Along side studying Creative Computing at Bath Spa University, I have been working Self Employed within a number of different sectors related to my course. The main sector I have been working in is Graphic Design. I have had the opportunity to work for very large companies such as Mercedes-Benz, as well as working for some local companies in Bath. This work has given me some great contacts to add to my portfolio which will hopefully make my CV stand out to companies. Following graduation, I have applied for a working VISA to move to Canada for 2 years. This experience in itself will be a great opportunity for me to expand skills outside of Computing such as communication, organisation/planning and adaptability, all skills that I can transfer to a job in the Creative Computing sector. Once I have adapted to life in Canada, I hope to apply for a job within the Creative Computing sector and possibly look at applying for residency.
Portfolio:
During my study and before going to University, I worked for a number of international and local companies. This has given me the opportunity to grow my portfolio to make me stand out in the employment market amongst others with similar qualifications and experience. When I graduate, my first job will be to correlate this work into a portfolio to show to future employers. I will use the web development and creative skills gained from my course to create a website to showcase my skills and work.
When I move to Canada, I will have the opportunity to retain the work I do for several companies. One of these companies is Richard Watkins and Associates where I create training booklets for the Mercedes-Benz C-Parts Passenger Car (M-B C-Parts PC), as well as other training material within Mercedes-Benz training courses. This job role requires me to use my Layout and Graphic Design skills to create content used when presenting training courses to Mercedes-Benz employees.
As well as this, I will have 3-4 months post graduation before moving to Canada. I will use this time to gain any further experience within the Creative Computing sector. In particular I hope to gain more skills within the Web Development sector, as this is one area I am particularly interested in. To gain this experience I intend to acquire extra skills through work experience/internship. I also have some entrepreneurial ideas that I will work on.
I have made a number of contacts through work that have given me some work experience at a number of Design Agencies. One of which is CereTech LTD who are a Development and Data Development company in Cornwall who offered work experience. Unfortunately, at the time, I was too busy with University work and other personal work to take them up on this offer, so this is something I intend to take advantage of before I move to Canada.
The second way I intend to gain experience as well as an entrepreneurial opportunity is to buy some online hosting storage and offer free website design/development in return for an agreed maintenance fee to host their site and keep it up to date. This is great for the client, as they will get a free website, but it will also benefit me, as I will gain experience developing websites as well as receive a monthly income through hosting their website and charging a maintenance fee.
I have already lined up one potential client, a graduate Therapist, who wants a website to advertise their private practice.
So far I am really enjoying working freelance, although at times it is hard to find work (or work that I enjoy doing). I really enjoy travelling and want to pursue a freelance career that allows you to work almost anywhere in the world.
