I work in the Marketing team and support the Product team. I create graphics for the Marketing team, and also produce new customer and user journeys throughout the websites. Basically, looking at the effectiveness of how easily someone can jump on a website and get to where they need to go.

When I left university, I was equipped with the skills to complete academic projects, but I have had to do a lot of real-world learning. I didn’t know anything about business and how a particular business might work internally. Every business does the same thing differently – they might have the same end goal but go about it in a different way. I have learnt the importance of people skills, to be confident talking to range of people including managers and CEOs, and that everyone’s opinion has value no matter what their role in the business is.

I wish I knew more about the importance of human connections and about how businesses operate.

Focus on all subjects at school equally and try to become well-rounded with a package of different skills.  Also be aware that the skills you don’t get a qualification for such as turning up on time, being friendly and polite, dependable and dedicated are equally important.  If you show passion and interest in what you are doing, and what the company you work for is aiming to do, this will lead to further opportunities.

Do some research, talk to people who have first-hand experience in the study you are thinking of doing and who are working in the jobs you are interested in. They might be able to give you a clear pathway and a direction to head depending on what outcome you are looking for.

Get a good understanding of the business you are stepping into.  Ask questions in an interview such as what does the company do, what are its goals, what do they want to achieve? Also make sure you have a clear understanding of your job description. What will you actually be doing, will it suit you, are there opportunities to develop?

Firstly, I like that it is a New Zealand software company, helping New Zealand people. I like that it is based in Cambridge, the town I live in, so I don’t have to spend time commuting and travelling to work. Rocketspark offers great career development opportunities.  If you’re willing to upskill and move forward in your career, they will help you achieve your goals. I like the people and culture, the team environment.  Everyone is dedicated to the success of Rocketspark, and it is great to work with people who are giving their best to achieve this common goal.

Have a focus outside of work, a hobby away from the work environment. I work five days a week in an office, so I enjoy getting outdoors as I think it is refreshing and healthy to get that contrast. It is important to have a healthy, balanced diet but I think the most important thing is to get enough sleep during the week. If you are sleep-deprived, it is so much harder to cope with the challenges that arise in your work.

My ultimate aim is to lead a creative team, to be the overarching umbrella of a team. I would like to take on more responsibilities and help navigate the pathway of a creative team. I would like to teach and pass on the skills that I have learnt to help younger people develop their skills.