It's the annual all-change in your Communications team as we welcome another Huddersfield University student on work placement. And we've just learned that last year's student Lucy Mulcahy has secured a comms job with Northern Rail. This means we have a 100% success rate for our students going into jobs.

 

Heidi Hawkins returns to her final year on her Business Management Course next Tuesday (23rd) and Antonia Crookes takes a year out to join us from her Business and Marketing course.

 

Heidi said: "I've had such a rewarding year in Comms with the kindest, most supportive team I could have wished for as that scared student on my first day. I really feel that my team have allowed me to get the absolute most from my year on placement, allowing me to take on projects like relaunching our Facebook page, boosting Twitter followers to nearly 2000 and launching our new website earlier this year - a month ahead of the planned deadline. 

 

"I will REALLY miss everyone I've worked with over the last year. Most of my friends are excited to go back to uni, and whilst I can't wait for the lie ins, I mainly feel really really sad that my year with Caroline, Jacqui, Vicky and Vanessa has come to an end."

 

Meet Antonia here...

 

Hello my name is… Antonia Crookes. Originally from Holmfirth with my family, 12 chickens and two Springer Spaniels called Bella and Milo. I am a placement student from the University of Huddersfield where I study Business and Marketing but on my placement year at the trust.

 

What is your position? Communications Assistant, this involves dealing with all the news related to the trust both internally and to the general public.

 

Tell us about your career background? I am currently on my placement year here at the trust with the Communications team. However, during University I worked in the local cinema, serving popcorn and selling tickets, and volunteered at Kirkwood Hospice.

 

What are the best bits about your job? People! Even though I have only just started, the team is amazing - hard working and good fun. Everyone has been very welcoming. As a student placement, I’m involved in all aspects of communication at the Trust which allows me to meet various people within the Trust.

 

What is the highlight of your career so far? Eating my body weight in popcorn on a regular basis whilst working at a cinema.

 

Sum up your role in three words? Engaging, Diverse, Hilarious

 

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I could never decide on this, so it would change daily, however the main jobs were a singer (or some form of performer), an Olympic Runner and an Author. Basically I wanted to be in the lime light in whatever profeesion I entered.

 

Who is your hero/heroine and why? This is a tossup between my Karen Brady, J K Rowling, my Gran and my mum. All four represent strong women who have come through troubling times and have gained success from their hard work and abilities. This inspires me both professionally and personally to succeed, remain passionate and never give in. 

 

When you are not at work how do you relax? I love to exercise, whether that is a class like spinning or aqua fit or walking the dogs. I LOVE reading and travel.

 

What is your favourite place? Rome, however Italy in general

 

What would people be surprised to know about you? Caramel slices are my weakness!

 

You can contact Antonia on ext 5253 or at Antonia.Crookes@cht.nhs.uk