1 October 2008

Careers advice turns to commission for students

A visit to the Careers Service at the University of Dundee has led to a job very close to home for two art and design students.

Michael Corr, a third-year graphic design student, and Gemma Valentine, who is in fourth-year studying illustration, had both visited the 'Placement Basement', the Careers Service's one-stop shop for students and employers, in the hope of finding some work experience.

However, their talents proved ideally suited to a project the Careers Service had just launched.

'We were needing some new promotional material and when Michael and Gemma both came in we realised there might be an opportunity for them right here,' said Graham Nicholson, Director of the Careers Service.

'Gemma and Michael have worked really hard at this and done a brilliant job - as clients we are hugely impressed with what they have given us.'

Both Michael and Gemma are students within Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, which is part of the University.

Michael was asked to produce a new International Students leaflet, while Gemma was commissioned to design a new pop-up banner which will be used at the many events hosted and attended by the Careers Service.

'This is great experience for me as a designer to get a commission like this and it will be a valuable addition to my portfolio,' said Michael (21), from Campbeltown.

Gemma (20), from Edinburgh, said, 'This has provided a really good insight for me in terms of working with a client and producing something to a definite brief. That is the sort of experience which is vital when you are looking to make the jump from studying at university to working professionally, so to get it here has been great.'

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk