At Pod Digital, we’re passionate about empowering new graduates to launch their careers in the industry. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of our talented team members who joined us shortly after completing their university degrees.
To give you valuable insights into their journey, we’ve asked them a series of questions. They cover everything from their experiences landing their roles, to tips for standing out in the competitive job market. Whether you’re about to graduate or just starting your career search, we hope their stories and advice inspire you as you take your next steps.
Mia
University:
Coventry University
Course:
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Current Role:
Design Director
Start Date:
May 2018
How did you find out about the job at Pod Digital?
During my final year at university, we hosted a degree show providing business owners the chance to review student work and explore potential recruitment opportunities. Mike McKinlay, the managing director at Pod Digital, attended the event and expressed interest in my portfolio. I took the opportunity to introduce myself and received his business card. He mentioned I should reach out if I was interested in working with Pod Digital. I contacted him the following day, had an initial interview shortly after and was subsequently offered the position of Junior Web Designer.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
What I enjoy most is the people and the work environment. It’s great to be part of a team where you can rely on one another. I feel confident that everyone has the knowledge and skills to offer support when needed.
What are you most passionate about within your job role?
I enjoy tackling my own challenges while also supporting my team through theirs. A key aspect of my role is ensuring our department remains profitable, which I find fulfilling, as it allows me to contribute meaningfully to the business. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that enjoys working at Pod Digital.
How has Pod Digital helped with your career progression?
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, as I recognise that not many in my position might have advanced this quickly. Taking a chance on this role has opened many doors for me, particularly in web development and management; areas I never expected to explore. Mike has been especially supportive. He’s always available for advice or to discuss projects, with an open-door policy that’s rare in agencies like ours.
Do you have any advice for recent graduates?
Make the effort.
If I hadn’t approached Mike at my degree show, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Be confident and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. It’s equally important to maintain professionalism—remember, you’re engaging with professionals and first impressions are crucial.
Emily
University:
Coventry University
Course:
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Current Role:
Web Designer & Developer
Start Date:
August 2020
How did you find out about the job at Pod Digital?
Following my degree show at the end of my final year at university, my lecturer was contacted by Pod Digital, who was looking for a junior web designer to join their team. They had selected a few students whose portfolio they were interested in and I was lucky enough to be one of those chosen. An interview was arranged with the senior team at Pod. Following my initial interview, I was quickly hired to fill this role alongside another student on my course.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
What I enjoy most about working here is the supportive team environment. Everyone is always willing to help each other out when needed. My team has also been instrumental in teaching me valuable skills, including website development, and helping me grow both personally and professionally.
What are you most passionate about within your job role?
I am particularly passionate about design, including website design, branding and email campaign designs. This takes me back to the roots of my Graphic Design degree, where I first discovered my love for the creative industry.
How has Pod Digital helped with your career progression?
During my time with Pod Digital, I have experienced significant career growth. The opportunities and experiences provided here have enabled me to develop a wide range of valuable skills that will benefit me throughout my career. My confidence has also significantly increased, allowing me to handle phone calls and participate in client discussions with ease, which I am massively proud of.
Do you have any advice for recent graduates?
My advice to recent graduates is to apply for as many opportunities as possible and don’t lose hope. I had applied for numerous roles before unexpectedly receiving contact from Pod Digital. Also, I would recommend investing time in creating a portfolio that showcases your diverse range of projects and skills. Sometimes, the work that attracts attention may not be what you initially expect. Stay hopeful and opportunities will arise. Finally, be confident! You deserve this role as much as any of your fellow applicants!
Jacob
University:
Coventry University
Course:
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Current Role:
Head of Web Design
Start Date:
September 2020
How did you find out about the job at Pod Digital?
Pod maintained a good relationship with the university, which allowed them to thoroughly review the student talent showcased during our online degree show. As a result, Pod identified and expressed interest in several students. Following a successful first interview, a second interview was arranged with another director and additional members of the web team. I was lucky enough to be offered the job on this call.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
I really enjoy working alongside my fantastic team and the diverse range of projects that I’ve had the opportunity to work on. This combination has significantly contributed to my growth as both a designer and developer, continuously challenging me to enhance my skills and perform at my best.
What are you most passionate about within your job role?
I am deeply passionate about problem solving and ensuring client success. There is nothing more rewarding than helping clients improve their profitability and seeing their businesses thrive.
How has Pod Digital helped with your career progression?
Pod has significantly contributed to my career progression by continually challenging me. Here at Pod, anyone can be anything they want to be as long as they are willing to learn. I was given the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities as a Junior Web Designer, which I embraced to advance my career. As a team, we always let people express themselves and everyone’s opinions are valid, which has helped build my confidence. Each project presents fresh challenges and learning opportunities, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and allowing progress within my career.
Do you have any advice for recent graduates?
My top recommendation is to have a strong portfolio, featuring a variety of projects and skillsets. Lead with the project that you are most passionate about. Be prepared to explain your process in the interview if you are asked to discuss your work.
Secondly, be enthusiastic! Although your skills will get you to the stage of applying for the role, your enthusiasm will get you the job. You can’t have one without the other. Remember that you are selling yourself in the interview, so show that you are willing to go the extra mile. Even if the role you have applied for might not be the right role for you, don’t disregard it. We are very flexible here at Pod and can usually tailor job roles to your specific skill set. Be yourself!
Amelia
University:
De Montfort University
Course:
Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Current Role:
Social Media Executive
Start Date:
September 2023
How did you find out about the job at Pod Digital?
I learned about the opportunity at Pod Digital from a university friend who had recently interviewed with the company. Although he chose to pursue a different path, he encouraged me to reach out to the team to find out about the position. I connected with Mia, the Design Director, on LinkedIn and requested more details about the role. This led to an interview and a follow-up conversation with other team members to explore the best fit for my skills and to meet everyone. I was offered the position shortly after and accepted it straight away.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Since starting a Pod, I have gained a wealth of valuable skills within the social department and broadened my understanding of other areas within the business. This role has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities for personal growth. I am grateful for the team’s belief in my potential and their support in helping me advance to where I am today.
What are you most passionate about within your job role?
I enjoy the design aspect of my role, as this is what I was initially trained in at university. I particularly value designing with purpose, utilising data to support my decisions and drive successful outcomes for my clients.
How has Pod Digital helped with your career progression?
Pod has helped my career progression by offering me the initial opportunity to enter the field. Securing that first role can be particularly challenging for new graduates, and I am grateful to have been given that chance. Thanks to Pod, I have acquired valuable digital marketing knowledge that will enable me to further develop my career within the industry.
Do you have any advice for recent graduates?
My biggest piece of advice for new graduates would be to create a LinkedIn profile and keep this up to date. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals and enquire about opportunities. I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking that initial step and connecting with the team. Embrace every opportunity, and if you face setbacks, always ask for constructive feedback. Use that feedback to refine your approach and enhance your chances in future applications.
Contact Us Today
Kickstart your graduate career with Pod Digital. Contact our friendly team today to find out if we have any opportunities to suit you.
Contact Us Today