In it to win it – Advice for Design Undergraduates

Biles Hendry’s Founder was recently asked by The University of Hertfordshire to contribute to a course called Professional Development, as part of the Graphic Design programme for second year students. This module aims to build confidence, insights and skills in students as they start to plan their move into the professional world of design.

The topic: apart from a compelling portfolio of amazing course work, which is a given:

1. What else does a graduate need to demonstrate to get their first job in the world of design?

2. What single characteristic would impress you the most from a graduate?

3. Can you give one piece of advice to a second year student to thoroughly motivate them for their final year and moving into the world of design and creativity?

In a way, the answer to all three is:

PORTFOLIO, PORTFOLIO, PORTFOLIO.

• You can and will be judged predominately on your portfolio and this is your best opportunity to demonstrate who you are, how you think and what skills you have. Without a good folio you won’t get other opportunities to sell yourself.
• Your portfolio is the most important feature; if you are a strong designer almost nothing else matters. The proof is on paper, your folio is the sum of the parts.
• Knowing the above points, and accepting you are vying with thousands of graduates for a small amount of top jobs, is your motivation.

BEYOND YOUR PORTFOLIO:

With the above as context:

• GET MOTIVATED: Design is a very competitive discipline. Compete with yourself to do better. Stop trying to produce the best work in your year group – produce the best work, full stop!
• ABILITY, DEDICATION, EXPERIENCE, PRAGMATIC SKILLS, PERSONALITY – The five facets that I consider when recruiting talent.
• PORTFOLIO (AGAIN): The best way to demonstrate all five of these facets.

CV: Things that peak interest for top design agencies on a CV are:

• WHICH COLLEGE did the candidate go to.
• RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: Internships at reputable companies in the design areas you are interested in.
• PERSONAL IDENTITY: A strong logo for your CV seizes the opportunity to show some class and demonstrate some of your skills and personality.

BE READY: The design industry knows that the next crop of talent graduates early/mid summer. They will be filling positions straight away.

START DECIDING NOW WHICH SPECIALISM OF DESIGN YOU WANT TO GO INTO: (branding, packaging, digital, editorial, advertising etc.)

GET CLUED UP: You should know the names of a bunch of agencies you admire and like the work of. You should know a little about these agencies.

PLAY THE ODDS: Don’t apply for just one position or internship, apply for lots. If more than one shows interest, it’s a good problem to have.

SHOW WILLING: When you get an internship make sure you show willing in every area. Make coffees, offer to get sandwiches (we’ve all done it) – the small stuff gets noticed by everyone in the company.

EAT THE WORLD WITH YOUR EYES: be curious, be worldly

At an interview: relax and be yourself, but don’t treat the person interviewing you like your mate. Agencies are made up of all sorts of personalities, so there is a good chance you will fit in too.

The interviewer will most likely be considering if you will fit – being relaxed and being yourself will help you to show your personality, and make sure that you have a few things to say about each project already in mind.