Calum Pringle

Calum Pringle, from Fife, studied Interactive Media Design (now known as Digital Interaction Design). He graduated in 2010 with a BSc.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I chose Dundee because there was, and still is, no course anywhere else that offers the same level of creativity and opportunity. I came out of school without knowing what I really wanted to do; I had specialised in Drama, Maths and Art - Interactive Media Design (now Digital Interaction Design) gave me the chance to grow with the course, as there is a real opportunity here to focus on something that truly interests you.

What have you done since graduation?

My career really began in the summer between third and fourth year - when I was chosen for a three month long design internship for Orange labs in London. Afterwards I completed an internship as a graphic designer for a film due to be released in 2011.

Since graduation I have worked freelance as an Interaction Designer for Orange and recently started working for Canonical, again as an Interaction Designer, designing the future for the world's most widely used Linux operating system.

How has your degree helped you in the 'real world'?

This degree has prepared me for a vast array of potential careers, but at the same time has been incredibly focused and helped me to find work almost immediately after graduation. The software skills you pick up are incredibly transferable, and the design skills and knowledge set you aside from other graduates from digital design courses.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

The most enjoyable thing about my degree was the studio atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from people of different backgrounds. We all became a tight-knit, supportive group and helped each other throughout the degree. The result of working in this environment is clear from our degree show and subsequent exhibit at New Designers in London.

What was your best university experience and why?

The whole university experience at Dundee is amazing and I would happily go through it all again - the hours we spent in the studio, the days and nights spent in the Union and the all-nighters spent panicking about a deadline or exhibition. The degree show stands out in my mind, and with our course we ended up so close (having spent every waking hour together for years) that it was a really fun collaboration and way to end the year. Afterwards we continued to work on our exhibition and took it to London, where our work was further exposed to people from the digital, creative and design industries.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Stay in halls; for the people, the stories, the nights out and generally the growing up! Choose a course that appeals to you because you think you can do something a bit different with it, one that gives you the opportunity not just to do well but to stand out.