation too close to a light fitting so it was either
hazardous or - in some cases - there was damage caused by burning. In order to resolve this problem
with customers over the phone it was necessary for me to remain calm and assured, first apologising
on behalf of the firm and then explaining clearly how the insurance and compensation schemes
operated. Having worked through the problem with the customers this resulted in them continuing to
use our services. This is evidence of my adaptability, as I was able to respond efficiently and
effectively to a situation that I had not dealt with before.
Teamwork:
Whilst working at the Co-op I either led or worked as part of a team on a daily basis. One particular
example of my ability to work within a team was when I was called into work on my day off, as the
shop was short-staffed and needed to be prepared for an inspection from the area manager. On the day
in question a large delivery arrived and the store was particularly busy, but I worked hard with my
colleagues to ensure that things ran smoothly and that the outcome of the inspection was a positive
one. The team often exchanged roles when needed and we worked efficiently to relieve the extra
pressures upon the store manager. One of the focuses of the area manager's report was the impressive
cohesion of the store's team, the benefits this provided in terms of the general operation of the store
and the resulting impact on the store's sales record.
Effective Communication:
In my first year at University I attended an Employment Fair. This was run by Final Year students
from Sheffield Hallam. My objective at the Fair was to secure a position with one of the organisations
standing there. I showed effective commmunication by making appropriate enquiries at each stand, at
the same time promoting my own skills and attributes, and as a result I secured a position with a
Charity. I then worked with a team of students to try to create a logo specific to the Charity which
digitally communicated their values and ethos in a effective and engaging manner. The outcome was
that several aspects of the various logo designs - including some of my own - were incorporated into
the final logo design for the Charity.
Self-motivation and drive to succeed:
One of my many passions is football. At the age of 14 I was scouted by Luton Town FC and remained
there for eight months until I was scouted for Peterborough United. Unfortunately whilst playing for
Peterborough I snapped my anterior cruciate ligament, which meant I had to give up football and
training for a year and-a-half whilst I underwent painful surgery and rehabilitation. This absence from
football did not diminish my passion for the sport, nor my drive and motivation to return to the game
and resume training. Although Peterborough United released me as I struggled to return to my preinjury level of fitness, I remained committed to playing football at the highest possible level and
continued to train hard. This self-motivation eventually resulted in the offer of a contract at another
Football League club - Stevenage Borough FC.
Initiate and Creative problem solving:
At the Co-operative store I noticed a customer behaving suspiciously, so I took the initiative to
investigate the situation. My first action was to inform a more senior member of staff of my
suspicions, and I then proceeded to follow the customer's movements closely on the CCTV monitor.
My suspicions were confirmed when I saw the customer attempt to conceal a bottle of wine under his
jumper. After witnessing this I informed the senior staff member, and the two of us approached the
thief and informed him that he should return the product and leave the store immediately. I then
followed through on this incident by contacting the police and completing an incident report form. In
doing so I was able to prevent a crime from taking place and also prevented a loss of income for the
store. The action I took acts as a deterrent to other shoplifters, and thus helps to reduce the likelihood
of such thefts.
Client Focus:
I worked at Barr Ellison and during that time worked as part of a team to organise the annual client
event, which focused on securing new clients for the firm and encouraging existing clients to use
other legal services provided by Barr Ellison. This was a large event with over 200 clients attending
as well as all members of staff. My role at the event was one one of hospitality, ensuring that clients
were served with refreshments and introduced to the relevant members of staff. After this event I
attended a review meeting and it was found that the event had been successful and had brought many
new clients to the firm, and I was commended by the Practice Manager for my pro-active involvement
on the day.
Leadership:
I was captain to the school football team for a couple of years and had much success during this time:
leading them to a national cup quarterfinal and a county cup semi-final. However the main
achievement was we won the regional cup. During this game the team where 1-0 down at half time
and I showed my leadership skills my encouraging the players and making them believe in themselves
and the skills the possessed. We then went on to win the game 3-1 and I scored one but mainly
adopted a encouraging and motivating leadership style to help us win the game. This emphasises my
leadership skill as I decided on the best leadership style to adopt after assessing the situation.
