Ivan Jenkins-Jones

Why I chose USW 

Originally, I wasn’t planning on going to university, but during college, I attended an online lecture with Holly, one of the advertising lecturers at USW, and it sparked my interest. The course sounded broad and creative, so I decided to take the step and apply. 

Choosing USW was convenient since I’m from Cardiff, just a 15-minute walk away. I didn’t go to an Open Day, but Holly invited me to sit in on one of the lectures, which was a great way to get a feel for the course environment. I really liked what I saw, and that experience solidified my choice. 

Hands-on experience and inspiring guest lecturers

In terms of industry experience, last year, I worked on a live brief for the Immersed Festival, creating their poster and some branding materials, which was a great practical project. I also interned with Rebel Lion, a connection I made through one of my lecturers, which added to my hands-on learning. 

One of my favourite parts of the course has been the guest lecturers. We’ve heard from professionals in the industry, like the head of marketing for Nice Wine and others with high-level experience, which is inspiring and insightful. 

As for living in Cardiff, I can’t recommend it enough. The city is vibrant, with excellent nightlife, restaurants, and even a castle—it's a brilliant environment for creative students. 

After graduation, I hope to build a career in advertising. I’m still figuring out my specific path, but the course has been great for exploring different roles within the industry. The facilities at USW are excellent, with access to industry-standard software like InDesign and Photoshop, which is crucial for building skills in this field. 

For anyone considering studying at USW, I’d say go for it. It’s definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a creative, hands-on course in a lively city.