Welcoming the Next Generation of Talent to StartUp Croydon!
Here at StartUp Croydon, we love to welcome enthusiastic young people who are eager to experience what it’s like to spend time in the workplace. Between June and July, we were delighted to host Jake, Aryan, Fabio, Konrad, Harrison, Anqi, Ali, each bringing their own energy, curiosity, and fresh ideas to our team.
These work experience placements are a fantastic way for young people to develop professional skills, gain insight into different career paths, and build confidence in a real working environment.
Whether they join us for a few days or a few weeks, we are always proud to play a role in helping the next generation prepare for their future careers.
At the end of their time with us, each participant reflected on their experience — here’s a glimpse into what they had to say:
Jake:
My work experience at StartUp Croydon has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience, helping me develop new skills, gain confidence, and learn more about my interests. I was warmly welcomed by the team and quickly felt part of the environment. I worked on a podcast project about AI and education, learning editing, sound checks, and behind-the-scenes podcast production. I also had the opportunity to redesign the Creative Digital Lab website, which taught me web design, time management, independence, and creative problem-solving.
I gained marketing experience by designing a marketing image for a new product and creating a three-month content strategy, helping me discover that I enjoy strategy planning the most. I also observed a women’s start-up business talk, led a tour of the Creative Digital Lab, and made valuable networking connections. On my final day, I worked in reception, learning about client handling and the business side of operations. Overall, StartUp Croydon has given me incredible opportunities to explore my passions, experience different sides of business, and feel like a valued member of the team.
Aryan:
I had an awesome week doing my Year 10 work experience at StartUp Croydon! Everyone was super friendly and made me feel at home. I got to try out cool things in the Creative Digital Lab, from podcasting and vodcasting to learning about business tasks like invoicing and marketing. I loved working on a vodcast about empowering young people with AI, learning tech skills, teamwork, and how businesses promote themselves. The whole week was fun, eye-opening, and really inspiring. Thank you for having me, StartUp Croydon!
Fabio:
During my week at Start Up Croydon, I felt warmly welcomed and enjoyed the supportive and friendly atmosphere. I worked on a group Vod/podcast project, helping set up and position cameras, lights, mics, and headphones, and learned how to capture the best angles. I enjoyed the discussions during the recording, especially hearing different perspectives on AI. I also got to edit the podcast using professional equipment like MacBook Pros and premium software, which I really appreciated. Midweek, had a whole team social, which gave me the chance to connect with others over lunch.
Konrad:
I really enjoyed my work experience at StartUp Croydon! We kicked off the week by creating a podcast, then on Wednesday completed some admin tasks and enjoyed a fun pizza party. On Thursday, I designed posters for the August boot camp, and on Friday we recorded a second podcast. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve asked to volunteer for a week during my summer break!
Harrison:
My time at Start Up Croydon has been incredible. I learned valuable skills through creating a podcast, attending meetings, and researching projects, while gaining insight into how an office environment works. The experience showed me I enjoy a mix of team and independent work. I’m very grateful to Herty, Latoya, Geoff, and Saffron for their support and guidance, making this week both fun and impactful.
Ali
My two weeks at StartUp Croydon were a valuable and eye-opening experience. I felt welcomed from day one by Saffron Saunders, Kelvin, Latoya, Xahir, and Herty, with Kelvin acting as a great mentor throughout. Most of my time was spent in the Creative Digital Lab, learning about podcasts, video production, and green screen filming, as well as helping with an event that showed me the planning behind the scenes. I also developed practical skills using Excel and Apple Numbers, and contributed to general office tasks. Overall, the placement gave me a real insight into the workplace, and I’m grateful to the whole team for making it such a positive experience.
Anqi:
I had a fantastic two weeks at StartUp Croydon! I helped with admin tasks and spent time in the Creative Digital Lab, working alongside other students on work experience. I really enjoyed learning new skills and attending the weekly women’s event, IMB, on Wednesday mornings. I also had fun incorporating the work environment into my hobby of drawing anime, including all the staff members in my artwork. Thank you to everyone at StartUp Croydon for making my time so enjoyable and inspiring!
Watch this space for the much-talked-about AI podcast – it’s fascinating to hear the perspective of young people growing up with the technology.
We’re proud of everything our work experience students achieved during their time with us and hope the skills, insights, and confidence they gained will support them in their future careers.
At StartUp Croydon, we’re committed to providing opportunities that inspire and prepare the next generation for the world of work.
We have limited spaces for work experience but as a charity are propelled by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or work experience, get in touch.