Meeting Deadlines:
Throughout my University life I have always thrived to meet deadlines and a vital part of meeting
deadlines is to stay on top of work. During the period leading up to Christmas last year I had many
assignments to complete by the end of the semester. I manage to devise a timetable that would allow
me to spend equal measures of time on each assignment in order to keep them to a high standard that
showed the level I was at consistently without falling behind on any work or missing any deadlines.
The result of this was that I achieved a 2:1 in most my assignments giving me an overall good grade
and a good basis to start my second semester and continue into second year.
Initiative:
It is important to show initiative to think outside the box to help overcome issues within the
workplace that you may face. When working for Macrow Energy I gained many contacts. A former
colleague contacted me with an issue regarding a logo for his business knowing that I was studying a
IT degree. The logo was not in the correct format or size to fit into the section he left on his website
for his logo. I therefor worked on his logo to enable it to work effectively on his website. I did this by
creating a new idea and showing my initiative to not change the format but to change how the logo
looked in order for it to be able to fit on his website. I then sent him my changed logo and he sent
back a positive feedback and is now using the logo on his site.
Persistence:
As I study Databases for business module at University I have learnt to have a great deal of
persistence. This is due to on numerous occasions I have come across errors when working on a piece
of code and it become frustrating when you can not figure out where the issue lies. However I have
learnt to become persistence and to never give up on the piece of code until I have found the problem.
I do this by breaking down each section of the code and the running it to see if the error appears.
When I have worked out where the error lies I can fix the code using previous knowledge or research
how to fix it. Once fixed you gained a sense of achievement and know that my persistence to not let
the error frustrate me has helped me achieve my goal.
Job descriptions
Here is a list of some of the jobs that I have already applied for. I have chosen these job as they allow
me to follow me chosen career path and I believe that I have the skills and experiences that the
businesses are looking for.
Digital and social Marketing Placement – Walt Disney
I have selected this placement as it enables me to work within the industry of digital marketing,
which is where my enthusiasm and passion lies. I have experienced working within marketing in
businesses both digitally and socially, therefor I feel I have experience within the field. As I have high
level of IT skills and understand how businesses function in depth this aids me with obtaining this
placement. Also I am currently studying a module on digital marketing which when completed will
accompany my IT and business skills making well prepared for the placement position. As Walt
Disney is a well-established company this placement may lead me down a path working with Walt
Disney after I have completed my university course.
Digital Integration Analyst – Volkswagen
This placement allows me to work within the digital marketing and e-commerce sector with
Volkswagen. As I study an IT and business degree, the modules and understanding that is involved in
my course prepares me to work within the e-commerce field of Volkswagen. Analysing data and
trends in a marketplace to understand how competitors and clients are reacting to the products and
services provided by Volkswagen is a keen passion of mine. I have studied business and IT
throughout my education so I have plenty of knowledge to offer the placement. Also I can provide
them with fresh and creative ideas that I have gathered from working with other businesses. After I
have graduated this placement would either open opportunities to work for Volkswagen or other
opportunities could arise, as this placement would improve my CV remarkably.
Digital Marketing – L’Oreal
I have selected this placement as it involves working with digital marketing to a large well-known
brand. The job involves working with customer relationship management system which I have a
strong understanding of due to studying it vastly throughout my 2 years of study. I have also worked
first hand on customer relationship management systems in a work place when working for both
Macrow energy and Barr Ellison Solicitors. I have a keen interest in social media and use it daily for
social use but understand how social media can be a fundamental source of marketing a business
such as L’Oreal. I would wish to carry on pursuing a career after graduation in digital marketing with
L’Oreal if possible if not it would provide me with many opportunities and extended knowledge of
digital marketing within a operational business.
