She writes:
Not being brought up on a farm, I hadn’t had much involvement with the NFU, but after doing my research I realised that it could be just what I was after.
After a disastrous start before I had even got to Warwickshire, with my old and not-so-reliable Corsa deciding the day of my interview would be the day it breaks down, I was surprised but so excited to hear the phone ring with the offering of the placement job with the NFU.
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On my first day I was so scared to move nearly two hours from my home into somewhere I didn’t know and work in an office with more than 250 people in it. Everyone was so nice and supportive and showed me where I needed to be as well as taking me around to meet all of the sectors in the building, although as I was told very quickly the canteen was the most important place to remember; they were definitely right – a place to catch up over a good feed!
Since I started I have been given my own projects to work on like the NFU Sourcing Guide, running conferences with major players in the retail and processing industry, retail financial reports, creating sponsorship opportunities, and handling my team’s press and publications. I have been able to have responsibility of my own areas, while still having support from the team.
During my time at the NFU so far I have been able to expand my knowledge, through visits to processors and manufactures, abattoirs, farm visits, the Royal Welsh Show, member meetings across the country, food exhibitions, as well as being in London at least every other week for industry meetings.
I have been here now for five months and I am still enjoying every minute of it with different things crossing my desk every day. I am still being given opportunities I would never have been able to do without the NFU. I am the youngest person in the building at Stoneleigh and can honestly say that no one has treated me like I am.
On the other side of the fence, I have settled into the area well and the social life at the NFU is great, I have joined a nearby young farmers’ clubs and there are plenty of sporting activities and nights out to keep you busy in your free time. This has helped make my placement one of the best experiences of my life so far and I am looking forward to see what the next seven months bring.