I have been a part of RJDA for nearly two years now, which is hard to believe as it's gone so fast!

I was invited to an interview through the Degree Show at University of Derby. I very nearly didn't respond as I didn't find the card left in the back of my portfolio until the next day! That's a good tip if there ever was one! I had a surprisingly relaxed interview considering how nervous I was beforehand! I was offered an apprentice style trial week, along with one of my fellow graduates. That first week was a tough one for both of us as we had no previous experience in the working environment. After the week was up and after a lengthy X-Factor style pause Chris, the studio manager, called out my name and I was both relieved and thrilled!!

I was extremely fortunate to walk straight into an interview, but I was well organised with the portfolio I had prepared, thanks to my tutors and the advice I was given at the YCN Awards and D&AD New Blood Exhibition.

What I wasn't prepared for was more or less starting from scratch again and learning the trade, sticking to deadlines and being extra vigilent with checking my work. After a few sketchy months skating on thin ice I suddenly found myself in gear and got into my stride. Since then I have progressed massively, surpassed junior status and reaped the awards!! I have worked on a range of jobs from beermats for Anti Drink Drive Campaigns to exhibition design, from bicycle vinyls to 300 page product catalogues. What I did find amazing was that there I was, displaying at the degree show one year and then attending the next year, but with the remit of helping pick someone else to employ!

My advice when looking for jobs:

• Have a strong portfolio with a vast range of work to show flexibility. Practice talking about why you did what you did for each project.
• Know your programs, if you have a weak area in a particular program look online for tutorials to strengthen your skill set.
• Don't forget to spell check.
• Buy a thesaurus!
• Always throw an off-the-wall option in when doing concepts!
• If you're not sure, ask!
• Be a sponge, get involved in everything, learn everything you can.
• Take criticism and use it constructively to improve; don't let it knock your confidence.
• If theres a competition, enter it: it's always impressive to see awards on CVs and it adds credibility to your ability.

Good Luck to everyone entering Creative Sauce! A free Mac is a god-send to any budding designer, so get entering!!