Life of a Graphic Designer after GRADUATION
Finding the right opportunities after college can be challenging, companies generally look for experience and determine your salary based on that; But what if you have no experience?, here are some tips of what I did after graduation to get started with my career.
1. CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN FIELD
There are many design fields that you might want to be a part of, but I’d recommend not making a decision only based on income. Follow your instincts, follow your gut; What do you like to do? what are you truly good at?; Yes, you are a designer, but what do you enjoy creating?.
You can be part of the fashion editorial world, maybe real state, corporate, finance you name it. In my case I leaned towards the fashion industry; Within this field, you can land a job at a retail store, or work with lifestyle brands. Anything related to fashion like magazine pubs, E-commerce blogs, stores, start-ups… etc. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then I suggest you follow this direction or keep exploring till you find the right one. Just be sure to pick a field where you enjoy working because this is where you will spend most of your time.
2. BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO
You can use some of the creative work you made during college, but make sure its portfolio worthy. Ask yourself; Does this represent my work?, my style?, does this give me credibility?, and when they see it… What impact will this have on them?. Keep in mind that the final outcome of your portfolio is gonna determine the worth of your work, this means them wanting to work with you, and your salary rate. Want to make more money?, make sure that you’re selling is worth the rate.
SCREENSHOT OF MY VERY FIRST E-COMM JOB BACK IN 2013Don’t find any cool work from school?. Freelance for sometime before looking for a full-time position, you might want to do it for FREE. The goal here is to make sure you have quality pieces to feature on your website. While you’re at it, you might find that the 9-5 life is not for you, and you can continue in the world of freelancing.
One final tip: Pick the right domain for your portfolio, it should be short, easy to type and easy to remember. The content on your site will keep your audience engaged therefore make sure it is easy to navigate and interesting to look at.
3. WORK ON YOUR RESUME
What to write on your resume if you don’t have any experience yet?
Some options are:
1. Highlight some of the freelance projects you’ve been involved on after graduation
2. Write down your skills
3. List the creative apps you’re good at (you can still list Microsoft WORD or Microsoft EXCEL; this can give you a higher chance of getting hired, because not only do you know about design apps, but you have knowledge of outside software that might be a contribution to their company at some point.)
4. Include education and any important academic recognitions
5. List any other languages you might be proficient at
The goal with your resume and your portfolio is to show your expertise and the quality of your work. The better you sell yourself, the more people will want to work with you. I hope some of these tips can help you get started in the graphic design field; Also, below is one of my favorite quotes from Steve Jobs that inspires me everyday to do what I love.
GOOD LUCK
Erika O.
