Beth McMillan is currently studying biochemistry at Sheffield University. She is also a classical musician and a devotée of geekery, especially web design. Her interests include knitting, fanfiction and recreational mathematics. In her spare time, she works as a receptionist-cum-programmer but when she grows up, she wants to be a research scientist.
This company trains financial service advisers. They wanted a clean, professional, corporate website. To keep the branding consistent, I based much of this design off their existing business card.
Paul Rogers said: "At the beginning of 2009, I asked Beth McMillan to build a website for my new business. I left the design completely up to her, although I did provide the wording for the content, together with the images I wanted her to use.Beth did not only build me a fantastic website; she also provided me with:
- An editing program, to enable me to edit the site’s text and images as required;
- written instructions on how to maintain and edit the site;
- a 1:1 demonstration of how to use the editing program.
I was particularly taken with her ability to take written information and make it both interesting and eye-catching. One example of this is how quotes from satisfied clients are animated on the site’s home page.
Beth also created a “contact page” where people could post a question or message, to be delivered to the company’s email account.
I am delighted with both the site itself and Beth’s assistance regarding its maintenance. I have also received complements from colleagues regarding the website: they have commented on its professional appearance and user-friendliness."
O-tech repair amplifiers for bands in Sheffield (including the Arctic Monkeys and Reverend and the Makers). They wanted an informative website in a zine-like, grungey style with a circuit diagram in the background and their cute logo in prominent position.
Jeremy Peters said: "Beth worked as an assistant in Queen Victoria Hospital's Corporate Affairs Team, from January to March 2009, partly covering for a PA vacancy. I managed most of Beth's work. In addition to undertaking routine tasks for this very busy department, such as arranging meetings, distributing information internally, and collating mailshots, Beth immediately showed the right attitude and ability to undertake much more advanced work.
Proving to be exceptionally articulate, creative and confident in her use of language, together with a natural ability with digital / information technology, Beth was quickly able to perform many corporate communications tasks. For example, she designed and drafted copy for materials such as complex information posters and social media content, and after basic training she was able to use a difficult content management system to fully edit a great deal of QVH's website. Beth's excellent interpersonal skills were vital in handling the many calls and visitors the department receives every day, representing the hospital in a responsive, professional and corporate way.
But most of all, Beth's attitude to work is exemplary - quickly performing tasks so that she could move onto the next (despite being paid by the hour and only being employed when there was work to do), using initiative in predicting and carrying out requirements, and being openly helpful and needing little supervision. She rarely needed anything explaining or requesting a second time. All of this aided the productivity of the other members of the team.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Beth in a role that required intelligence, excellence in language and communications skills, a spot-on attitude, and a high level of IT skill."
