At the end of my internship, I've realised that a career doesn't just mean going to a place to work everyday to get paid. It has a multitude of aspects that that I had previously hadn't given much thought to.
For instance, the intrinsic value of the value of the work that you accomplish, can be just as satisfying, or even more so, than a paycheck in your bank account. However, if you, yourself, aren't proud of what you do, how are your employers going to view your work?
Pertaining to pride in your work, if you care about your work, you will be motivated to do a even better job. However, even if you find yourself in a job or position that you're not particularly fond of, you should give it your 150% best effort anyway, no questions asked. This attitude can do wonders for improving your situation, even if it is just your own outlook.
My professional advice for future students is to not underestimate the intrinsic nature of creative work, and think about the benefits you can gained from taking pride in your work. Additionally, you should always have a positive outlook and always strive to do your best work, everytime, because you never know where that attitude can take you.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Week 6
I have begun to implement changes into site I have been working on.
I was also asked to create a small 'Happy Birthday from Extrados' email graphic (initially for one of the people on the office, but also to be used for others later on).
I also created and set up a Facebook group for Extrados Solutions by Peter's request. For this, I also modified a version of the logo so it was optimised for Facebook.
Even through setting up the Facebook group for Extrados is technically not a part of a graphic designers duties, I was happy to help. I believe it was my standing as a young, technological and social-media savvy intern that I was asked, as opposed to my role as graphic designer.
Most businesses, including Extrados, are starting to realise the potential of social-media. When this occurs, usually the middle-aged CEOs and managers in charge, turn to the younger demographic, for help in order to update their company to the new age, least they get left behind.
I was also asked to create a small 'Happy Birthday from Extrados' email graphic (initially for one of the people on the office, but also to be used for others later on).
I also created and set up a Facebook group for Extrados Solutions by Peter's request. For this, I also modified a version of the logo so it was optimised for Facebook.
Even through setting up the Facebook group for Extrados is technically not a part of a graphic designers duties, I was happy to help. I believe it was my standing as a young, technological and social-media savvy intern that I was asked, as opposed to my role as graphic designer.
Most businesses, including Extrados, are starting to realise the potential of social-media. When this occurs, usually the middle-aged CEOs and managers in charge, turn to the younger demographic, for help in order to update their company to the new age, least they get left behind.
Week 5
(20/5/2011)
I continued working on the breakfast invite as well as creating a customer service graphic for one of the sites. I also continued to work on the site design in Photoshop.
As my internship comes closer to the end, I consider my future career options, specifically, the possibility of working for Extrados as a Graphic Designer.
This quote, taken from the readings is particularly relevant to me:
“Creative people are usually driven by curiosity and tend to be more intrinsically motivated - more interested in the rewards of intellectual discovery than in financial or status rewards. Therefore, they are often considered odd both by the general public and by fellow practitioners.
But the reason innovators are less concerned with money and power is that they get their reward directly from their work. They are satisfied by the excitement and wonder involved in the process of: discovery - a fulfillment no amount of money can buy.” (Gardner, 2001)
When I reflect on this, I can relate to the intrinsic value of my creative work that Gardner talks about. If I were offered a position at Extrados, doing what I am at the moment, I think I would be glad to take it, not only for the monetary benefit, but equally as important, for the enjoyment I receive from working in this field and for this company.
I continued working on the breakfast invite as well as creating a customer service graphic for one of the sites. I also continued to work on the site design in Photoshop.
As my internship comes closer to the end, I consider my future career options, specifically, the possibility of working for Extrados as a Graphic Designer.
This quote, taken from the readings is particularly relevant to me:
“Creative people are usually driven by curiosity and tend to be more intrinsically motivated - more interested in the rewards of intellectual discovery than in financial or status rewards. Therefore, they are often considered odd both by the general public and by fellow practitioners.
But the reason innovators are less concerned with money and power is that they get their reward directly from their work. They are satisfied by the excitement and wonder involved in the process of: discovery - a fulfillment no amount of money can buy.” (Gardner, 2001)
When I reflect on this, I can relate to the intrinsic value of my creative work that Gardner talks about. If I were offered a position at Extrados, doing what I am at the moment, I think I would be glad to take it, not only for the monetary benefit, but equally as important, for the enjoyment I receive from working in this field and for this company.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Week Four
Today I continued to work on a website design in Photoshop, and I have also been given an additional task of creating an invitation for a breakfast. As it is for a company event for a technology-based company, rather than a reunion dinner (like the last one), my approach will be quite different in the design.
