Don't restrict yourself to a job title

“I’ve learned your job title doesn’t have to reflect the name of your degree and career paths aren’t rigid if you're open to opportunities,” declares Liam O’Reilly-Gevert (above).

After graduating in creative technologies at AUT, Liam found a graduate role as platform technology analyst at One Picture, a company offering consumer insights and strategy.

As a platform technology analyst Liam made websites for big companies through One Picture. The role required knowledge of front-end development, website design and project management skills.

“The job was to create websites, then monitor them and help out on the technological side. I thought I’d end up in an administrative role in my first job, but at One Picture I was immediately given a lot of freedom and responsibilities and while it was a bit overwhelming it was also incredible,” says Liam.

New opportunity

Nine months after he started One Picture formed a new team to work on human centred design and design thinking projects. The team needed someone with a design background who had an interest in strategy and research – and Liam was asked if he’d be keen on a design strategist role. He was!

Liam says a design strategist comes up with solutions by using design knowledge and research to understand people’s perceptions. Work can range from simple projects like concept testing of a product design, through to more complex design thinking projects such as brand repositioning.

Almost every change has a reason behind it, whether a switch of brand or a packaging redesign, explains Liam, and his role is to understand the optimal choices made by clients and the ‘why’ behind those choices. He is loving the variety of clients and projects and the knowledge he is gaining.

“My manager says good designers understand the research behind design. That is what I’m learning, the behind-the-scenes aspects of what makes good design.”

One of the biggest challenges is the pressure of dealing with clients and managing expectations, says Liam.
“There’s always lots going on, I’m never sitting with nothing to do.”

Initial intentions

Liam initially enrolled in creative technologies to go into gaming.
“I wanted to make video games, but the minute I started studying I saw a million and one other opportunities I could pursue."

In his final year at university he thought he’d have to apply for graduate roles that had creativity or technology in the title. He realised that wasn't necessarily true when he found the platform technology analyst role.

Landing the role

On seeing the role through Elab Online, Liam decided to get help with putting his CV together. Until this point he had only had part time jobs, like dishwashing and didn’t have a professional CV.

“After visiting the Employability Lab I learned how to show myself in the best light. I was shown how to refine my CV and cover letter and to approach interview questions so I could highlight my experiences properly.”

He says he learned that his CV didn't have to be super pretty but it did need good detail and relevant information.

"That included both the technical stuff, like coding, but also that I knew how to be a good employee which you show through part time jobs you’ve done and group work," he explains.

"Then you get more creative with your cover letter and show off some of the fun stuff you did at uni.”

Looking ahead

The future is full of possibilities, says Liam, who would eventually like to move into a more creative role using the research background he’s developing. But for now the opportunities to keep learning and growing keep him happy at One Picture.

“Opportunities are often in the rarest of places. I've found it is up to you what you do and where you end up.”

Employability Lab support

If you're looking for CV help or career decision support, you're welcome to visit us at the Employability Lab in person at WA202 or on line. To book an appointment, workshop or event, please register through Elab Online.