In this episode of Design Life, we talk about how to get your first design job. It can be a conundrum, in order to get a job you need to have experience, but in order to get experience you need a job. How can you get experience if no one is willing to give you a job? We share our tips, along with an exciting new product we have launched in the Design Life store.
Look out for jobs where you might have the opportunity to learn about design, either directly or indirectly. Ask your colleagues can you sit in on their meetings. Talk to your manager, look at internal opportunities, volunteer to help out. See if there are any opportunities for you to start picking up some design tasks or skills in your current role.
Your first design job might not be glamorous, and neither does it have to be. For your first job focus on the scale of the company to help you find the right fit. Think about how design fits into the team rather than what the brand is.
Look for jobs that are at your skill level. Make sure you read the job description carefully, there may be some scope for you to apply. Show your potential through your work. Be passionate about design. At the same time, own up to your weaknesses, reflect on the areas where you can improve. Prepare questions that you can use, either in interview or if you are in contact with the company beforehand.
Remember you are joining a business. If you can show that you understand the impact design can have in a business, that will go a long way. Do your research, read up on each role that exists within the team that you will join. This insight could give you a potential edge over someone else.
02.05 – Catch up
04.48 – Our first design jobs
11.50 – Mom and pop design shops
15.20 – Creating your first portfolio
17.10 – Networking
22.20 – Working remote
25.40 – Appealing attributes in a junior designer
