Find out about Megan Hughes BA ( Hons) Graphic Design student on placement as Creative Associate with SAP
I am currently on my 13 month placement at a software company called SAP, in their regional design team as a multi-disciplinary designer.
What support did you receive in finding a placement?
I found this role through the help of Eliana and Claudia from the Creative Careers team who supported me in finalising my CV, Cover Letter and Portfolio, so that I was able to apply to placements when I was in second year of my BA (Hons) Graphic Design course. I also had the ongoing support of my lecturers during the application process, giving me insights of the value of obtaining a placement year.
How many roles did you apply for?
I probably applied to 15-20 placements, all with a variety of role specifications and lengths.
What is your advice to students applying for placements?
One of the main take away from going through this process, is to keep persevering! Even after getting rejections from many different places, keep going - it is a competitive field and all the skills that you gain from applying help you in the long run in securing a placement.
What is it like to work for SAP?
SAP is a global software company, providing software for some of the biggest companies in the world, with the main aim to help the world run better. At SAP, I work in a design team called Digitouch, where we create reusable and scalable design assets for those who come to us from the EMEA North region. These assets can range from microsite, to video production, to graphics and print based brochures. So far in my placement I have learnt so much! Not only are you adjusting to being in a professional environment, there has been a huge learning curve in getting up to speed with the way the team works, its relationship with other teams, and learning about SAP as a whole. One of the amazing things about working in a global company is that I have met people from all corners of the world; working with people I wouldn't normally have had the privilege to work with.
What new skills are you developing through your placement?
Over the last 6 months, I have learnt how to sufficiently use video editing software such as Premiere Pro and enhanced my knowledge in After Effects; as well as having the opportunity to be in the recording studio, and working with the studio team.
A month into my placement, after the onboarding was complete, I was given my own projects to lead and run. Even though this was a large amount of responsibility at an early stage in my placement, it was truly an amazing way to learn and develop my technical design skills with hands on project experience as well as developing my professional skills in communicating with requesters, setting expectations and leading discussions to ensure I knew all the information I needed before diving into a project.
In front of the SAP office!
How is your placement experience so far?
Overall, my placement so far has been amazing! I am so privileged to have worked with the people I am working with, and I am learning new things every day, and working on projects I never thought would come my way. I am looking forward to the next half of my placement and learning even more, as well as being involved in the recruitment process of next year's cohort of interns!
What advice would you give to students considering a placement?
To those who are wanting to do a placement or even considering one... go for it! It will be tough and hard work but incredibly rewarding; you will gain so much hands-on industry experience, as well as grow both personally and professionally.