Charlotte
Bradford

Final year BSc (Hons) Product Design student, Charlotte Bradford, was awarded the sponsor prize at the 2022 Starpack Students Competition in the category of 'Packaging to Help Reduce Consumer Food Waste'.

Congratulations on winning the Sponsors Award at the 2022 Starpack Students Competition. Can you tell us about your experience and how you got involved with the project?

For the Starpack competition, I made a redesign of a milk bottle in order to reduce food waste within the household. The idea was based on looking to change how temperature is held within the bottle, and also storage in prime fridge locations. Winning the sponsor's gold award allowed me to celebrate my work along with other students at the ceremony, and connect with the companies that set the briefs.

Why did you choose to study at NTU and your course?

Nottingham is an amazing city for student experience and the course has some of the best facilities and teaching.

Tell us about your placement year and what you did in your role?

During my placement year, I worked at Antalis as a Packaging designer and was responsible for bespoke packaging design, customer visits and presenting solutions. I found my placement through the university's InPlace system, with amazing support from the employability team for my interview and application preparation.

I gained so many hard and soft skills, notably building on my current software skills and how to present to internal and external audiences. I also learned the importance of working as a team, as well as setting and reaching personal targets.

What advice would you give to an NTU student about to begin a placement?

Get involved in everything you can. Your placement is the time for you to apply your skills and learn so much more, as well as build connections for the future.

What do you think about the course staff and how they support your learning and university experience?

We're encouraged to make mistakes and learn from them. The lecturers give us free rein over our education and projects, allowing for so much growth in the areas we're interested in.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

The best student experience where you’re pushed to excel!