Welcome Zack – Our Social Media Manager

In our latest collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, Hydraulics Online has offered a work placement to student, Zack Lanigan. He joins us today as our social media manager. Welcome aboard, Zack!

Zack Lanigan has studied for a BA in Advertising and Brand Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. As with the other courses offered by Man Met’s Business School, Zack’s degree course has the option of either a year in industry or to study abroad.

Zack joins Hydraulics Online as Social Media Manager

This is the first year that Hydraulics Online has offered a year-long placement for a Manchester Met student. Zack’s application impressed, not least because he replicated a page on our website in order to introduce himself – demonstrating some key skills that will be needed in the role of social media manager for Hydraulics Online.

“I’m quite an ambitious person and I was attracted to the role at Hydraulics Online as it has a lot more responsibility than many of the other work placements offered,” says Zack.

I want to prove myself as soon as possible and do a good job so that I leave university with more than a degree – with real experience and a really decent reference.

Zack has covered a lot of social media research and analysis as part of his degree and the opportunity to put his learning and research to good use in the real world really excites him. As a bit of a car buff, he’s a great fit for Hydraulics Online. He says, “I find machines really interesting. I did Engineering at GCSE and I’m really looking forward to working in the sector.”

Realising the vision for employability for Manchester Metropolitan students

Nikki Palin is the Placements and Project Coordinator in the Faculty of Business and Law at Manchester Met. She explains why working with local North-West businesses like Hydraulics Online is so important to the university.

“Employability is a strategic focus for the university,” says Nikki, “and it’s so important to our students.

… Our main focus is on improving graduate outcomes and research has revealed that there is a direct correlation with practical work experience. Students who complete twelve-month industry placements are much more likely to enter full-time or graduate roles on graduating.

While there are national opportunities for work placements to which students can apply, the Manchester Met placements team seeks out local businesses who are willing to partner with the university to offer exclusive opportunities to their students.

“It’s really important for us to build a good network and strong relationships with local employers,” says Nikki, “especially in the North-West, where so many of our students are based. Hydraulics Online is a great local company. When you are working in a smaller company, there’s an opportunity to learn so much more. The role is very varied and very hands-on. Social media roles are always very popular with our students, and I know Hydraulics Online will provide support and variety.”

Getting the most value from the next twelve months

Zack agrees that the sandwich year in industry was one of the main reasons he chose to study for a degree in advertising and brand management at Manchester Met. He says, “With my interest in engineering, my studies in social media and the extra responsibility and opportunity to impress, the role at Hydraulics Online seems like the perfect job. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

So are we, Zack!

Hydraulics Online is actively involved in educational initiatives across the UK. We have a passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. It was an obvious decision when we were invited to participate in this scheme with Man Met,” comments Helen Tonks, co-founder of Hydraulics Online.

We’re delighted to welcome Zack to the team. I’m certain the two-way knowledge exchange has the potential to be transformative both for Zack, and for the success of Hydraulics Online.

Nikki adds, “This year and the role with Hydraulics Online will be so beneficial for Zack – as we hope it will also be, going forward, for other students who may take over the role in future years too”.

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