I am usually working independently, on tasks that have been set for me. This encourages me to figure out how to approach each task, and to utilise my time accordingly.
Although my own work is independent, I have also been helping my fellow interns with some creative advice on the layout and IU for their projects. I am glad to have opportunities to work with them, and they are appreciative of my feedback.
This allows me to practice working with others (another of my objectives), without necessarily working in a group on the same project.
I am usually working independently, on tasks that have been set for me. This encourages me to figure out how to approach each task, and to utilise my time accordingly.
Although my own work is independent, I have also been helping my fellow interns with some creative advice on the layout and IU for their projects. I am glad to have opportunities to work with them, and they are appreciative of my feedback.
This allows me to practice working with others (another of my objectives), without necessarily working in a group on the same project.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Week Three
After the break, I finalised the email invite, subject to last minutes changes, and it will be sent out next week if the provided information is correct.
I also began breaking down one of the websites I had reviewed in order to be able to restructure and redesign it. This was done by separating each pages graphic and text assets and storing them in an folder archive. This will help me to understand the content and features I have to work with, and enable me to add new content easily. I also sketched out the global and local navigation and links for the website in a branched structure so I could understand the user paths easier.
At Peter's request, I am using a template for a Project Plan that Extrados usually uses and filling out the required segments. I will have to conduct some information gathering with Peter so I have all the necessary pieces to begin (re-)building the design.
I believe that these processes I am going through will help me to achieve one of my aims, which is to work to industry standards.
I also began breaking down one of the websites I had reviewed in order to be able to restructure and redesign it. This was done by separating each pages graphic and text assets and storing them in an folder archive. This will help me to understand the content and features I have to work with, and enable me to add new content easily. I also sketched out the global and local navigation and links for the website in a branched structure so I could understand the user paths easier.
At Peter's request, I am using a template for a Project Plan that Extrados usually uses and filling out the required segments. I will have to conduct some information gathering with Peter so I have all the necessary pieces to begin (re-)building the design.
I believe that these processes I am going through will help me to achieve one of my aims, which is to work to industry standards.
Week Two
(pertaining to Thursday 21st April)
I continued working on the invite for Peter. In addition, Peter asked me to make a quick, small "Happy Easter from Extrados" graphic to be emailed out that day.
I greatly enjoyed this small project and Peter was quite pleased with my design. It may be that he has given me these smaller tasks in order to see my design style on a smaller scale, without having to go through a long involved project process.
Even though this projects are smaller ones than most, I am still determined to give my full effort and utilise all my skills and knowledge to complete them.
In my working life in the past, I have always striven to give my best, regardless of the nature of the work given to me, whether it be customer service, IT services, or even pizza delivery. I believe my attitude and work ethic is what has enabled me to succeed in past and I trust it will do the same for me in the future.
I continued working on the invite for Peter. In addition, Peter asked me to make a quick, small "Happy Easter from Extrados" graphic to be emailed out that day.
I greatly enjoyed this small project and Peter was quite pleased with my design. It may be that he has given me these smaller tasks in order to see my design style on a smaller scale, without having to go through a long involved project process.
Even though this projects are smaller ones than most, I am still determined to give my full effort and utilise all my skills and knowledge to complete them.
In my working life in the past, I have always striven to give my best, regardless of the nature of the work given to me, whether it be customer service, IT services, or even pizza delivery. I believe my attitude and work ethic is what has enabled me to succeed in past and I trust it will do the same for me in the future.
Day Two
(Pertaining to Thursday 14th April)
I got to meet the the other intern from Griffith University today, they are all IT-based students working on websites and web-based apps for the company.
Peter, (Managing Director for Extrados) also had me start on a small side project for the design of a formal email invitation for a function. I had to utilise a few communication skills to extract the information needed from Peter, as he was a little vague at first, and usually only contacted me via email. In the end, however, I was able to gain the information I needed to complete the project. I intend to present him with my drafts and make changes accordingly using his feedback.
