From graduating at Aberystwyth University to a three-month placement at AberInnovation
We recently welcomed William Price to AberInnovation for a three-month placement following his graduation from Aberystwyth University. Below William outlines his experience transitioning from academia to industry, and putting his skills into practice.
As a recent Aberystwyth University graduate, my time at AberInnovation was quite a new experience for me. As someone who has a background in media and web development, I certainly had a chance to cut my teeth on the more practical skills in the role of Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Innovation & Enterprise Campus. My prior experience in creating digital materials, handling filming and promotional materials has proved to be incredibly useful, especially in the events management aspects of this role.
During my placement, I spent a lot of time getting to grips with the basics such as coordinating activity with marketing contacts and methods of getting our message out, including creating digital content on Photoshop or Canva, e-mail marketing and organising events & workshops – this is where my past knowledge of graphic design certainly came in handy! It was incredibly useful to learn the tools of the trade and I have enjoyed the ins and outs of the role. Practicing my creative writing skills in a marketing context has become an area in which I have discovered that I would like to improve upon through writing blogs just like this.
A ‘day in the life’ for me in this job is quite straightforward; when in the office I would arrive around 8am, which gave me time to set my equipment up, sort out my scheduling, emails and tasks for the day and it gave me the chance to relax with a coffee before the day properly began.
One of my main responsibilities during the placement was to be involved with the graphic design for our marketing materials for a milestone celebratory event in May 2023, giving thanks to the Welsh European Funding Office. Liaising with professional contacts to arrange events and organise materials became something of a second nature to me. I also particularly enjoyed the promotion of the more scientific aspects of the research projects undertaken here in the food science sector, coming from an agricultural background myself.
Over the duration of the placement, I was able to sharpen a broad range of skills whilst being in the role. This role has particularly helped me pick up industry relevant skills such as learning about the innovative aspects of work the tenant companies do and how we are able to incorporate this into our marketing. However, one area I’m keen to build upon is my knowledge of targeted marketing, tailoring materials and key messages for the intended audience.
Overall, I had a fantastic time in my role at AberInnovation, and I look forward to putting the skills and knowledge I’ve learnt into practice now and in the future.
