Molly Crofts

I am currently doing a BSc (Hons) in Creative Product Design at the University of the West of England where I am learning SolidWorks, Adobe CC and other skills such as Drawing for Design which will prepare me for a successful career in Product Design.

Alongside this, I am also the Student Representative for my course.

Between the first and second year of my degree I secured a placement as a Model Making Assistant at the internationally recognised company Kinneir Dufort. I gained valuable practical experience in processing and finishing 3D prints to a very high standard for client presentation. Other professional skills and processes I mastered included spray painting, silicone mould making, paint mixing and resin casting. It provided me with an excellent understanding of the inner workings of a product design company and motivated me to finish my studies and become part of the sector.

During this period I was studying at Coventry University where I received a Distinction in Art & Design. I was the Senior Representative during this time and won four separate design competitions including a “Sustainable Artwork” Design competition, a “Business Card” Design Competition and two “Community Design” Competitions.

I was also awarded a Chancellors Grant to go towards some art materials granted due to my hard work, dedication and commitment. This Foundation Diploma gave me some strong tools to learn more successfully and enabled me to progress studying to achieve my goal of becoming a Product Designer.

During this period I was doing a WebMaster Course which included software aimed for Graphic Design, Web Design and Computer Programming.

I decided to do this course to gain an understanding of some software packages that would be beneficial when training towards Product Design.

Course contents, amongst others, included:

Adobe Photoshop CS6
Adobe Illustrator CS6
Adobe InDesign CS6
Adobe AfterEffects CS6
Adobe Dreamweaver CS6
Adobe Fireworks CS6
Flash CS6

Trainee at Signs and Graphics - gaining experience in the following:

* Creating Logos
* Designing Graphics
* Printing Images
* Use of materials such banners and vinyls
* Use of the Cutting and Printing machine
* Prepation of Images for processing
* Application of Images

I first began working for Royal Mail through Reed Agency but was soon offered a permanent position with them as a Data Analyst. Accuracy and attention to detail was essential in this role as I was reporting vital figures of the business. My duties included liaising with customers, collating and analyzing data and reporting.
During this time I successfully completed an NVQ 2 and an NVQ 3 in Customer Services and First Aid at Work Appointed Person.
My employment with Royal Mail ended after the branch relocated.

Whilst at Royal Mail I successfully completed an NVQ2 and an NVQ3 in Customer Services, First Aid at Work Appointed Person and Became the Fire warden.
My employment with Royal Mail ended after the branch relocated.

Whilst at Bryn Melyn Care I learned different skills relating to the Care Sector and working with Young People.
My role there was of a mentor and friend, so relating and gaining trust was key to the role. Part of the role included teaching skills such as coping strategies to help them deal with painful feelings, avoid re-offending, engage them in formal and outdoor education and encourage them to look at the future in a more positive manner.
I also learnt skills to detect behaviour patterns of young people with learning disabilities, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism and young people who self-harm, which was advantageous in order to successfully relate to the young people and therefore become more successful at this role.
Whilst there, I completed an NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care.

I began working for Reed Agency (temporary work) in 1999-2005. During this period I was sent to a number of customers that required a position filling for a temporary basis.
Whilst employed by Reed, I worked for Coventry Building Society, HSBC Bank, Inside Communications, Direct Gas, National Car Rental and many other businesses.

My roles included Credit checking, Processing Client Bank Details and Updating Data. I was also in charge of other general office duties such as Data Input, Creating Spreadsheets, manipulating data, Invoicing and any other general office duties.
Most of these companies had different software systems, which has over the years taught me to learn more quickly and efficiently.