Employability literature has consistently emphasised the importance of work placements for securing employment post graduation. This article presents findings from a project focusing on the experiences of higher education students who have undertaken course-related work experience placements as part of their "creative industries" associated degree programme. The article outlines the approach of the Creative Contexts project of using personal stories to facilitate personal reflection and as peer learning resources. Empirical research is drawn on to evaluate the resource with reference to the concept of "student voice" and challenges associated with reflective practice.