Our
Students

Where do you work?
Cybercom in Dublin.

Describe your typical day as a designer.
I start work at 9.30am, check emails and get on with any work-in-progress that is left over from the day before. If there is a new project, we might have a brainstorm session on that and then jump in and start work. After some lunch, it's back into it until 6pm (if I'm lucky)!
 
What do you love about being a designer?
I love creating and coming up with new ideas and solutions to help clients. I also love doing more artistic, personal projects and branding for smaller up-and-coming companies.

When did you graduate from Shillington?
April 2011.
 
What area were you working in before the course? Why did you decide to do the course?
I studied Industrial Design at College but quickly realised that I preferred the graphic side of design. So I started designing flyers and logos for club nights in Dublin. I could only learn so much myself and I wanted to be around other like-minded creatives so I enrolled at Shillington.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
shift+alt+cmd+V! And the ability to work through a project in a structured way from start to finish.

How did you find the college environment, facilities and teaching?
The facilities and teaching were excellent at Shillington Manchester, such an enjoyable setting to work.
 
How confident did you feel about entering the design industry after you graduated?
Jobs are scarce in Ireland so that worried me a bit, but I had a job within a month!
 
What was the response like to your portfolio during interviews?
Anyone who saw my portfolio was very impressed with the quality and range of work.
 
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Firstly, getting a job. Then securing Kerrygold Butter as a new client with the company through the design team I was working on.

Where do you see yourself 12 months from now?
I see myself at Cybercom still but hopefully a little higher up the ranks!
 
Any advice for someone pondering whether to take the leap into graphic design and sign up for the course?
If you have a love for design and you're willing to work hard – not only in the course but also in getting a job – DO IT!