I started my career in Graphic Design in a less than conventional way. I have always had a passion for design and this is shared with my love for science and the sea. I originally went to university to study Marine Biology in Plymouth and absolutely loved it. I learnt how to SCUBA dive and spent a lot of hours in the lab… I was really grateful for the academic background this gave me, but I wanted to find a way to express my creativity.

After uni, I spent some time travelling, which was such a great experience but when I got home I started to feel a bit lost and unsure of my future. I knew there was a creative spark in me and I made the decision to go back to school. I started a Diploma in Graphic Design at London College of Communication in September 2011. The experience was fantastic – I had a real thirst for knowledge and a sense of satisfaction, knowing I would carve out a career in this industry.

Following my course I got a few internships, but nothing that would lead to a future within the companies, where I could get valuable feedback or be part of a design team. Looking for something that would be able to provide real progression, I wrote to several design agencies, with one positive reply from JPC! JPC didn’t currently have an advertisement for a role but I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was offered an internship to get my foot in the door to eventually clinching a full-time position. I accepted and welcomed the challenge to dive right in.

It was straight in at the deep end and I was getting stuck into big projects from the beginning. This really is the best way to learn and being part of a team on live briefs accelerated my progression in terms of design ability and practical know-how.

Having successfully proven myself to the Head of Design through numerous projects for an array of clients, I have now been employed as a Junior Designer under a new scheme called Make Your Own Career (MYOC). During this scheme I’m set targets and goals to meet over a nine-month period to help me get the most appropriate experience that suits my interests and skills. Being given tangible targets from the beginning has allowed me to have a clear aim, no hazy promises at JPC- there is a real opportunity to become a part of the culture of the company for those who have the desire to succeed and become a valuable contributor to the team. The MYOC programme now encompasses our internship strategy with two candidates currently working toward a full-time position at JPC.

I feel I’ve come a long way in a short period of time. I would recommend to anyone out there looking for work to wait for the right placement to suit your own interests and to make an investment in your future career. Look out for my nine-month story to inspire you to do the same!