The key to getting ahead as a design graduate is preparing early and making the most of the opportunities that you have during your time at university.
Generally speaking, the first two years of digital and design related courses are varied, and that is a great thing; it gives you the opportunity to learn about multiple disciplines, and project-based work gives you the chance to put that learning into practice.
The final year often consists of the design equivalent of a dissertation; a yearlong project that could be an excellent door into the industry if done well. Throughout the 2nd and 3rd years there are a number of things that can be done to ensure you are getting ahead in the market.
Find your direction early
The sooner you know where you’re heading, the longer you have to prepare – this is first mover advantage.
Re-visit all of the modules and projects you have completed – from video editing to website design, and think about what you have and haven’t enjoyed. Once you have a sense of what projects you enjoyed the most, think about what elements you enjoyed the most.
For example, if you delivered a website as one project, did you enjoy the UX or visual design elements most? What about any project management or coding responsibility that you had? The answers to these questions will be extremely helpful in focusing your third year and planning your next steps.
Map the market and know where you fit
Once you know what you want to come next, it’s important to understand whether this type of work is catered for in the market.
For example, if you’ve decided that you’re most interested in mobile UX and UI design, then it may be worth thinking about:
- What kind of mobile projects interest you (advertising or products?)
- Who are the mobile specific agencies and companies in your market?
- Do they employ UX/UI designers or do they hire as separate disciplines?
- Speaking to recruiters who specialise in that area
If you get the impression that your chosen type of work isn’t available or overly buoyant in the market you’ve explored, then it’s time to consider relocation if that work is available elsewhere.
Be proactive
When you know what you want to be doing next, and you’ve identified potential employers, you’re ready to start reaching out and making relevant industry contacts.
Doing this early means that they’re less likely to have been inundated with emails and clever self-promotion in the post, which means you’re more likely to get a response.
Always remember to make any contact relevant and personalised – it should be clear that you’ve done your research and have a clear rationale for getting in touch.
Whilst your ultimate aim here is to get a full-time job at the end of your course, you should be approaching suitable employers for internships or part-time work experience throughout your holidays – the commercial experience will swing heavily in your favour for future applications.
Leave with a solid portfolio and at least one killer project
Having a portfolio is vital. If you need help getting started with one, read Rob Wood’s piece on what makes a good digital design portfolio.
It’s likely that you’ll want to put some of the broad project examples covered in your first two years into your portfolio, but if you’re doing a final year project as well, then this is a great opportunity to create a killer project to impress employers. With 100+ applicants for a graduate role, it’s fairly obvious that employers will interview those design graduates with the most relevant experience.
If you’re looking to apply for digital design roles, then projects which demonstrate core graphic design competencies, coupled with a clear understanding of current trends and technical feasibility will really stand out. Think about responsive design and current visual and technology trends, but make sure it’s actually realistic.
Remember, you need to understand how the wheel works before you re-invent it.