Henry Maver

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Placement: DePuy Synthes Biomaterials

My role at DePuy Synthes was extremely varied; I was exposed to a number of different areas within the marketing function. I reported directly to the Marketing Manager who, at the start of the year, set me numerous projects; for example, I was asked to put together a new product catalogue for the Biomaterials Company, which was to be distributed to both customers and sales representatives operating within the EMEA region. This involved collating images and product codes, writing product descriptions and deciding on a suitable catalogue design. Another project assigned to me was to develop marketing literature for two newly launched products, to be available on DePuy’s company website and also on other digital platforms.

Besides the projects assigned at the start of the year, it was also partly my responsibility to support my manager in responding to external/internal requests such as replying to emails, attending sales events or pulling together PowerPoint presentations.

One of my projects was to produce a product demonstration video to accompany one of DePuy Synthes’ more complex products. The whole process was a lot of fun and also extremely informative. I learnt a great deal about film and its production, which was a personal highlight for me. It was my responsibility to put together a storyboard, write a script and select a production company to conduct the filming. I was given the opportunity to feature in the film as the product demonstrator and then assist the production company during the editing process.

Another highlight was when I was given the opportunity to spend some time in the field shadowing one of the sales representatives. DePuy Synthes sell surgical equipment and therefore their main customers are surgeons who the sales reps are expected to train in using the products correctly and assist them in surgery to ensure they are happy with the product. Part of my time with the rep was therefore spent in theatre watching live surgery, which, against my initial expectations, turned out to be a fascinating experience, certainly one I won’t forget.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at DePuy, I was always kept very busy and the eclectic nature of the role meant that the work was never boring and the days seemed to fly by.