I chose to redesign Lowestoft College’s website from the UEA internship’s. I wanted to do this to gain web design and user experience skills so that I could apply for a specific job within the educational technology industry, boost the portfolio of my small start-up web design business (www.webhostcreative.com), and to spend a summer working by the seaside eating ice-cream on my lunch break.
From the start of the internship I was given a lot of responsibility and was treated like a member of staff rather than just an intern. I was made to feel welcome and people respected me as a professional as well as a graduate.
Within the first week I had set out my project plan, arranged meetings, set up a focus group, created initial draft web designs and also played in the local derby football match between Lowestoft College and Yarmouth College. I helped them win 7 – 3. I knew from this point onwards that if the internship continued, as it had been it would be a fantastic 3 months and it was.
By the end of the first month I presented my website plan to over 200 staff members in a meeting. I spent some good time preparing a very visual and entertaining presentation and this was rewarded by a standing ovation at the end. I believe I reassured them that the site was in good hands.
I spent the next 2 months working hard on my design work, responding to the feedback from staff and working alongside the other intern who helped with the development of the site.
Some of the highlights were working with some very friendly members of staff, overseeing and leading the website’s design, presenting and consultation, learning new technical skills setting up a photo-shoot and photographing the local Lowestoft Mayor and local MP, and winning the £50 raffle prize with my £1 raffle ticket at the staff summer party!
During the internship I applied for a job at a company called ‘Tribal Technology’ as a junior designer which I was successful with. This was greatly helped by the experience that I had gained through doing this UEA internship. I don’t believe I would have got the job without it. To summarise my internship I would say it has been, career strengthening, skill boosting, really great for my CV and interview prospects but above all very enjoyable!
Jack Alex Stewart
Graphic Designer
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