November 19, 2024, by bbztlg

Rakey’s placement blog: a journey of growth and discovery

International masters student, Rakey Yang, looks back on her postgraduate placement as a way to develop new skills and build valuable connections.

As an international HCI master’s student, my career path in the UK seemed unclear when I first arrived, as everything was new to me. One of my primary goals was to gain more experience in the UK job market and find opportunities related to my field. To help with this, I booked a session with the university’s careers service to get feedback on my CV, and I also subscribed to Unitemps for placement job news.

While grocery shopping one afternoon after my lecture, I received an email about a job opening for an AI Video design specialist at a company called O Shaped. After reading the job description, I felt that this role was exactly what I had been looking for. I applied that very evening.

The interview process involved creating an AI video, which I was quite excited about. I looked forward to producing something impressive. Before the interview, I sought guidance from my personal tutor, who helped me with a mock interview. Her advice was invaluable, and her encouragement boosted my confidence. The interview itself went smoothly – I had a natural and engaging conversation with the hiring manager and was able to present my AI video, which he seemed to like very much. Shortly afterwards, I was offered the position.

Working remotely throughout the placement has been a rewarding experience. Despite not being in an office, I had weekly meetings with my supervisor online, which helped me fully immerse myself in the UK working culture. It also made my study abroad experience richer and more fulfilling. I enjoy the work, particularly because the company has given me a great deal of creative freedom to bring my ideas to life.

A few things stood out to me during my time there: the company’s commitment to diversity, and its emphasis on supporting recent graduates or those new to the workforce.

At first, when I began creating videos and materials, I overlooked incorporating diversity, as it wasn’t emphasised in my previous workplace culture. However, after my supervisor reviewed my initial drafts and pointed out the lack of representation, I came to understand the importance of showcasing diversity in our designs. This was also a key part of our company’s values. Moving forward, I made a conscious effort to incorporate more diverse language, racial representation, and cultural icons in my designs, aligning with the company’s vision of modern, inclusive values.

Another point that deeply impressed me was the company’s dedication to supporting students in transitioning from university to the professional world, especially those pursuing careers in law. The firm actively promotes growth and development during this transition phase, ensuring that students are well-equipped for their careers. My supervisor, who is also the founder of the company, left behind a stable career as a lawyer to establish the firm, driven by the mission of improving the legal profession. His journey and dedication to these values inspired me. I admire his commitment to his ideals through an unconventional career path and his pursuit of personal and professional growth.

This half-year placement has not only enriched my professional skills but also broadened my understanding of workplace values. My time at the company helped me build confidence, and the mentorship I received will continue to inspire me as I move forward in my career.

Written by Rakey (Ruoqing) Yang

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