The EP team recently caught-up Kent Business School student, Azra Kucukkaramuklu, who has been undertaking a 2-week work experience placement with East Kent Mencap.
Azra explained that she applied for this work experience placement as it offered a great blend of both marketing and events management experience, and she has found the experience both enjoyable and impactful!
Reflecting on her 2-weeks, Azra has gained a comprehensive insight into events management, as she has helped organise the charity’s annual Street Party. She was given ownership of specific tasks, including contacting previous stall holders and activity providers, whilst also securing sponsorship from local businesses for the raffle. Beyond this, Azra also gained an insight into fundraising management, gaining the chance to undertake fundraising campaigns and speak with Secondary School students about the charity.
Reflecting on the experience, Azra commented on how she has now gained a real appreciation of the charity sector and specifically enjoyed the responsibility given to her, in addition to the chance to apply creative ideas. Whereas she found contacting businesses regarding sponsorship challenging at first, the experience has really boosted her confidence and communication skills.
Partly as a result of this placement, Azra now knows she wishes to pursue a career in events management.
Demi Price, Community Fund Raising Officer, commented:
“Azra has been a ray of sunshine in our Fundraising Team, I kind of stole Azra and she became my right hand girl. Absolutely nothing was too much to ask of and everything Azra did was always carried out with 110%. It took no time at all for Azra to find her feet and use her initiative which really maximised positive outcomes on any project we were working on. Not only did Azra play a huge role in the success of our Street Party, I asked Azra to come along and support me to with our involvement in the NCS Social Action Projects. The groups we worked with were able to learn really important information and tips from Azra and you could see where her influence had such a wonderful impact on their work. Azra has been, and will continue to be a huge asset to any organisation she is involved with, I will very much miss having her around. Azra has also accompanied me with Community Fundraising tasks and has networked with MANY local, and not so local organisations and businesses which has brought in an overwhelming level of support for our charity. Most importantly, Azra’s calm and happy nature was warmly welcomed by our members. Although Azra applied for a role which would gain her experience in events and marketing, Azra developed positive relationships with our members which is one of the crucial elements to getting this role right. It’s amazing how within just two weeks, Azra was able to embody our person centred approach and was always identifying ways in which we could cater to the individual needs of everybody. I can only hope that one day in the future there may be another opportunity to work alongside Azra again, and wish her all the best in the future.”
For more information on East Kent Mencap and the great work they do, please visit their website here.