Nathan Macrow
46 Harefield Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S11 8NU
November 2014
Dear Sir/Madam
Re: Digital and Social Marketing Placement – Walt Disney
I am interested in applying for a digital and social marketing placement in Walt Disney. It is an
established company whose products and services have been part of my upbringing. Digital
marketing is a fundamental segment of Walt Disney’s business and is a catalyst for their remarkable
success. I share Walt Disney’s passion for digital marketing, and I understand why it is important in
this particular industry. I would therefore like the opportunity to work for you, and my CV is
enclosed. This demonstrates the breadth of the skills I can make available for a business in this
sector.
I am currently studying IT with business studies at Sheffield Hallam University and am predicted to
achieve a 2:1. The course covers digital and social marketing in depth, whilst also providing me with
high level IT and business skills working with databases, dealing with Customer Relationship
Management Systems, creating an appropriate network using IT infrastructure and creating business
solutions for a business which might be struggling in certain areas.
In my first year of study I gained an understanding of commercial organisations and how factors can
affect them adversely if they are not dealt with promptly and correctly. As you can see from my CV I
have experience working in business IT departments, and this has both influenced and confirmed my
choice of career because I have come to appreciate how important the IT departments are.
In addition to working hard on my degree I have a keen interest in sports, and have recently cofounded a football team at the University playing in the Intramural Sports League. I have played
football throughout my life, and this has given me teamworking and leadership skills. I was captain
of my school team, and led them to success in the Regional Cup. I have experienced success and
failure, and both have increased my self-motivation to succeed in what I do.
Gaining this placement in digital and social marketing for a company with a brand reputation such as
Walt Disney would give me the opportunity to work in an industry I am very enthusiastic about, and
could also open doors for a successful career in this field. The desire I have to work for your
company would become apparent at an interview, and I would be grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours faithfully
Nathan Macrow
Nathan Macrow
46 Harefield Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S11 8NU
November 2014
Dear Sir/Madam
Re: Digital Undergraduate (Digital Integration Analyst) - Volkswagen
I am interested in applying for a digital integration analyst position at Volkswagen. It is an
established company that has created a worldwide-recognised brand. Digital marketing is a
fundamental segment of Volkswagen’s business and is a catalyst for their remarkable success. I
share the company’s passion for e-commerce, and I understand why development of innovative new
strategies is important in this competitive industry and in this digital age. I would therefore like the
opportunity to work for you, and my CV is enclosed. This demonstrates the breadth of the skills I
can make available for a business in this sector.
I am currently studying IT with business studies at Sheffield Hallam University and am predicted to
achieve a 2:1. The course covers digital marketing and e-commerce in depth, whilst also providing
me with high level IT and business skills working with databases, dealing with Customer Relationship
Management Systems, creating an appropriate network using IT infrastructure and producing
creative solutions for a business which might be struggling in certain areas. I have experience with
power-point presentations and database management, skills which I made use of in my part-time
employments with Barr Ellison Solicitors and Macrow Energy. I am an efficient, consistent and wellorganised student who strives to succeed in every task I face.
In my first year of study I gained an understanding of commercial organisations and saw how factors
both inside and outside the businesses can have an adverse effect if they are not dealt with
promptly and correctly. As you can see from my CV I have experience working in IT departments,
and this has both influenced and confirmed my choice of career because I have come to appreciate
how important these departments are in the continuing development of the business.
In addition to working hard on my degree I have a keen interest in sports, and have recently cofounded a football team at the University playing in the Intramural Sports League. I have played
football throughout my life, which has brought me exceptional interpersonal skills, whilst also
providing me with teamworking and leadership skills. I was captain of my school team, and led them
to success in the Regional Cup. I have experienced success and failure, and both have increased my
self-motivation to succeed in what I do.
