2022 BSc (Hons) Digital Design graduate Joanne Miller Gibson shares her insight into life at GCU and life after graduating from university.
I chose to study at GCU because…
GCU was my dream university throughout Highschool and College due to their impressive technology department. The Digital Design course offered many opportunities to learn things that weren’t being taught elsewhere, and would greatly benefit me for the rest of my life. I attended a GCU open day back when I was in Highschool and was impressed by the modern campus and keen lecturers, so I knew since then that this was the University I wanted to attend.
The most important aspect of my university experience has been…
The experience I got working with Industry professionals. Both the lecturers and guest lecturers have all being amazing and kind and are always open to helping you expand your network and develop your portfolio. We got several opportunities to work with Live clients such as the BBC, Dog Digital, as well as several Glasgow based Design companies and charities.
My biggest lesson learned so far is…
To never underestimate yourself. I was among the youngest in my course and I often felt less experienced than others I was studying alongside. This led to some major impostor syndrome which had me questioning whether or not I belonged there. Thankfully, my amazing lecturer Helen Buchanan reassured me and instilled in me the confidence I never should have questioned having. Everyone on the course was so supportive and kind and we were always helping each other out along the way (especially near deadlines!). Now, having graduated with a 2:1, I am thankful to have stopped doubting myself and begin to take pride in my work and my achievements.
I’m proud to be part of the University for the Common Good because…
GCU cares about their students and encourages keeping in touch with them. Many guest lecturers we spoke with were past graduates of our course, and gave us useful insights into life after university. Knowing our lecturers care about what we go on to achieve and do with our lives is something that I have never came across in any previous educational institutions, and I will be sure to keep in touch with my lecturers so I too can speak to current students and give advice where I can.
I get my inspiration from…
My generation. The world today is constantly evolving at a rapid pace, and many of us have to adapt to this ever-changing present. Studying during a pandemic is something that none of us were expecting, and yet we all gritted our teeth and put our heads down. For our first year of University, we only seen each other through video calls, and were only taught through live video lectures and pre-recorded workshops. It was draining, sitting inside for hours on end and staring at a screen for most of your university day. Being able to finally study on campus during our final year was a reward in itself, and we must commend ourselves for being able to adapt to a new way of learning so quickly.
My next steps look like…
After finishing my studies, I got the opportunity to join SSE plc as a Graphic Designer over Summer. I am a couple weeks into this placement and have loved every minute of it. So much of what I was taught in my degree has been applicable to this position, and I hope to only go upwards from this point in my career.
Thank you to Joanne for sharing her GCU experience, if you would like to share your #GCUGradStory visit: https://bit.ly/3C4zNqY
For more information on how to apply to GCU visit: Undergraduate | GCU
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