Louise Murdoch, e-availability
Louise has been working for e-availability in Forres for 12 months, which provide innovative solutions to business’ online booking requirements.
What is your background?
I have not moved very far from where I am originally from, I grew up in Nairn and went to Nairn Academy. It was in Graphic Design that I received my honours degree in June 2010 from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at the University of Dundee.
Why did you apply to the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme?
I was made aware of the Shell STEP placement programme by an advertisement in the local paper. I took up one of these placements at Crown Vets as a marketing executive. It was through the coordinators of this STEP placement that I was informed about the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme opportunity with e-availability.
How have you benefited from the programme?
The main benefit of this program is the chance to be involved in a working environment as an actual employee. You have the chance to work on live projects, liaise with clients and work within a team, something that is lacking within the comfort of the university environment.
It gives you understanding of how your skills are applied within a working business and gives you the opportunity to learn further skills. It is a fantastic stepping-stone from university into the working environment and gives you immediate experience that can only benefit your further you career.
What advice would you give to other graduates?
The advice I would give to other graduates is don’t panic and take the time to consider you options. Programmes like this give graduates a further opportunity they might not be aware of.
It can be difficult trying to find a job that doesn’t have 'at least a year’s experience' in the criteria. Graduates need to look beyond the job seekers’ websites and look into graduate programmes not just in your area but also all over the country.
Do as much research as you can into all the organisations that offer placements for graduates.