Although reviewing and analysing the website was interesting, I am quite enjoying creating the design for the invitation. I hope to work on on more graphic design projects in the future, as I find the work agreeable, challenging and exciting. In addition, it allows me to work on and practice my graphic design skills, which is one of my aims for my internship.
I got to meet the the other intern from Griffith University today, they are all IT-based students working on websites and web-based apps for the company.
Peter, (Managing Director for Extrados) also had me start on a small side project for the design of a formal email invitation for a function. I had to utilise a few communication skills to extract the information needed from Peter, as he was a little vague at first, and usually only contacted me via email. In the end, however, I was able to gain the information I needed to complete the project. I intend to present him with my drafts and make changes accordingly using his feedback.
Although reviewing and analysing the website was interesting, I am quite enjoying creating the design for the invitation. I hope to work on on more graphic design projects in the future, as I find the work agreeable, challenging and exciting. In addition, it allows me to work on and practice my graphic design skills, which is one of my aims for my internship.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day One
I was successful in obtaining my internship with Extrados Solutions, and I began working with them today. I will to be working two full (8 hour) days each week, until my internship is completed.
After a quick introduction around the office, I was able to get started right away. Garry had me begin by reviewing and analysing a few of their various websites. The Extrados office in Murarrie is a lot smaller then I anticipated, but I am sure I can learn to thrive by working with a smaller group of people.
I also got to meet two of the three interns from Griffith University who are also working on similar projects for Extrados. They seem quite friendly, even being from a rival university.
As this is my first time have my internship take place in a formal, full-time, workplace environment, I was grateful for the company they provided. They were essentially in the same boat as me, and they understood and could relate with me about the experience of working for Extrados, as a new intern.
After a quick introduction around the office, I was able to get started right away. Garry had me begin by reviewing and analysing a few of their various websites. The Extrados office in Murarrie is a lot smaller then I anticipated, but I am sure I can learn to thrive by working with a smaller group of people.
I also got to meet two of the three interns from Griffith University who are also working on similar projects for Extrados. They seem quite friendly, even being from a rival university.
As this is my first time have my internship take place in a formal, full-time, workplace environment, I was grateful for the company they provided. They were essentially in the same boat as me, and they understood and could relate with me about the experience of working for Extrados, as a new intern.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Interview with Garry
I had an interview with Garry from Extrados on Monday, and was quite eager to take me on as an intern, as he said I displayed a lot of excellent qualities and work ethic, via my CV and my answers and attitude in the interview. I made sure to follow the guidelines for interviews, using resources provided to me by QUT (Locker, 1997), as well as my own personal judgment, gained through my previous experiences in interviews.
I was quite confident after the interview, judging by Garry's enthusiasm from meeting with me. It appeared that my preparation enabled me to do my best job in the interview, raising my own confidence, and increased my likeliness of acceptance for the job.
After this, I was successful in gaining the internship. I feel excited to have this opportunity to work for Extrados Solutions, and hopefully I am able to make valuable contributions to the company and gain some good industry experience throughout this semester.
I was quite confident after the interview, judging by Garry's enthusiasm from meeting with me. It appeared that my preparation enabled me to do my best job in the interview, raising my own confidence, and increased my likeliness of acceptance for the job.
After this, I was successful in gaining the internship. I feel excited to have this opportunity to work for Extrados Solutions, and hopefully I am able to make valuable contributions to the company and gain some good industry experience throughout this semester.
Proposal
Workplace Learning
Assessment Two: Proposal
Student
Student name: Sarah Dawes Student number: n6342612
Course code: KK33 Course title: Bachelor of Creative Industries -
Academic Supervisor: Chris Carter Interdisplinary (Interactive & Visual Design)
Industry Partner
Company/Organisation name: Extrados Solutions Pty Ltd
Address: Level 2 346 Turbot St
Tel: 1300 175 092 Email: info@extrados.com.au
URL: http://www.extrados.com.au
Industry Partner (Supervisor) name/s, titles and contact details:
Name: Garry Eilola Ph:0412 091 078 Email: garry.eilola@extrados.com.au
In fewer than 50 words, describe the company/organisation and the main type(s) of work it undertakes:
Extrados is a professional consulting company that helps to change and develop other business in many different areas. Their main objectives are to locate the problems, develop a solution and help to implement that solution effectively.
What is the company/organisation’s ownership structure?
Proprietary Limited Company
In what year was the company/organisation founded?
