Yi Hong Lim – BA (Hons) Illustration graduate

“As an international student, the working experience in the UK is very valuable. I have a better understanding of the working lifestyle is like in the UK and it has also increased my confidence with regards to my future career. Furthermore, the working experience that I have gained has already made my CV look great!”

Whilst looking for a full-time position as a Designer/Illustrator in the UK, I decided to work on personal projects and take part in competitions to gain more exposure in the field. I plan to develop new skills such as UX/UI design and Adobe After Effects in the future.

How has your degree helped/influenced your career path?

My degree has helped me to develop various technical skills and also to increase the scope for self-development. I have learned more about my capacity and ability as a result of completing my course. With the confidence and skills that I have achieved, I know that I am able to take on more challenges in my future career.

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

I think building up connections and relationships with clients might be one of the most difficult things I have faced in my career.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

I undertook a two week placement with Hallmark during my last year of study where I had the chance to work with professionals from different backgrounds. I loved the working environment, especially being able to witness the production of greeting cards by designers. It was an amazing experience!

Imagine you were about to start university again – with the benefit of hindsight – what would you now tell yourself to have done differently?

Draw one hundred thousand times more. Keep drawing!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

If you don’t get what you want, don't give up. Find the passion for what you want to do and eventually you will achieve it. Have the zeal of gaining knowledge and be humble.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

Plymouth is a very nice and such a peaceful city. Its tranquillity provided me with one of the best academic environments. The Barbican and Hoe is always my favourite spot to hang out with friends and relieve stress when deadlines are near. The city is relatively small and easy to access, which meant that I was able to focus well when producing work, whether I was working at home or at the university.

What lessons/skills did you gain from your course?

I learned to think outside of the box and to be curious and greedy for knowledge. My course has provided me with many opportunities and with a lot of exposure to all kinds of topics, such as environmental science, languages, and software. During my final year, I worked in the Electron Microscope Centre at the University of Plymouth as part of my research for my dissertation project. It was an exciting experience and it has inspired me to explore knowledge in different subject areas.

Did you undertake a placement during your degree and if so, how did this benefit you?

Yes, I undertook two placements during my two years of studying at Plymouth. As an international student, the working experience in the UK is very valuable. I have a better understanding of the working lifestyle is like in the UK and it has also increased my confidence with regards to my future career. Furthermore, the working experience that I have gained has already made my CV look great!

What is your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?

Meeting new friends from different courses at the University. I have a better understanding now of different cultures and backgrounds. Also, living in Plymouth has taught me how to be a better cook. I enjoy cooking and baking for my friends and tutors!

Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University of Plymouth, and why?

Yes, of course! The course is brilliant, the studio space and printing facilities provided by the University of Plymouth are also absolutely amazing, and the tutors on my course were all very supportive and professional. They gave me a lot of opportunities to take part in different projects and also encouraged me to always think outside of the box. Also, the library is open 24/7 for the whole year!

Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?

Make the most of the University services and facilities such as attending workshops and talks held by the Careers and Employability service. Move outside of your comfort zone by joining societies, competitions, and volunteering activities. Treat every academic year as if it were your last year of study; working hard only in your last year is not going to get you any further. Be passionate about gaining knowledge!