As a second year Broadcast and Digital Journalism student, I was eager to find a placement that would challenge me, build my confidence and allow me to apply my skills in a real-world setting. My placement at the Brontë Birthplace offered all of this and more.
From the beginning, I was trusted with meaningful responsibility. My role focused on social media management, particularly developing the Birthplace’s TikTok presence and helping to build a strong foundation for the account. This involved planning content, filming and editing videos, analysing engagement and thinking creatively about how to connect new audiences with the story of the Brontë family.
As a Broadcast and Digital Journalism student, the placement allowed me to apply key elements of my degree in a practical environment. I was able to use storytelling techniques, audience awareness and digital production skills to create content that was both informative and engaging. One of the highlights of my placement was creating a TikTok that reached over 30,000 views. Seeing that level of engagement demonstrated how powerful digital storytelling can be when combined with heritage and history.
I was also given the opportunity to interview artist in residence Gareth Wilde, whose exhibition was on display at the Birthplace during my time there. Conducting this interview allowed me to develop my confidence in asking questions, shaping narratives and capturing creative perspectives. It was a valuable experience that connected directly to my journalism training, and it showed me how heritage spaces can also be vibrant platforms for contemporary creativity.
What made this placement even more valuable was the flexibility of working both on site and remotely. Spending time at the Birthplace allowed me to immerse myself in its atmosphere, interact with visitors and learn directly from the dedicated volunteers and staff. At the same time, remote working provided accessibility and independence, helping me to strengthen skills such as time management, professional communication and self-direction. The balance between on site and remote work reflected the realities of modern digital roles and made the placement adaptable and inclusive.
Beyond the digital and editorial work, I gained insight into how a heritage organisation operates day to day. Every conversation with volunteers and staff reflected a genuine passion for preserving history and sharing it with the public. As a placement student, I felt supported, encouraged and treated as a valued member of the team.
For any student considering a placement, the Brontë Birthplace offers far more than experience to add to a CV. It provides the chance to make a real impact, develop industry relevant skills and work within a welcoming community that truly cares about what it does. As a second year Broadcast and Digital Journalism student, I could not have asked for a more enriching and empowering opportunity.
Martina Williams,
Broadcast & Digital Journalism Student
Leeds Trinity University
