What did I do in my Degree?

What a packed few years! It still amazes me to look back on how much I had accomplished! This blog article is just a way for prospective employers to grasp how I incorporated new experiences into my education.

Timeline (2017-2020)

Student Ambassador (1st, 2nd & 3rd Year)

If any past employers are reading this, you know I can come across as quiet and timid . . . but did you know I used to be worse?

At the start of university, my first objective was to expose myself to different experiences and bring myself out of my shell, and being paid to tackle social anxiety was one way to do it - exposure therapy as it were. Funnily enough, the events director noticed how much confidence I had obtained towards the end of the first year, and I think there was a prize involved for the most improved.

Responsibilities included showing prospective students and parents around the campus, taking them to their interview, assisting with event set-up and registration, and answering any questions regarding student life, my course, or university facilities.

Summer Voluntary Design Job (1st Year)

Plastic-Free Falmouth was founded in 2017 by the current mayor of Falmouth, Kirstie Joanne Edwards, and I'm delighted for this to have been my first design role, especially in its early stages of turning Falmouth into a sustainable community. My main job role was to provide the charity with posters that inform the public.

Arbonnee Consultant (2nd Year)

Once I had grasped a hold on university life, I decided to not only continue with my ambassador work but also train as a student mentor and dive into the world of network marketing. Network Marketing is known as referral marketing where an individual reviews products and approach prospects through a network of connections.

The role involved creating product-based presentations & home parties, persuasive monologue (digitally and in-person), maintaining an online presence, representing the brand lifestyle (skincare, makeup and wellness programs).

Student Mentoring - Received a student mentor Gold award (2nd & 3rd year)

Student Mentors are students who mentor a group of students (within the same course) through their first year. Responsibilities included telecommunication, assisting them to move into student halls, providing any feedback or support into course content, providing them with opportunities to decompress, and directing them to any support services they need.

Visited Amsterdam Design Studios (2nd Year)

This university trip to the Netherlands was my first time abroad and gave me an insight into the different types of studio cultures available (pictured below is the studio Edenspiekerman). The experience as a whole taught me I prefer a small and friendly work environment, and Edenspiekermann gave a brilliant insight into how design relies heavily on client and designer collaboration rather than the process being one-sided.

Skydiving Fundraiser (Second Year)

As the year went on, I had realised I hadn't participated in any student clubs, so I went for one that would fit in with everything else I had taken on that year.

The Raise and Donate Club presented an opportunity to skydive as part of a fundraiser for Surfers Against Sewage (a partner of Plastic Free Falmouth). Prior to this, a lot of fundraising activities were involved during the year such as baking sales, head shaving, and face glitter stands.

2 x Summer Internships (2nd Year) The end of my second year of university allowed me to explore two different working environments. The first was working in a design agency, which consisted of updating maps and presentations, creating a website mockup, and designing a magazine. The second was my first step into the exciting world of marketing, where graphic design skills can thrive in the business world, and you get to see how people engage with your content.

Student President Campaigning (3rd Year - pre pandemic)

This was a month before the pandemic when I was starting to think about what kind of designer I wanted to be and decided to use my problem-solving skills to fix issues within the university.

Thanks to this campaign, I developed a personal brand, experimented with new marketing skills, and started to develop community-based projects during my postgraduate degree.

Having a part-time design job alongside studying (3rd Year - start of pandemic)

One of my summer internships reached out to me after my campaigning, which was an exciting experience because it meant I maintained a healthy working relationship, and it was interesting to see how consumer behaviour changes during a time of crisis.

This placement was remote-based due to the pandemic and within a larger team. Due to this experience, I found it easier to adapt to the idea of studying and remote working when I was pursuing a postgraduate level.

So...What did you take away from these experiences?

I have a passion for content-based marketing, especially if it's a service that helps the community.
I love working in small friendly teams
Just because I suffer from anxiety, doesn't mean I'm not going to stop interacting with the community.
I love exposing myself to new challenges