A Bit About Me
Hello my name is Jess! I am an aspiring designer and artist who is currently studying at UC Canberra for Visual Communication. In my final year I am looking for further opportunities and career change options, to further my skills.
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I currently have skills in a number of programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate and InDesign as well as the classic pencil to paper. I also have skills with a camera as I have an interest in photography, mostly taking interest in macro and nature photography. While my skills are still developing I am capable of creating many things! I also have fantastic communication skills both verbally and written and can be formal and friendly where required. I currently work in retail and rely heavily on my ability to be able to provide great customer assistance and communicate effectively with my colleagues.
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I have always had an interest in creative outlets from a young age, and continued this interest through school always taking artistic classes such as photography and art. After finishing college I went on to do animal courses for something different and to explore another passion of mine. I completed a Cert III in animal companion services at CIT, as well as an online course through the NDTF for a Cert III in dog behaviour and training. Unfortunately in Canberra there are not as many career opportunities in this field as I had hoped and turned back to my creative side by going back to university.
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I am eager to apply and develop my skills in a professional work environment. I ultimately aim to find a career involving interesting, challenging, and meaningful employment that contributes to positive social outcomes.​
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Areas of interest: Design | Mental Health | Helping Others
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Education
2021 - 2024
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
Completed study at UC Canberra in the field of graphic design.
06/02/2018
Cert III in Dog Training
Completion of a dog obedience/training certificate. involves knowledge and skills in the training of dogs in basic obedience and behaviour modification.
05/08/2016
Cert III in Animal Companion Services
Completion of an animal companion services certificate consisting of knowledge and skills gained in the care of a variety of pet animals.
2014
College
Completion of tertiary education at Tuggeranong College.
Work Experience
2013 - Ongoing
Retail Associate at BigW Tuggeranong
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Manage a team (6-8 people) to ensure that customer needs are met in a range of services, including checkout, returns, digital photo processing, lay-by, online pick-up, and customer assistance.
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Organise duties of service staff to ensure that daily procedures are completed, and that colleague’s receive their breaks.
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Problem-solve and assist staff with issues relating to customer service and the use of our systems.
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Assist in the service and administration of our Lay-by and Online Pick-up departments.
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Liaise with external stakeholders via email and phone for the repair and compensation of faulty products.
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Manage small teams and contractors after hours in a managerial position.
Skills & Abilities
Organisation
I maintained high academic performance throughout my current bachelor while taking on a full-time study load and working casually. I successfully managed the large workload and multiple deadlines to attain a GPA of 6.25/7.
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Organisation and planning is a requirement of my role at Big W, where I ensure tasks are completed by the end of the day. this often requires prioritising immediate needs over those less critical.
Problem Solving
I can solve unexpected problems that arise in my current workplace in a timely manner, such as: technology failure, resourcing limitations and complex customer needs, under the pressure of a fast-paced service environment.
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Working with clients I am able to produce products per their needs and requirements while working ethically and being environmentally conscious.
Leadership
I have taken on leadership roles both at work and school, assuming lead in multiple group projects throughout my degree.
Teamwork
Employment in retail has offered extensive experience working in a team-oriented environment.
Experience from UC coursework in completing presentation projects in small teams, successfully collaborating within the busy and conflicting schedules of myself and colleagues.
Research & Analysis
Coursework at UC has provided extensive research experience, including opportunities to formulate unique research questions and engage in self-directed study.
From UC coursework I have developed skills in user centred design thinking and planning to meet briefs
Communication
I am well practiced at communicating with customers, including professional explanations of store policy and consumer law, which assists in de-escalating potential conflict.
Ability to convey complex ideas with concise written expression.
Proficient at interpersonal communication with colleagues, which has contributed to my success working in a fast-paced retail environment.
Experience in manoeuvring language barriers to ensure communication is effective, easier and understood.
IT
Proficient with:
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Microsoft Word
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PowerPoint
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Excel
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Procreate
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Clip Studio
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Adobe:
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Illustrator
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Photoshop
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Indesign
Dog Training
Competent in the obedience training of dogs of all sizes and different temperaments.