December 2008
Does the company/organisation have a mission or a vision statement? If so, what is it? What research did you do in trying to find it?
Extrados has information on their “About Us” webpage. This serves as a summarised mission statement:
“Extrados’s mission is to bring to small to medium businesses and organisations the same standard and security that the top end of town enjoys, Extrados delivers product bundles based on the latest technology, delivering a new level of flexibility, reliability and resilience.”
I found this via their website which has much information about their services and solutions.
Internship
Position title: Graphic Designer (Web)
Internship dates/duration/hours: Week 4 till end of Semester One. 80-100 hrs.
Outline of internship (description /general duties within particular area):
My internship is as proposed from the brief from Extrados Solutions:
Work on client engagements to produce a design brief and concepts.
Work in a dynamic environment with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Work on some exciting projects adopting the latest technology in web design and application development.
Work for a Microsoft Partner with access to Certified SharePoint solutions.
Work for an Adobe Partner with access to Certified Adobe Professionals.
I will be responsible for:
Design, layout and finished art.
Producing branded collateral.
Additionally, I may also be working in collaboration with Griffith University interns on various web design projects as a graphic designer.
Aims and Objectives
An Aim is fairly general and broad. It is an overall summary of something you hope you will achieve in the internship. An Objective, on the other hand, is very specific: you should break your Aims down into small, realistic, achievable steps: these steps are Objectives. Objectives should be small, specific, practical, and time-bound. For example, one of your aims might be to 'improve your communication skills.' Objectives associated with this aim might include: to improve your written professional communication skills by writing one press release on your own in the first half of the internship, asking your Partner for feedback on it, and then writing one more release in which you incorporate the feedback gained. The objectives spell out exactly how you will work to achieve an aspect of your aim. Aims demonstrate that you have goals within the internship; objectives demonstrate that you have planned practical and realistic steps through which to achieve them. You earn marks for having clear, realistic, strategic aims, and clear, practical, well thought-through objectives.
What are 4 key aims of your internship? Give 3-5 objectives through which you plan to achieve each aim.
Aims and Objectives:
To improve my ability to work/complete projects within a workplace environment, by:
Gaining knowledge of company policies and procedures.
Following and adhering to these procedures.
Talking/meeting with other people in the company.
Experiencing working to schedule.
To gain experience working with clients/supervisors by:
Talking/meeting with them.
Finding out their needs.
Working on solutions that meet their needs.
Receiving and analysing feedback.
Utilising feedback.
To increase my skills as a graphic and web designer, by:
Conducting research for designs.
Integrating client/supervisor contact (meetings/feedback) into the design process.
Working with the people in the company to help in the design process.
Practicing producing industry standard designs.
To produce industry standard examples for my portfolio, by:
Working on the design projects given to me by the company.
Working on these projects to the company’s specifications.
Ensuring these designs are adequate and acceptable for use within the company.
Why have you chosen this internship specifically?
I chose this internship because of the graphic design projects they wanted the interns to work on. In particular, the prospect of working on graphic design for websites interested me. They also appeared to be a very professional and respectable company in which I will be able to achieve my aims and goals.
What 3 new professional skills do you hope to acquire? How do you plan to acquire them?
I hope to acquire and develop many different skills in my internship. One of these skills would be working to a schedule, and I would achieve this by assessing my workload, and creating a realistic and timely schedule for my design projects.
I also wish to learn how to communicate with clients/supervisors effectively. I plan meet with them and gather the needed information for the project and then refer to them on any points if necessary. In this way, as I continue interacting with them throughout my project my communication skills will improve.
Another skill I would like to develop is working to industry standards. To achieve this, I would be take note of the nature of the briefs, examples and information given to me and check that my designs are addressing everything needed. I would also consult with the supervisor in my design processes to make sure my designs are adequate.
Assessment Two: Proposal
Student
Student name: Sarah Dawes Student number: n6342612
Course code: KK33 Course title: Bachelor of Creative Industries -
Academic Supervisor: Chris Carter Interdisplinary (Interactive & Visual Design)
Industry Partner
Company/Organisation name: Extrados Solutions Pty Ltd
Address: Level 2 346 Turbot St
Tel: 1300 175 092 Email: info@extrados.com.au
URL: http://www.extrados.com.au
Industry Partner (Supervisor) name/s, titles and contact details:
Name: Garry Eilola Ph:0412 091 078 Email: garry.eilola@extrados.com.au
In fewer than 50 words, describe the company/organisation and the main type(s) of work it undertakes:
Extrados is a professional consulting company that helps to change and develop other business in many different areas. Their main objectives are to locate the problems, develop a solution and help to implement that solution effectively.
