Landscape Architecture students showcase their skills to employers through social media

Why did you search for work experience during your course?

Prior to studying at Sheffield, I was inspired to find work experience related to landscape architecture. I was also interested in environmental conservation following a visit to Africa in 2021 where I witnessed first hand environmental degradation in rural communities in Nigeria. I was particularly interested in discovering opportunities where I could assist in improving environmental conditions in the Nigerian Diaspora. I applied for a volunteer position with Garden World Nigeria and was offered the role of Business Development Intern working remotely within the organisation. I very quickly found them to be a company that embraced the use of social media to reach their clients. I became involved in a series of podcasts which highlighted the importance of native plants and I managed the company's Instagram account.

You can read more about Christabel's experience and follow links to Garden World's Pinterest and Spotify in our recent news article. 

Landscape student explores the power of social media with an international conservation organisation

Christabel Nzekwe- Excel discovered the power of social media in Landscape Architecture during work experience with social enterprise Garden World Nigeria.

7 November 2024

What opportunities have you had to increase your skills in content creation during your degree?

I was invited to lead on and produce a podcast for my fellow students to highlight the benefits of using social media to raise your profile within the Landscape profession. I started with some research to find out how other students are using social media such as Instagram, Linkedin and digital portfolios throughout their journey to becoming Landscape Architects. I interviewed Sarah Collings, a Landscape Architecture postgraduate student here in Sheffield. You can access the Podcast Recording here.

How does studying Landscape Architecture help to boost visibility and employability on social media?

In the podcast, Sarah talks about how her use of social media has adapted over the years, from posting about her garden prior to starting the course to using it to gain inspiration and ideas whilst on the course and how it recently helped her gain sponsorship and promotion for her RHS Tatton Park Show Garden.

The podcast also features Digital Innovation Award Winner 2023, Marko Yau, Landscape Architecture MLA student @marko_landscape. Marko took advantage of the visually inspiring experiences he has while studying Landscape Architecture and set himself a 365 day posting challenge. He uses social media as a learning platform and for peer support.