A Message To Recent Graduates

Leaving university can be… interesting. You’ve handed in your final assignment, your to-do list is finally completed, and you can sit back and have that moment to relax after working so hard. However, there’s always that niggle at the back of your mind. That burning question – what are you going to do now?

Our colleague Siwan knows this exact feeling. Having left Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2021 with a degree in Graphic Design (awarded during a global pandemic no less!), there was a real pressure to figure out where she wanted to go, what she wanted to do, and how she was going to get there.

Now one year on, Siwan has just celebrated her one-year work-anniversary with us.  She has done an amazing job bringing in a new perspective and an enthusiasm which has become a true asset to our company.

We were able to catch a moment with her and ask her a few questions on what the last year has been like. 

To get started, Siwan tell me more about your current role?

I’m the Design and Marketing Coordinator here at JVP Group. My role is really varied, creating bespoke visuals for client campaigns, crafting marketing material for the company, and identifying new marketing initiatives that drive the company forwards.

Is this always something you imagined yourself doing?

I left Cardiff Met in 2021 with a degree in Graphic Design. I was always looking for a varied role where I could continue to develop my creative design skills but also develop in other areas such as marketing.

When this opportunity popped up, it just felt like the perfect combination of those two aspirations. Whilst also bringing in a new challenge entering the recruitment sector.

How were you feeling when you first started?

Entering JVP for the first time, it was a little nerve wrecking I won’t lie!

I was so worried about being underprepared and letting people down, or even worse being overwhelmed and not being able to complete the work at all. This was my first ‘real’ job after university and I was just so passionate about getting it right, doing a good job, and not letting anybody down.

I think everyone starting a new role feels that pressure. Were you right to be worried?

Not at all!

The second I got here it became very clear that it was a team effort. Everyone is here to help and wants the best for you. You don’t get left alone to your own devices or to be overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do.

Our culture and office set up means we can always share what is going on and ask for help. It’s always collaborative and built around teamwork, which is such a nice place to work.

We always ask our clients this question about their business culture. Now it’s role reversal! What makes JVP Group such a great place to work?

Genuinely, everyone cares so much about what they do. We care about our relationships that we have with our clients; we care about the advert content that we are putting out, and ultimately, we really care if clients have hired.

This has never been a job where we just tick off a task list and go home at the end of the day. We really care and want to see the results.  It’s nice being around people with that attitude, who are always trying to be the best they can be.

Also, the training provided here is amazing! I’ve been able to do things this year which I never even thought I would be able to do. I’ve been publishing adverts, scheduling large social media campaigns, and organising webinars. All of these opportunities that I never would have felt confident to do if it wasn’t for JVP.

Any final words of advice for any graduates looking to join a workplace like JVP Group?

Honestly… my main advice would be to just take the leap! Don’t be afraid, all graduates have been in the position where they are completely new to the industry, and they don’t know where they are going to fit within the working world.

Just go for it! I am so grateful for JVP for giving me the opportunity to develop me skills and gain knowledge in this industry. I know my career has started on the right path, and that is thanks to JVP.

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Did you know - we’re looking to expand our team…

Here at JVP Group, we always aim to help those along this journey. We welcome applications from talented individuals with a passion for learning and who want to develop a rewarding long-term career.

Upon joining the business, you'll benefit from comprehensive in-house training and support from the very first day and beyond, with a dedicated and passionate team on hand to help you flourish in your role - and plenty of career development opportunities too!

Find out more here: careers.jvpgroup.co.uk