In the spotlight: Ruby Williams

‘In the spotlight’ is our exciting new Q&A series introducing you to the hard-working and talented members of the CDS team who help make a positive difference.

In the spotlight this month, we have Ruby Williams, our Apprentice Junior Content Designer.

1. Sum up your role at CDS in one sentence:

My role as a Content Design Apprentice provides me with hands-on experience creating content for clients while developing my knowledge and skills by working closely with my colleagues. 

2. What are the key responsibilities of your role and which aspects do you love most?  

The key responsibilities in my role include conceptualising and creating content (print, digital, social, etc.) while focusing on the client’s requirements and ultimately producing a result that the client is happy with.

The aspect I enjoy the most is creating content for a student-facing audience. CDS has a long-standing contract with the University of Essex and creates content such as open-day booklets, prospectuses, and digital screens. 

3. What advice would you give to someone looking to be an apprentice?  

Becoming an apprentice is a great option if you want hands-on experience and to earn while developing your skills.

Seek opportunities to learn actively and ask lots of questions! 

4. If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?  

I would love to learn Spanish.

5. Which CDS value (integrity, curiosity, togetherness, challenging, and tenacity) resonates with you the most?  

Togetherness: this is important in any profession, particularly in the content team, where we all work together on projects and collaborate with those in the wider business, such as marketing or the UX teams.

6. What is one thing on your bucket list you’d like to achieve soon?   

I would love to go on an African safari trip!

Particularly Tanzania, to see the Serengeti National Park and the diverse range of animals that are there. I would also love to experience an air balloon safari trip.

7. What or who inspires you?

One of my main inspirations is Oprah Winfrey—she took risks and worked hard to pursue her dreams and become a successful businesswoman. She is a humanitarian who has sponsored multiple charitable initiatives worldwide through the creation of Oprah’s Angel Network. 

8. What’s been your favourite CDS project to work on so far?  

The project I have most enjoyed working on is the brand identity work we did for Research Helper. I enjoyed this project, as it not only gave me a greater understanding of what the internal UX team does at CDS but also allowed me to explore logo design and best practices when creating a brand identity. 

9. Which artist’s music would you take to a desert island? 

I would take Rihanna’s music. Specifically her 2016 ‘Anti’ album, which incorporates R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall—my favourite music genres—to create that soulful and timeless feel.

There are just so many layers to this album that I love! The artwork was designed by Israeli artist Roy Nachum, taken from his painting “If They Let Us, Part 1.” The image features deep metaphors around power, success, and escaping reality. The title is taken from a Chloe Mitchell poem, reflective of Rihanna's work—being powerful yet misunderstood—which Nachum even turned into Braille on the album cover. It's a powerful piece of art.

10. If you could give one piece of advice to your 10-year-old self, what would it be? 

It is great to have goals, but remember, there is more than one path to achieving them.