How would you describe your job at Action Rocket?
I’m a junior designer at Action Rocket, a creative agency specialising in digital CRM. At Action Rocket, we help clients connect with their customers across various channels, mainly emails, websites, apps, and in-app messaging. While we started as a design agency, we now offer services like strategy, coding, design, and copywriting.

In terms of my day-to-day, I collaborate closely with other designers, coders and copywriters to meet client needs. My day involves working on multiple client projects, participating in briefing calls and quality-checking or amending projects.

What are some influences behind your work?
My manager at Action Rocket, who’s an absolute saint, has been a huge influence in helping me refine my skills and adapt to the company’s workflow and client needs.

Then, the London basketball scene, especially my local court, Blue Cage Deptford, also inspires me greatly. I have immense respect for the game and the diverse community there, which has been a fantastic space to connect with creatives.

Additionally, Dieter Rams, the German industrial designer, is a key influence on my design process. I became more familiar with his work during university, and now his philosophy, “less but better,” is something I quote daily and that continually shapes my work.

Would you say you need any specific training for what you do?
I completed a Google UX Design course before joining Action Rocket, which complemented my product design education with UX thinking. Aside from this, most of the skills I use daily were learned on the job, alongside using what I'd learned at uni.

What’s been your favourite project to work on from the past year, and why?
My favourite project was an interactive journey email for the latest season of Doctor Who. Collaborating with the client and their team to create an engaging experience for fans was a blast. Users answered show-related questions to help the characters advance to the next season. It was also my first co-leading project at the company, making it a special milestone in my journey.

What was your journey like when you were first starting out?
It was rough after university! Straight after graduating, I was applying for anything, and eventually got a brief internship at a UX startup. This gave me valuable experience working on real projects and within a team. After that, I applied daily to every job portal I could find, searching for roles in the field I had studied.

I was applying for jobs and updating my portfolio daily, tailoring my cover letters and projects for each role, all while working part-time as an events operative to support myself.

After a few months, it was demoralising not hearing back. It’s easy to question why you’re not getting responses or offers but staying headstrong and trusting the process is key.

How did you go about landing your first few jobs, clients and/or commissions?
While working part-time, I pursued the Google UX Design certificate and tackled both course and personal projects. This proactive approach, combined with a diverse portfolio and experience with live briefs, helped me grab attention and secure my first call.

After that, I tackled a design challenge from Action Rocket before the face-to-face interview. It was a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills and let my work speak for itself.

What would you say has been your biggest challenge along the way?
My greatest challenge has been adapting to agency life, which is quite different from university and the post-graduation chaos. Things like managing multiple projects, client calls and dreaded time sheets were intimidating at first, but have now become second nature.

How important are social media and self-promotion to your work?
Social media is one of our most important tools, and companies are only just starting to grasp its potential – just look at Ryanair on TikTok. As platforms shift from static posts to video content like TikToks, reels, and shorts, we need to find new ways to capture audience attention. I’m even considering creating a TikTok portfolio for myself.

If you could pick three things that you’ve found inspiring to your work or career, what would they be and why?
I have weekly 1-to-1s with my manager, which aren’t part of a formal mentorship program but provide valuable casual chats about life and career. These sessions are crucial for honest feedback and guidance, especially in my first agency role.

Additionally, my Google UX course refined my design thinking skills and their application with clients. Finally, for inspiration, I’m a fan of endless scrolling on Pinterest, but I also find pages like Really Good Emails, Dezeen, Behance, and Awwwards especially motivating when I need a creative boost.

Have there been any courses, programmes, initiatives, access schemes or job boards you’ve found helpful or would recommend to get into your sector?
At university, leveraging all available courses, connections, and programs is crucial. I was lucky to work with designers from Glen Dimplex in my second year, which highlighted many pitfalls and accelerated my design progress.

I also recommend Work in Startups, a resource that connects young people with internships at startups, offering valuable hands-on experience.

What advice would you give someone looking to get into a similar role?
The best advice for someone looking to get into a similar role is to be proactive and eager to learn. Show that you’re open to growth and willing to learn, as employers often want to grow with you as you grow with them.