Gaining this placement as a Digital Integration Analyst for a company with a brand reputation such
as Volkswagen would give me the opportunity to work in an industry I am very enthusiastic about,
and could also open doors for a successful career. The desire I have to work for your company would
become apparent at an interview, and I would be grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours faithfully
Nathan Macrow
Nathan Macrow
46 Harefield Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S11 8NU
November 2014
Dear Sir/Madam
Re: Digital Marketing Placement – L’Oreal
I am interested in applying for a digital marketing placement in L’Oreal. It is an established company
whose products have a wide client base. Digital marketing is a fundamental segment of L’Oreal’s
business and is a catalyst for their remarkable success. I share L’Oreal passion for digital marketing,
and I understand why it is important in this particular industry and how social media can aid there
progress within this industry. I would therefore like the opportunity to work for you, and my CV is
enclosed. This demonstrates the breadth of the skills I can make available for a business in this
sector.
I am currently studying IT with business studies at Sheffield Hallam University and am predicted to
achieve a 2:1. The course covers digital and social marketing in depth, whilst also providing me with
high level IT and business skills working with databases, dealing with Customer Relationship
Management Systems, creating an appropriate network using IT infrastructure and creating business
solutions for a business which might be struggling in certain areas.
In my first year of study I gained an understanding of commercial organisations and how factors can
affect them adversely if they are not dealt with promptly and correctly. As you can see from my CV I
have experience working in business IT departments, and this has both influenced and confirmed my
choice of career because I have come to appreciate how important the IT departments are.
In addition to working hard on my degree I have a keen interest in sports, and have recently cofounded a football team at the University playing in the Intramural Sports League. I have played
football throughout my life, and this has given me team-working and leadership skills. I was captain
of my school team, and led them to success in the Regional Cup. I have experienced success and
failure, and both have increased my self-motivation to succeed in what I do.
Gaining this placement in digital marketing for a company with a brand reputation such as L’Oreal
would give me the opportunity to work in an industry I am very enthusiastic about, and could also
open doors for a successful career in this field. The desire I have to work for your company would
become apparent at an interview, and I would be grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours faithfully
Nathan Macrow
Interview Questions
After doing some research into interview questions I have picked a selection of specific questions
that I would find hard to answer if I had been put on the spot.
What is your motivation to proceed into this role?
When applying for University I specifically looked for a course that provided a year in industry. I
particularly wanted a year in industry because I believe that working in a professional environment
would enhance my skills and experience for the workplace and help to complement the IT and
business aspects of my degree. I have a keen interest in the marketing sector of the industry with an
extended interest in digital marketing. It is this interest that has motivated me to apply for this role.
This is a large well-coordinated company with a successful background and many opportunities in the
field I am passionate about.
What can you do for us that other candidates cant?
I can offer this company not only a high level of computer, business and marketing skills but
enthusiasm and passion to aid in the improvement of this already well established business. I am a
confidant and very out going person, which will help create a friendly environment for all to work
within. It is important to have a mixture of both technical and inter-personal skills, which not all
candidates will be able to offer you.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
(Career-advice-monster, Job interviews, Job interview questions)
In 5 years time I see myself with a graduate job after successfully completing my degree grade of at
least a 2:1 and being an integral part of a company, having learnt many more vital skills and business
operations that the company has taught me. I believe I will be working with in the digital marketing
section of business, as is what I carry the most enthusiasm and passion for.
If you were an animal what would you be?
(Targetjobs, career advice, interview questions)
A horse because they are strong and bold animal that can function either on its own or work within a
team. They can also be the favourite to be the winner or achieve the final goal.
What are your weaknesses?
-
After looking at many sources of information this question is said to be one of the
most common and one of the hardest questions as it encourages you to apply a sense
of negativity about yourself, however I believe the way to handle this question is to
apply a positive improvement on this weakness.
My main weakness is my ability to get unsatisfied with a piece of work I have done if not up to
normal standards. I can use this dissatisfaction to provide a consistent standard of work and I will look
to improve upon or seek advice to keep all pieces of work to this high standard.
Reference List
(Career-advice-monster, Job interviews, Job interview questions)
(Targetjobs, career advice, interview questions)