How do you keep learning and growing in a temporary placement?

1 Set clear goals

Before you start your temporary placement, identify what you want to achieve and how you will measure your progress. For example, you might want to learn a specific software, improve your communication skills, or get feedback from your supervisor. Write down your goals and review them regularly. This will help you stay focused, motivated, and proactive.

2 Seek feedback and mentoring

One of the best ways to learn and grow in a temporary placement is to seek feedback and mentoring from your colleagues, supervisor, and clients. Ask for constructive criticism, praise, and suggestions on how to improve your performance and skills. Be open to different perspectives and learn from their experience and expertise. You can also request a formal or informal mentor who can guide you, support you, and challenge you.

3 Take initiative and responsibility

Don't wait for instructions or assignments in your temporary placement. Show initiative and responsibility by volunteering for tasks, projects, or roles that align with your goals and interests. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm, commitment, and potential to your employer and co-workers. It will also expose you to new challenges, opportunities, and learning experiences.

4 Learn from others and share your knowledge

A temporary placement is a great chance to learn from others and share your knowledge. Observe how others work, communicate, solve problems, and handle situations. Ask questions, listen actively, and participate in discussions and meetings. You can also share your insights, ideas, and best practices with your team and contribute to their success. This will help you build rapport, trust, and respect.

5 Keep a learning journal

A learning journal is a tool that helps you reflect on your experiences, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in your temporary placement. It can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It can also help you track your progress, evaluate your performance, and plan your next steps. You can use a notebook, a document, or an app to write down your thoughts, feelings, and actions regularly.

6 Explore further learning opportunities

A temporary placement is not the end of your learning journey. It is a stepping stone to further learning opportunities. You can explore various ways to enhance your knowledge, skills, and qualifications after your temporary placement. For example, you can take online courses, attend webinars, read books, join professional associations, or apply for certifications. You can also network with your contacts and seek referrals or recommendations for future opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?