Katie Manning
Katie Manning
Katie is currently studying a Computing degree and did her placement year working for the University of Derby marketing department.
Why I chose to study computing
I've been interested in IT for a number of years, so I decided to study computing at Derby, specialising in web based studies. I have been lucky enough to have experience working in an IT environment prior to coming to Derby, working for a web design company.
My placement
I worked for the University's web team and my daily tasks are web and designed based. My role involves creating graphics, web banners, flash banners, webpages and taking photographs at events such as open days and the graduation ceremonies.
One of the highlights of placement was changing the official Derby University Facebook page. I redesigned the page and made it a lot more consistent in the way that it was being used. It was great to see the monthly active users on our page jump from around 1,500 to nearly 3,000 within a few weeks of the revamp. I carried out regular redesigns on the page to keep it looking fresh and to keep regular traffic coming in.
The marketing department even won a Heist award in 2011 for it's innovative use of social media. It was such an amazing achievement to see one of my very first tasks turn into a regular project and then go on to win an award.
Experience in a work environment
I would definitely recommend taking a placement year as it gives you great experience within a work environment. It also allows you to become much more focused with work and get into a pattern of work which can help with final year work and study.
I have gained a lot of valuable experience during my placement year, including how to plan out projects and stick to deadlines, which will definitely help me when I start my career in website design.