What is the company/organisation’s ownership structure?
Proprietary Limited Company
In what year was the company/organisation founded?
December 2008
Does the company/organisation have a mission or a vision statement? If so, what is it? What research did you do in trying to find it?
Extrados has information on their “About Us” webpage. This serves as a summarised mission statement:
“Extrados’s mission is to bring to small to medium businesses and organisations the same standard and security that the top end of town enjoys, Extrados delivers product bundles based on the latest technology, delivering a new level of flexibility, reliability and resilience.”
I found this via their website which has much information about their services and solutions.
Internship
Position title: Graphic Designer (Web)
Internship dates/duration/hours: Week 4 till end of Semester One. 80-100 hrs.
Outline of internship (description /general duties within particular area):
My internship is as proposed from the brief from Extrados Solutions:
Work on client engagements to produce a design brief and concepts.
Work in a dynamic environment with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Work on some exciting projects adopting the latest technology in web design and application development.
Work for a Microsoft Partner with access to Certified SharePoint solutions.
Work for an Adobe Partner with access to Certified Adobe Professionals.
I will be responsible for:
Design, layout and finished art.
Producing branded collateral.
Additionally, I may also be working in collaboration with Griffith University interns on various web design projects as a graphic designer.
Aims and Objectives
An Aim is fairly general and broad. It is an overall summary of something you hope you will achieve in the internship. An Objective, on the other hand, is very specific: you should break your Aims down into small, realistic, achievable steps: these steps are Objectives. Objectives should be small, specific, practical, and time-bound. For example, one of your aims might be to 'improve your communication skills.' Objectives associated with this aim might include: to improve your written professional communication skills by writing one press release on your own in the first half of the internship, asking your Partner for feedback on it, and then writing one more release in which you incorporate the feedback gained. The objectives spell out exactly how you will work to achieve an aspect of your aim. Aims demonstrate that you have goals within the internship; objectives demonstrate that you have planned practical and realistic steps through which to achieve them. You earn marks for having clear, realistic, strategic aims, and clear, practical, well thought-through objectives.
What are 4 key aims of your internship? Give 3-5 objectives through which you plan to achieve each aim.
Aims and Objectives:
To improve my ability to work/complete projects within a workplace environment, by:
Gaining knowledge of company policies and procedures.
Following and adhering to these procedures.
Talking/meeting with other people in the company.
Experiencing working to schedule.
To gain experience working with clients/supervisors by:
Talking/meeting with them.
Finding out their needs.
Working on solutions that meet their needs.
Receiving and analysing feedback.
Utilising feedback.
To increase my skills as a graphic and web designer, by:
Conducting research for designs.
Integrating client/supervisor contact (meetings/feedback) into the design process.
Working with the people in the company to help in the design process.
Practicing producing industry standard designs.
To produce industry standard examples for my portfolio, by:
Working on the design projects given to me by the company.
Working on these projects to the company’s specifications.
Ensuring these designs are adequate and acceptable for use within the company.
Why have you chosen this internship specifically?
I chose this internship because of the graphic design projects they wanted the interns to work on. In particular, the prospect of working on graphic design for websites interested me. They also appeared to be a very professional and respectable company in which I will be able to achieve my aims and goals.
What 3 new professional skills do you hope to acquire? How do you plan to acquire them?
I hope to acquire and develop many different skills in my internship. One of these skills would be working to a schedule, and I would achieve this by assessing my workload, and creating a realistic and timely schedule for my design projects.
I also wish to learn how to communicate with clients/supervisors effectively. I plan meet with them and gather the needed information for the project and then refer to them on any points if necessary. In this way, as I continue interacting with them throughout my project my communication skills will improve.
Another skill I would like to develop is working to industry standards. To achieve this, I would be take note of the nature of the briefs, examples and information given to me and check that my designs are addressing everything needed. I would also consult with the supervisor in my design processes to make sure my designs are adequate.
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