I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to be part of the 2023 Creative Leadership Programme to London. It has helped me massively in deciding what area of design my interests lie as well as the type of companies and work I would like to pursue in the future. It has also helped me massively with my personal confidence as well as confidence within a group of people.

The two companies which stood out to me the most were Jack Renwick Design and Synechron, both for different reasons. At Jack Renwick, I really liked the feel of their work environment as it was such as small but well knit team. I also really liked how they spoke about trial and error, specifically on their project for Veg NI as they were not happy with the final outcome so went back to the drawing board and created some new ideas. It made me realise that it is ok to fail or not be happy because it is a learning process to create much bigger and better things.

What I liked about Synechron was how interactive our visit was and how they got us doing a crazy 8’s task which they actually use within their own work. Their presentation gave me a really good insight on their UX work which is a field I would love to work in as well as what they look for as employers which will be so helpful when I start applying to placements soon and eventually graduate positions. I just really admire not only their environment but also how they have adapted to using hot desks for days in and out of the office so people can work remotely but also meet up in the office with their colleagues to work together.

I also really enjoyed the networking event as Hannah who is an Ulster University graduate and now works for Synechron in their London office came along and I was able to ask her questions within a smaller group and not only gain a better understanding of Synechron and the positions available but also external factors such as how she finds living in London and moving away from living in Northern Ireland. It was really insightful to speak to her and she gave me a real boost of confidence about moving away from home and the opportunities I could get.

I am so happy I was able to take part in their programme as it has changed my mindset as a person not only career wise but on personal day to day things too such as self worth and confidence and allowed me to grow lots as a person. I have also made some really good friends through this programme who I continue to meet up with.