BA Honours Graphic Design graduate, Alice Fraser, completed four placements across the UK during her undergraduate level placement year, and is now a designer for an award-winning design agency based in Manchester. 

“Having the space and support to develop my own way of doing things whilst at university really helped shape me into the designer I am today. University allowed me to think independently in a creative space, learn to trust myself and my ideas, and continue to have the hunger to learn.”

“I was supported mostly by the tutors on my course, who I developed a really lovely relationship with. They provided advice and support for me which was catered specifically to practising and working within the creative industry, meeting deadlines for a creative course and managing my time and creative output whilst looking after myself too.”

“The one thing I would highly recommend to any students currently on a creative course, make the most of the facilities! There were so many processes, such as screen printing, letter press, fabric printing, woodwork and metal work amongst others, which I had never tried before going to university, and I don’t know when I’ll next get the chance to do them, if ever.”

Alice quickly settled into Sheffield when she came for university and still has a strong connection to the city.

“There is such a strong culture and sense of pride in Sheffield, which you can’t help but absorb and let become part of yourself. Not only is it a great city to be a fresher in, it’s also so full of culture, art, music and food that there is always something new to see and explore.”

During Alice’s placement year, she took part in a series of internships all over the UK.

“I completed 4 placements during the year; 2 weeks at Human Studio in Sheffield, 2 weeks at Interabang in London, 6 weeks at Manchester based Music Agency and 9 months at The University of Sheffield as part of the student communications team.”

“Doing these internships was one of the best things I could have done for my career as a designer and for myself as a creative person. I believe undertaking placements is one of the best things emerging designers can do to learn more about the industry.”

Alice has now been a designer for 2 years at the award-winning organisation Office of Craig, where she works with clients primarily in the cultural sector on design, publication, branding, packaging, teaching and more. Alice has also since co-created 'The Outside Directory' as a way to provide a collated resource for people looking to champion the creativity happening all over the UK and to share, celebrate, and encourage the talent in the regions.