Find out about Jennie Leung BA (Hons) Graphic Design student on placement as Junior Graphic Designer at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Where are you currently on placement?
My placement is with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which is an organisation focused on research and innovation in STEM fields. They have laboratories across the country, and have departments focused on areas such as space, astronomy and atmospheric science, particle physics, cancer research, climate and environmental research, thermal and vacuum testing and data analysis. They also work with organisations such as CERN (which owns of the Large Hadron Collider) and the European Space Agency.
Tell us a little bit about your role
My role is as a graphic designer in the Digital Infrastructure department, where my team and I produce graphics to support the different research and innovation projects of the scientists and engineers at STFC. My role includes:
- Designing reports of their research and findings in a way that makes this both inviting to read and engage with, as well as easy to understand.
- Designing promotional graphics like logos, banners, flags, stickers, lanyards, branded clothing and stationery for campaigns and events related to the research and projects being undertaken.
What new skills you've learnt so far and what skills you've further developed
I've both learned new skills that I hadn't been taught at university on my course so far, and developed existing skills further by practising these. This includes:
- Producing multi-page reports, both for print and for accessing digitally.
- Adding interactivity to digital reports.
- Accessibility regulations and how to make documents accessible for people who may have special need requirements, to ensure everyone can access the information they need.
- Designing visual identities for campaigns that involve the production of many different elements that come together for one project (PDF reports, lanyards, promotional banners, flags, snap bands, clothing and other wearables).
- How to liaise with companies who produce the products my designs are applied to (using templates to ensure correct sizing, producing designs, obtaining estimates and quotes, sending artwork, arranging for purchase orders to be sent, arranging delivery to client and ensuring delivery and satisfaction with the products received).
- Working to brand guidelines.
- Working in a team.
- Liaising with clients. Particularly many clients with advanced degrees in science and engineering fields, where there is a large gap in understanding and experience in their fields between me and themselves.
What kind of projects have you been working on?
I've liked being able to work on projects to do with interesting scientific subjects, such as space, vacuums, crystallography, radioactivity, renewable energy, quantum physics and supercomputing.
The Centre for Environmental Data Analysis and Jasmine Computing Cluster.
RAL Space Vacuum Testing, one of the projects Jennie has been working on during her placement.
Highlight so far?
The highlight of working at STFC so far has been working on the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Active Travel campaign. This started as designing a report with information about how staff currently travel to and from RAL, and research into how to encourage staff to travel in a more sustainable manner.
How does this project fit with your future career plans?
The reason this project stands out to me as a highlight is firstly because of its scope that allowed me to produce graphics for many things I hadn't designed for previously, but also because one day I would like to produce graphics for an organisation that works to protect the environment and its flora and fauna, so working on a sustainable travel campaign will be a really relevant project that I can add to my portfolio, for when I am looking for work after graduating.
What projects are you going to be working on in the future?
I'm not sure yet, but one of my colleagues recently designed a logo for a satellite, so designing something that will one day be launched into space would be great!
How many roles did you apply prior to success?
I think I applied for four or five roles before landing the STFC role, and it turns out this one was perfect for me, so keep looking for roles and keep trying. Having industry experience will also help set you apart from others when you come to apply for jobs after you graduate, so I'd definitely recommend it!
RAL Space 12 antenna
How did the Fast Track summer programme helped you with your placement search?
I would say it's definitely worth taking up the opportunity to be part of the fast track placement scheme that runs over the summer between first and second year. It really gives you a head start that I found extremely valuable when year two began and I started getting busy with working on my modules again.
What would you say to a student considering doing a placement?
Definitely go for it! I've learned a lot in my placement so far, and have been able to put the skills I've learned on my course to use so far, and can see myself improving and becoming more confident in my abilities the more I practise. Apply for relevant opportunities, even if you think you might not get them. And if you aren't accepted for one placement, keep trying.