Rocket's Industrial Placement Scheme: A Year in Review
The magic of our industry simply would not be possible without its people, which is why at Rocket we are incredibly passionate about supporting and developing the next generation of talent. We’re proud to have founded our industrial placement scheme in 2022, presenting second year students with a keen interest in events the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and insight into the industry. The scheme is designed to provide exposure to all facets of our business and industry, in preparation for a future career in events, and we are delighted to be welcoming our very first placement student Abi into our team full time this summer. The scheme has proven so successful we have extended it to include two students from 2024. Here we caught up with Tabby, one of our recent graduates, on her year with us at Rocket…
Why did you choose to do a placement year at Rocket?
It was a no brainer for me! I wanted to gain hands-on experience and develop a broad range of transferable skills within the workplace, whilst also progressing towards my degree. I discovered Rocket’s placement scheme on LinkedIn, and as a student with a keen interest in events and a passion for food and hospitality, Rocket was the perfect fit.
How did you find the transition from university life to your placement with us?
My university is very encouraging of students taking a placement year, with many of my closest friends doing the same in a range of different industries. Moving from the University of Leeds to London and starting a full-time placement year was a daunting experience but made a lot easier when your friends are living only a few tube stops away. The team at Rocket were also incredibly supportive from the outset, throughout the application and onboarding process and helped get me settled in.
What were some of your favourite events to work on?
NET-A-PORTER hosted an intimate dinner at the V&A honouring a group of extraordinary women on International Women’s Day, and as a Fashion Marketing student, it was particularly special for me to be involved in this exclusive event. The menu, crafted by chef Florence Knight, was a visual and culinary masterpiece set in the stunning Raphael Court. Collaborating with Florence was an invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading figures. Events like this teach you how to keep your cool under pressure – laying the whole dinner table in 15 minutes must be a record!
Another favourite was a phenomenal “Night at the Museum” themed Christmas party at the Natural History Museum. Hintze Hall was adorned with four distinct stalls, ranging from the American Wild West to an Under-The-Sea Sushi Stall, each offering a delicious array of foods. Under the iconic whale, a 360-degree bar with a gold plaque at its centre served as the event’s focal point. Staff members dressed in theme-appropriate attire, adding to the immersive experience. This was undoubtedly one of the standout events of the year!
Any bucket list moments?
I had the incredible opportunity to experience the Motorsport Hospitality sector with Rocket when I joined the events team in Monaco, hosting a series of events on a beautiful yacht during the Grand Prix weekend. Executing an event on a yacht presented unique challenges with a very tight back of house space, but it was undoubtedly one of the standout memories of the year. Serving guests while the race unfolded around us was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I found it fascinating to see how the team operates within the paddock, consistently providing top-tier hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences amidst the unique logistical constraints.
How would you summarise your experience at Rocket?
As my year at Rocket draws to a close, I can confidently say there’s nothing I wouldn’t recommend about this experience. I have been able to fully immerse myself and gain a comprehensive understanding of the catering and events industries. This journey has equipped me with a plethora of skills and bolstered my confidence in my abilities. I was given the flexibility to tailor my experience, engaging in various aspects of the business, including creating event proposals, hosting tastings for clients, and organising and managing my own events end-to-end. I have worked alongside industry-leading specialists, managing events at some of London’s most prestigious venues, and I am really excited to bring the knowledge and experience I’ve gained into my studies. I’m particularly looking forward to applying these skills in my new role as Event Manager for the Leeds University Fashion Show.
The entire Rocket team has been crucial in making my placement year a resounding success. I highly encourage anyone considering applying to take the plunge—you won’t regret it!