What did your project entail? What were your key responsibilities? I was a Graphic Designer and a project manager; I had to work with clients to get briefs off them and to liaise with them to make sure the brief was met and the project was complete.

What was the highlight of your experience?The highlight of my experience was most definitely the chance to talk to the clients as well as seeing an idea of mine flourish into a functioning shop.

As a result of the placement what did you achieve for yourself and the company? I have achieved many things but the one I am most proud of is being able to launch a functioning online shop based on an idea of mine. I have launched a site selling ceramic buttons online, with the help of the company and other colleagues.

Did you complete the Professional Development Award during your placement? Please tell us more about your experience of the award

I completed the Professional Development Award whilst on the placement and have really enjoyed reading back on the reflective logs at the end of my placement; it was so easy to forget what I had achieved in the first few weeks. At times, it was a little difficult to juggle the award as well as the work for my placement, but I think that this gives you a good insight to how the world of work is going to be like. It’s obviously not the same as university or college where you were given a long time to complete assignments!

Has the placement had a positive effect on your employment prospects? The placement has had a very positive effect on my employment, without the placement I wouldn’t have had the job I have now. I am now employed by The Constant Media Ltd. I continued working for them full time after the placement had ended and recently received a promotion within the company. I am really pleased and feel really settled as part of the company and within a good working team. The placement has allowed me to settle in and work well with the team and I think this is a very positive effect!

Would you recommend the IT Wales placement scheme to others? I would definitely recommend the IT Wales placement scheme to anyone! It really allows you get involved within the company and makes you realise whether you are in the right career or not.

Having had a placement, would you do anything different next time? Yes, I have learnt an awful lot during my 10 weeks of placement and my pace of working has increased dramatically. If I had another placement I would be a lot more efficient with completing tasks and would be a more valuable asset.

Is there anything else you would like to add? With anyone I meet, I try and encourage them to take part in this placement scheme because I have found it an extremely valuable experienced and was fortunate enough to be offered a job out of it.