Laura Nunez Parra, Research project: Mapping creatives in the Cardiff Capital Region
I moved to the UK almost two years ago for my degree in Journalism, Media, and English Literature. Coming from a Mexican/Italian environment at home to a Welsh environment has been certainly one of the hardest but at the same time, easiest things I have ever done. Adapting to the culture and the kindness that encompasses the Welsh people has made a really big daunting change, a super smooth and precious one.
I first heard of Creative Cardiff halfway through my second year in one of my lectures for an employability module. I heard nothing but good things about the organisation and the way it helped students get into the creative industries. At the time, I was becoming overwhelmed at how difficult it is to get into creative jobs and internships; and as an international student who had known no one in the city before coming to university, I started to feel very hopeless about my future. Fast forward a couple of months, I noticed that they were looking for interns to stay over the summer, and I immediately applied without expecting anything. Now, I am a research intern, in charge of mapping the Creative Cardiff Capital Region as part of a project in partnership with three local authorities. Some of the skills that I have been able to develop as part of the role have been data mapping, interpersonal communication, and strategic planning. I feel so lucky to be able to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Although I’m not looking to work in research in the future, being part of the internship has opened new doors in the creative sector and encouraged me in improving other skills through freelancing such as photography and media production; which is what I look to work in after the end of my studies.
Shaquille Qassim, Engagement project: Languages of Cardiff campaign
I'm Shaquille Qassim, a third year Japanese and Translation student at Cardiff University with a deep passion for diversity and inclusion in the creative scene. I'm a Cardiff native and someone who's faced their fair share of challenges as a minority in this field, but through this I've been able to hone my skills in navigating this complex environment.
I am an individual drawn to diverse projects and collaborative teams that challenge and inspire me to grow both personally and professionally. My passion lies in making the world a safer place, and I actively engage with topics of diversity and inclusion. Lifelong learning is important to me, as it fuels my creativity and allows me to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. I value determination, resilience, and a quiet but fierce fighting spirit. With enthusiasm and optimism, I strive to create a positive impact in everything I do and look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals for meaningful projects.
For this summer I will be undertaking a placement with Creative Cardiff to showcase the diverse linguistic scene of the Cardiff Capital Region by sharing with you some of my favourite spaces and showcasing the diverse individuals who make them special.
Jeremy Cao, Engagement project: Spotlight on games
My name is Jeremy Cao, and I am currently working as an intern in Creative Cardiff. Within this dynamic organisation, my primary focus centres around the thriving game industry. I am dedicated to conducting comprehensive research aimed at bolstering the popularity and recognition of game development companies in the Cardiff Capital Region. Recognising the immense potential and opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector, I actively seek to foster collaborations and partnerships. By forging strong connections and facilitating meaningful interactions, I aim to create a mutually beneficial relationship that propels both Creative Cardiff and the gaming industry forward.
Apart from work, I am also an avid sports enthusiast. I have actively participated in various sports such as basketball, boxing, and CrossFit. Furthermore, I have a passion for traveling and exploring new destinations. During holidays, I embark on global adventures with my girlfriend, immersing ourselves in diverse cultures and savouring the local cuisine.
