I am a placement student from Bournemouth University completing my industrial placement within the Master of the Household's Department. I am currently working with the team of Footmen based at Buckingham Palace.

How did you get your job with the Royal Household?
I applied via the careers advice centre at Bournemouth University and I have been the first year-long placement student to work within this Department.

What did you do before joining the Royal Household?
I am studying International Food and Hospitality Management at Bournemouth University. This is a four-year course with one year's placement in the third year. Once finishing the placement, I will return to university to finish my final year. I have also had a number of part-time jobs, mainly within the catering sector.

Describe a typical day.
I am based mostly within General Branch, which is a specialist section of the Master's Department, responsible for the organisation, running and staffing of the ceremonial and entertainment occasions at all residences in the United Kingdom, be they official or private, and, on special occasions, abroad.

Due to the range of jobs that are carried out, no two days are ever the same. Requirements vary throughout the year in line with The Queen's programme. However, general duties include the service of meals and drinks, caring for silver and glass, valeting for guests and senior members of the Household, and generally looking after guests. Hours of work do vary due to the different requirements of some events, and I also get the opportunity to travel and work at different residences throughout the UK.

How would you advise someone looking for a job in this area?
Experience of working within the hospitality and catering industry is essential. Qualifications such as a GNVQ in Health and Hygiene or a degree in hospitality would also stand you in good stead. Common sense and initiative are a must, as is the ability to communicate confidently. You should have a flexible, positive attitude and, above all, be keen to learn and deliver the highest standards of service.

What training and support are available to you?
Working within a team means that there is always help at hand. Colleagues are always available to offer advice and assist with any problems. There is a lot of on-the-job training and coaching, in addition to more structured training for a range of technical and interpersonal skills.

The key is that you are always learning something new and developing as a person in order to progress, and also to help future employees. The footman training is a VQ accredited course and the housekeeping training is NVQ Accredited, allowing employees to gain nationally recognised qualifications whilst working.

What's it like working for the Royal Household?
It is an experience that I will never forget. The range of jobs that are carried out is amazing, each being as important as the other. I work with a great team and everyone is friendly, approachable and always willing to offer advice. It has been a pleasure working here.

What is the best thing about your job?
The variety means that it is easy to stay motivated. Travelling to different residences throughout the year is also great, as the change of scenery and requirements at each location makes the job interesting. There is also the opportunity to put forward new ideas, and managers are always willing to listen and help.

What opportunities do you get that you would not get elsewhere?
Being a student on placement I have had exposure to most sections of the department, and I now have a very good understanding of how the hospitality and catering side of the Royal Household operates, and the types of management strategies that are in place. I have expanded my knowledge of the hospitality industry and feel more confident in whatever task lies ahead. I am 100% sure that, had I done my placement anywhere else, I would not have gained the experiences that I have.