Undertaking a work placement
Product design is such a competitive industry to try and break into, I wanted to undertake a work placement so that I could gain some real experience of what it would be like to work in industry and to see if that is the path for my chosen career.
Giving an excellent first impression on the interview
The interview process is nerve racking like all interviews. I was lucky because I managed to make an excellent impression on my interview and was given a job proposition for when I finish my degree. I think this was due to the strength of my portfolio, and I could confidently show examples of my knowledge and thought process.
My Project brief was to design a whole new product range which involved understanding and learning all about how to manufacture using the ‘Unibox’ system which is a range of aluminium for which you can build almost anything with.
Real life experience - building three products
I got the opportunity to build three products (Information Point, Reception Table and contemporary retail shelving unit). These items were professionally photographed to go along with my drawings and computer renders in the New Product Range catalogue.
I was given a real life project brief to do three designs for a Kodak exhibition stand, have them checked for manufacture and passed onto the sales team all within one working day. My final design was sold for £16,000.
On-the-spot sales pitches
I was also invited along to a business meeting with Manchester City Council and Town Hall Officials to see if United Aluminium could replace the existing run down exhibition cabinets. After gaining their product requirements I provided an on-the-spot sales pitch to win an order for £28,000.
Work placements give you a great skill set
Overall from my work placement I have learnt a whole range of personal skills, which I didn’t know I had, which was great to have the opportunity to develop these. I also improved on my drawing skills, organisational skills and communication skills.
I would advice anyone on a work placement to try as hard as they can, don’t just do the bare minimum that is expected, it’s what you put in that you get out. I would also say take any opportunity that opens to you, a lot of small opportunities can lead to big rewards.
