The print industry is often portrayed as declining and slow to adapt to evolving technology. Strategic document outsourcing provider, Datagraphic, thinks differently. The group’s oldest graduate, Steve Lovell, chats with fellow graduates about joining the industry, their perceptions of print, technology and where the industry is going.
Steve comments: “My time at Datagraphic has been very exciting. Not only being my first job inside the world of marketing, it was my first ever experience within the print industry. Working at Datagraphic has enabled me to put what I had learnt at university into practice, and also allowed me to put my own stamp on this ever changing industry.
From client services and marketing through to programming and product management, there are many departments within Datagraphic that make for a fascinating work environment. I thought it would be interesting to find out whether the other graduates shared my same feelings towards the print industry and how their experiences have been so far”.
Marketing Executive, Jade Bradfield.
What attracted you to Datagraphic?
It was the job description, potential to grow and the support from Datagraphic that attracted me. The industry was not really a reason why I chose to work for Datagraphic.
What was your perception of the printing industry before you joined?
Whenever I thought of the printing industry I just pictured large warehouses printing stacks of newspapers. I guess I just thought of it as being quite old-fashioned.
Has this perception altered?
Yes definitely. I didn’t imagine the printing industry would have the technology and capabilities to integrate print and the online world. A number of people think that the online world will eventually make print extinct. But the printing industry shows no signs of this and if anything print is still as important as online. The industry has challenged these thoughts by integrating the channels and delivering print in new ways.
However I believe there are some printing companies that have not grown with the times and still only offer print as an option, and eventually will struggle to compete.
Where do you see the printing industry in 5 years?
I think the printing industry will continue to develop technologies to integrate print and online. I still think there will be a need for print in five years time.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years time I will be 30 – that’s a very scary thought! Hopefully I will have progressed in my career.
Naomi Rabidas, a Commercial Graduate, who once again had no experience of the Printing Industry prior to joining Datagraphic, offers her views on the sector. Here’s what she had to say:
What attracted you to Datagraphic?
I was keen to start my career in a medium sized business where I would be valued as an employee, and the opportunity would be there for great training and development, in a friendly environment with people who work hard.
Datagraphic offered that opportunity and over a few months in, I am still as happy. Datagraphic value work life balance and this is something a lot of businesses say, but Datagraphic actually do.
What was your perception of the printing industry before you joined?
I had no idea about the printing industry before I joined.
Has this perception altered?
I had no idea about how the printing industry had been evolving and the alternative products available. I was shocked by the factory, with all the different machines and the capabilities. But the amount of work that goes in to printing and distributing documents was overwhelming. I definitely ‘appreciate’ the industry far more and enjoy working within this industry.
Where do you see the printing industry in 5 years?
Businesses are already thinking and proactively seeking alternatives to traditional printing. Therefore in 5 years I believe there will be many sophisticated online based products that will radicalise the way businesses will choose to distribute and communicate secure information.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I joined Datagraphic on a Commercial Graduate scheme, and although I have had vast exposure and training in to the different departments, I work closely with a Product Manager. I’d like to think that I too could become a Product Manager!
Lynda Taylor, a Graduate Trainee Software Developer, offered her views on the printing industry. Here’s what she had to say:
What attracted you to Datagraphic?
The friendly environment and how open they were to employ people with potential and a genuine interest even if they have little experience. Also, the freedom to learn new skills whilst working attracted me to the company.
What was your perception of the printing industry before you joined?
I hadn’t really considered looking at the printing industry before I found the job at Datagraphic, but I hadn’t realised how much work went into the production of letters, giros and cheques before they get printed.
Has this perception altered?
Yes, I have a clearer understanding of the many facets of printing.
Where do you see the printing industry in 5 years?
In five years time I see the printing industry moving towards more digital forms of communication, particularly web-based, whilst still doing some physical printing as there are always those who either don’t have access to technology or just prefer paper.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully having gained more experience, and having been promoted to a more responsible role.
Marnix Moerland recently joined Datagraphic as a Graduate Trainee Software Developer. Here’s what he had to say:
What attracted you to Datagraphic?
Being able to learn various new (programming/coding) languages and techniques, the opportunity to work on (individual) projects, and how open (and passionate) people are about their job.
What was your perception of the printing industry before you joined?
Before I joined I perceived the industry to be focusing solely on printing (A4) paper and sending it throughout the country.
Has this perception altered?
My perception has changed: the vast amount of steps required before sending out anything (not just A4 paper!) is way more than I had anticipated beforehand.
Where do you see the printing industry in 5 years?
In my perspective there will be a decline of sending out paper in any format. However, I believe that more and more documents will be sent through online channels.
In addition, I suspect 3D printing will be a bit more common, and clients will be interested in sending out 3D printed promotional items, in a way similar to how mail is handled at the moment.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself working on various implementations to support services developed using new technologies.
Joe Brightman has recently joined Datagraphic as a Graduate Trainee Software Developer. Here’s what he had to say:
What attracted you to Datagraphic?
I was looking for a role in a company (hopefully local!) where I could learn and progress as a programmer. My dad worked in printing back when he was my age and that was enough to make me apply for the opening when I saw it online. I liked Matt and Sarah when I met them so was pleased to accept when they offered to let me join the team.
What was your perception of the printing industry before you joined?
I knew the basics; requests come in print goes out.
Has this perception altered? What is it like now?
I’m much more aware of what goes on in the business I didn’t know just how data driven this industry had become. Or that so much was only carried out online. But for me and how I aim to develop that is a good thing looking forward.
Where do you see the printing industry in 5 years?
More online, requests, data storage and the output. There will be less actual printed output, due to more people desiring it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’ll have advanced all of the skills I’m learning and hopefully learnt many more useful ones both inside and outside the role. Five years seems a long time. For now I just want to focus on doing my job well and improving!
Holly Bullick, a Graduate Product Executive, provided her experiences of working in the printing sector. Here’s what she had to say:
What attracted you to Datagraphic?
Datagraphic were offering a full time job with a good salary which as a graduate is exactly what you are looking for.
What was your perception of the printing industry before you joined?
I didn’t really have a perception as it wasn’t an area I was directly or indirectly involved or interested in. If I am honest with recent technology I was under the impression print was outdated.
Has this perception altered?
Absolutely, print is far from outdated! Whilst working at Datagraphic I have been lucky to see recent print developments such as online applications which combines both traditional and modern features of print.
The types of documents that are printed also demonstrate far more variation than I originally thought ranging from statements, cheques, invoices, letters, reward statements’, P60s, planograms and much more. I suppose I was slightly blinkered to how varied and impressive
the print industry is too.
Where do you see the printing industry in 5 years?
I definitely think that transactional print and online services will be more streamlined, one service rather than separate entities and perhaps more advancement in relation to how print can be sent.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
As print is becoming so varied I would like to think I would still be working within the industry perhaps as a Product Manager for online communications.
