My name is Donal Murray and I am excited to tell you about my first 100 days as a Multimedia designer at Hamilton Robson.
I first became aware of Hamilton Robson at the Ulster University Careers fair. After reading a brief description of what the company does, I was intrigued as I have always had an interest in audio visual tech from my experiences with software development, audio production, videography and graphic design.
After a very open and friendly chat with the team about what type of projects they work on, and what it’s like to work at Hamilton Robson I became very excited to put my name forward to interview for a potential placement opportunity and was overjoyed when I got the call to say I had secured the placement.
Just before I began my placement at Hamilton Robson I was given the opportunity to meet the team at a social event. The whole team were so friendly and welcoming that it made my first day a breeze as I immediately picked up on the supportive and friendly nature of the culture.
My first 6 weeks at the company consisted of onboarding. During this time, I was given extensive workshops on React, GitHub, Relational databases, Unit Testing and AWS. These workshops were a great way to be introduced to the foundation of what the projects at Hamilton Robson were built upon. Having the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment and ask questions to experienced software developers is something I found incredibly valuable.
As my Ulster University course was focused on Interactive Computing (UX/UI), Hamilton Robson gave me the opportunity to split my time in office between the software and the marketing team. This gave me the opportunity to develop my skills not only in software development but also web design, UX/UI and graphic design.
I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have so many experienced individuals giving me such valuable industry insights across different departments.
During my time at Hamilton Robson, I have had the opportunity to work on a range of exciting projects. My role primarily involves full-stack development for web applications using TypeScript and React. From managing data within databases and writing AWS Lambda scripts to designing and developing user-facing components, my first 100 days have allowed me to strengthen my software engineering skills across multiple areas of the development process.
Due to the nature of my course, Hamilton Robson has also given me the opportunity to work on a range of UX/UI and design-focused projects. This has included designing graphics and social media content using Photoshop and Illustrator, editing video footage, and contributing to web development projects built with WordPress and Craft CMS.
One of the main challenges I faced during my first 100 days was adapting to a professional environment. The transition from university to the workplace brought a noticeable shift in pace, communication style, and expectations.
Time management and prioritisation were also key areas of learning. Balancing multiple projects and switching between tasks required me to develop stronger organisational habits and a clearer sense of focus. Thankfully, the supportive culture at Hamilton Robson made this adjustment much smoother. I always felt comfortable approaching colleagues with questions, and their patience and willingness to help created an environment where I could grow both technically and professionally.
The best advice I could give to someone just starting out is not to be afraid to ask questions. Early on, I was a bit hesitant about asking questions, but I soon discovered how open and supportive the team really is. Once I understood that, I felt much more comfortable reaching out for support and that’s when the real learning began.
Another piece of advice I’d offer is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. During my time at Hamilton Robson, I’ve had the chance to work on a wide variety of projects and tasks, each one helping me to further develop my skills and gain a deeper understanding of the tech industry.
Finally, I’d say don’t compare yourself to others. For placement students especially, it’s easy to experience imposter syndrome. Comparing yourself to professionals who have spent years refining their craft isn’t fair to yourself. Instead, focus on working hard at a pace that suits your own learning style and personal development. Hamilton Robson provides the space and support to grow, and I’ve found that the most important thing is to make the most of the team’s encouraging and collaborative nature.
Reflecting on these lessons has made me even more excited about the months ahead and the projects I will get to contribute to.
My first 100 days at Hamilton Robson have been an incredible learning experience. From developing full-stack applications and exploring UX/UI design to collaborating on diverse projects, I’ve had the chance to grow both technically and personally. The supportive and collaborative nature of the team has made it easier to navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and build confidence in my abilities. Looking back, I’m proud of how much I’ve learned in such a short time, and I’m excited to continue developing my skills, contributing to new projects, and making the most of my placement. For anyone starting out, I would encourage you to stay curious, be proactive, and enjoy the journey – the growth you’ll experience is far greater than you might expect.
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