Abbie Andrews

I am a freelance runner and art department assistant who works in the production of television, film, and web content. As well as working under such titles as Runner, Office Runner, Production Assistant, Stand by Props etc., I have also assisted in casting. I pride myself on my work ethic, resilience, ability to adapt and use my initiative. So far I have worked with BBC (Doctor Who, Casualty, Pobol Y Cwm), Fremantle, Channel Ten, Damn Good Productions, Northern Pictures, Two Giraffes, Filmagination, It’s My Shout, and Leitourgia Films.

Softcat plc is a leading provider of IT infrastructure solutions and a FTSE 250 listed company. They provide corporate and public sector organisations with workplace technology, data centre infrastructure, networking and security solutions; combined with all the services required to design, deliver, and support these on premise or in the cloud. Holding top tier accreditations with all major IT vendors and winning prestigious industry awards, including CRN reseller of the year. My role included: * Gaining clients through cold calls, emails and post marketing. This could include up to 100 cold calls a day. * Daily admin of answering calls for other colleagues and acting as a sort of receptionist for Softcat, and tracking progress to targets and KPI's. * Managing numerous businesses, understanding their goals, I.T environment and monthly I.T purchases. * Hosting business reviews and meetings for my clients. * Ensuring clients knew about Softcats specialists, and how to use them. * Constantly attending training to ensure up to date knowledge on each vendor, and the marketplace. * Achieving my target set by Softcat.

After being a member of Xpress Radio since my arrival at university, I was successful in my application to finally become an Executive Member and oversee and manage the student radio station. I was in charge of the Comedy section of Creative Arts, overseeing radio DJ's on the creation of radio plays, skits, weekly shows etc. Further more, organising and creating work experience for members who wanted to specialise in this genre. As an executive member, my role also included assisting in different sections at the radio e.g Sport, Politics, News etc.

I worked in the Drama department at BBC Wales, aiding in the production of Doctor Who. I carried out tasks as a Floor and Office Runner. I absolutely loved my time in every aspect. My role included: * Running on night shoots, location, in the studio and production office. * Managing daily rushes. * Assisting the Production Coordinator with tasks such as distributing and printing call sheets and scripts, booking hotels, taxis and catering. * Organising and sending weekly post for the office. * Managing and ordering office supplies. * Assisting the 1st, 2nd and 3rd AD on set. Ensuring cast members comfort, transporting them on and off set, and ensuring the general upkeep of set.

Sales Associate- Being employed at TK Maxx strengthened many of my initial skills, while helping me discover new ones. My confidence grew and aided my interaction with customers, I believe I now display high levels of customer service. While in store I’ve developed excellent standards in the following: * Displaying and placement of products- Having the ability to find the best way in which to market a product in relation to seasons, what’s on trend, and similarity to popular buys. * Product knowledge- I feel knowledgeable enough to advise other customers on fashion purchases, and can really keep up with the lively environment the store displays. * Managing peak and busy times- Working in the flagship store for Wales in the capital city centre can mean it often gets very busy, especially in peak shopping times like Christmas. I found I thrived off the atmosphere, and confidently used my initiative to handle more than one task at each time.

During the summer of 2015 I was hired to work in a Summer Camp in New Hampshire, U.S.A, My role included: * Teaching Yoga, Drama and Performing Arts. * Lifeguarding, and assisting in Water Ski. * Being the primary carer of 4-5 children per session. * Leading Zumba and boxing classes. While at the camp I lived in the cabins with the campers, and was assigned to the youngest age group because of my patience, and positive attitude. I directed two plays and two musicals in the 7 weeks, even writing a musical for one of the productions which really strengthened my ability in timed targets and creativity. Throughout the summer I also taught Mediation, Boxing and Zumba clinics for the children to enjoy for nightly activities. Working at this camp made me really confident in my ability to teach, even though there were many problems I had never faced from living with the children for a full 24 hours I found I really used the best of my personality and determination to always made sure their happiness came first. At the end of the summer camp I received an award from the director for my hard work in which she described me handling situations better than she could have ever imagined. Because of my hard work during the seven weeks, I also stayed on for the Connection Camp further on then my contract in which I then worked with women aged from thirty years to eighty years old, who may have never been to summer camp and wanted to experience it or were alumni. This gave me the chance to adapt my teaching and still enforce that positive attitude. I really enjoyed my time in both programmes, and felt that I accomplished a great summer of teaching and making everyone’s summer fun. I also published the camps daily newsletter because of my experience in publishing and journalism, and felt my Media skills helped to make a tired and underappreciated newsletter come back to life.

Modules: Introduction to Human Communication Introduction to Media Communication Understanding Journalism Studies Media Scholarship History of Mass Communication and Culture World, War and Propaganda Media, Power and Society Popular Culture Representations Understanding Media Business Communicating Causes 21st Century British Television Media, Racism & Conflict Dissertation: A Qualitative Study on the Media Representation of Vegans and Vegetarians Grade gained: Second class, first division honours (2.1) I was also a staff member of Cardiff University in the below volunteer roles: *Give It a Go, Cardiff University- Social Secretary and Executive Committee Member *Global opportunities, Cardiff University- Student Ambassador

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an exchange student in the Erasmus+ programme, and be the first student on their semester abroad at UTAS from Cardiff University. Living on the other side of the world improved my resilience and independence completely, and provided me with a love of travelling. When I returned to Cardiff following the six months at UTAS, I became a Global Opportunities Ambassador and encouraged other students to travel. I believe it not only aids your studies, but you gain skills and experiences unlike other students who do not take advantage of the programme.