I have only recently joined RJDA and I am very honoured to have been given an opportunity to work in this fast-paced and growing design company. It took me quite a while to get here but the wait has certainly been worth it!

I completed my degree at Derby University in 2008 just as the recession began, so this wasn't the best of starts for me. As I didn't have a job lined up, I went back to my hometown and spent a couple of months trying to get a placement in a number of different design agencies across the country. This proved to be very frustrating as no one was interested – I didn't have the experience they wanted, but how are you meant to get experience if no one will give it to you?

I moved back to Derby as I really liked the area and it's a good central base. I rang all the design agents in both Derby and Nottingham area regularly, kept checking jobsites and newspapers daily and sent as many CVs out as I could. I got some freelance work, which allowed me to update my portfolio and showed what I was capable of achieving in a work environment.

Finally after a year of living on beans on toast and pasta I managed to get an interview with RJDA and I have never been so nervous in my life! I made sure I was fully prepared and took along my portfolio to show and explain my work.

I have learnt such a lot in the small space of time I have been here and would advise any student leaving uni to try and get into the industry as soon as they can. My determination and persistence paid off eventually. University is great for being creative and expressing yourself but it doesn't teach you what really goes on in business.

And remember... Great things come to those who create and work hard!