Ana Slattery is a Women4IT course graduate from Ireland, and in this discussion with Women4IT partner ICS, she shares her experience completing the Graphic Designer course, and why it’s been so beneficial.
Women4IT: Why did you decide to start the Women4IT course?
Ana Slattery: I graduated with a degree in Archaeology in September and due to COVID-19 there was a lack of opportunities in my area of study. My friend sent me a link to the Women4IT website because she knew I had an interest in graphic design, so I applied and was delighted to be accepted onto the course.
W4IT: How was your experience with the course?
AS: I enjoyed participating in the course immensely. It was absolutely invaluable to have something to do during lockdown and every single aspect of the course was brilliant. The material we studied, the group of students and the instructor, Fiona Duffy, were all fantastic. My mentor, Sarah, was also fantastic at organising frequent catch-ups and providing support.
W4IT: What have you learnt during the course?
AS: I learnt how to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign competently, as well as presentation skills and how to create mood boards. Even though the course only lasted for two months, the projects we worked on were perfectly designed to teach as much as possible in a short space of time.
W4IT: What has the course given you?
AS: I now feel able to begin a career in Graphic design, which is amazing seeing as I had no experience with the required theory and software. Having something to keep me engaged during the last few months was also such a positive aspect of the course, and it has given me the confidence to pursue other online-based opportunities.
W4IT: How have you grown professionally?
AS: I have the skills I need to pursue the career I want, and can demonstrate this on my CV or in an interview. The projects we worked on throughout the course have left me with material with which I can begin to build a professional portfolio, and the capability to add to it further.
W4IT: How have you grown personally?
AS: Before beginning this course I was very nervous about making presentations and quite wary of online learning, but now I feel quite confident that I am capable of both.
W4IT: Would you recommend it to a friend? Why?
AS: I honestly couldn’t recommend this course more. Every step of the way was overwhelmingly positive and brilliantly organised. I really got the sense that every single student was valued, which was a change for me after attending a big university where everything was very impersonal.
