I have graduated in 2015. At that moment I was looking for a design job. Most of the companies were looking for an experienced designer, and I had no experience. But in the end, I had to start somewhere. How do I start?
While I was a fresh graduate, I can remember reading job ads asking for three, five, or sometimes seven years of experience. It completely disheartened me. It can be tough to get your foot in the door with zero experience in the industry. Especially when companies want to work with experienced designers.
So, as a new designer how can you get your first design job? In this article, I will share my experience that might help you get your first design job.
Finding interest
As a design student, I studied Visual Communication Design that covered everything from print to packaging to UI/UX design. In the end, it was up to me in which field I want to go in. How do I make that decision?
There is always a specific area that excites you to learn more about. It can be product design, visual design, motion design, web design, or illustration. And it's worth knowing in which one you see yourself in the future.
As much as it sounds interesting, it's tough to choose a specific one and want to do of them. In the beginning, I created a list of things I want to acquire over time:
- What I am interested in learning more?
- What kind of industry do I want to join?
- What kind of problems and challenges do I want to solve through design?
A job is something you do every day, so it's worth asking yourself what you can do every day and enjoy doing it.
Research to prepare
Once I knew what kind of design job interested me, I began preparing and tailoring my application.
I thought design jobs are only available at agencies and the fashion industry. At my college, the design was taught to us in the context of working in the fashion industry and juggling with clients and polished briefs. The job I assumed I would have after college was to meet deadlines and work on endless client projects.
Agencies run on client projects. Each client project has a new set of stakeholders, brand guidelines, and constraints. Every time you work on an exciting and challenging project, you have to flex new design muscles.
In-house designers work on long-term projects with a specialized team, unlike agencies. There are usually more to explore, test, and iterate your ideas and you will become an expert on the brand. Make better design decisions with this knowledge of the brand.
Create your portfolio
Now, I know what interests me and exactly what kind of industry I want to work with. It's time to talk the talk, there hiring managers waiting to see my work. This is the time to shine, to stand out from the rest, and show my individuality.
I used my first portfolio to highlight my skills and highlight the kind of work I want to do in the role I'm seeking.
Remember portfolio is the first way to communicate with the companies. Your portfolio reflects your passion within the work. In a portfolio, include strong projects related to graphic design if you are applying for a job as one. Leave out the web design project you did.
Hiring managers most often look for behind-the-scenes processes, rather than the final result. During the interview, you will be asked about the past projects you've completed so they can see how and what you do.
Show your passion
Saying 'I have a passion for design.' is one thing, but showing it is another. What I do for it puts me one step further than the rest. How do I use my skills and passion to prove my drive and initiative?
Always be aware of what's happening in your industry; news, people, and jobs available. Here are few things that I have done:
- Build Network: I attend many online events, webinars and talk to people. While introducing myself, I mention that I'm looking for a new opportunity. Sometimes they connect me with someone they know is hiring. If not, at least I learn who they are and if possible scheduled a chat with them so I can learn more about their work.
- Make a List: I always keep a list of dream companies I'd like to work for and looking for opportunities there. If they're not hiring right now, I keep checking their jobs page. What kind of work are they producing? Who works there? Keeping keen interest in them over time will pay off in the future if you manage to score an interview.
- Find a Mentor: The best mentors are found not by asking around, but by forming a connection with someone. Once I established a connection, I ask them for advice and guidance. Take time to meet with them regularly, learn from their mistakes and get feedback on my progress and applications. It really helps you to score your first design job.
Self Monitoring
Job is not something you will get on a silver platter. Sometimes it can be tiring and often people end up taking any design job. In that situation, it's necessary to keep an eye on yourself. A job is not your finish line. It is supposed to breathe and adapt as you do. In a job, there should be opportunities for learning, growth, and self-development.
Even if you are not an expert in all the job requirements, you should be interested in becoming one. Make a list of skills you want to learn over time and keep monitoring yourself. Don't give up till you reach there. Any extra effort is already making you stand out from the rest.