As part of London Cancer District’s social impact commitments, the development’s project team held a series of work placements over half term to provide experience for local students.
Communications consultants Meeting Place brought marketing students Natiah and the London Cancer District.
Tetiana and Natiah reflect on their placement…
Natiah:”Stepping into the world of marketing is more than just learning theories—it’s about applying those ideas to make a real impact. For us, our work experience with Meeting Place opened the doors to meaningful projects and hands-on learning that shaped our understanding of the sector.”
Learning through immersion
Tetiana: ”I wanted to see how my academic knowledge translated into the real world. From market research to campaign analysis, I quickly learned that practical experience was the key to deepening my understanding.
“One of my major tasks was helping to develop creative engagement strategies for The London Cancer District ahead of the third round of engagement. We had a site visit, gathered information and brainstormed ways to connect with staff, the local community, and young people. And, as we live locally, I think we were very well placed to help.
“Turning those ideas into a PowerPoint presentation was a challenge, but it was great to create something that had real-world relevance for a live project which will impact our community.”
Natiah shared a similar excitement about gaining real-world insights.
Natiah: “I applied for the opportunity hoping it would prepare me for my future studies in communications and give me a better idea of how the marketing industry operates.
“During our time at Meeting Place, we got to learn about projects like The London Cancer District and brainstorm how it could serve the community. It was eye-opening to see marketing at work beyond the classroom walls.”
Mastering the art of communication
Tetiana: ”One of the most valuable lessons we both learned was the importance of effective communication. I had the opportunity to create a press release that conveyed important information in a way that was informative yet engaging.
“Writing a press release taught me the importance of language being clear and engaging, and how to get people excited about what’s happening.”
Natiah also took a deep dive into communication, especially around the concept of social impact.
Natiah: “We met with Ruth, Meeting Place’s Social Impact lead, who explained how developments like the London Cancer District could transform communities. With Ruth’s support, we wrote social impact assessments which explained these benefits. It was all about making what might seem like complex ideas relatable and showing people why this development matters.”
Proposing ideas that impact communities
The London Cancer District project gave the duo a chance to apply their creative thinking to address real community needs.
Tetiana: “One of my most meaningful contributions was suggesting ways to use the development space to benefit nearby residents. I proposed creating a sports field using some of the site’s greenery for a school. I also suggested an innovation hub where local professionals and groups could hold important meetings. These ideas weren’t just abstract, they demonstrated the potential for thoughtful design to bring people together.
Reflections on the journey
Natiah: “Looking back, I’m grateful for the experience, which allowed me to develop my communication and time management skills.
“I learned to structure my work and manage my time better, and I discovered what kind of marketing roles might suit me in the future. I feel grateful to Meeting Place for giving me a glimpse into what marketing professionals actually do, as it will help me to make a more informed decision on what I want to pursue after my studies.”
