September 02, 2019

#18: A Guide for Junior and Grad Designers - How to Land Your Big Break

24 minutes

Are you a recent graduate or a junior? In our latest podcast, we discuss our top tips and advice on how to land your big break as a junior designer. Applying for your first role can be a daunting experience, we’re here to help!

Tips for junior and graduate designers:

- Avoid templates / show your own creative aesthetic

- Think of producing your folio work as if your presenting to a client

How to get that big break and experience:

- Meet Up Dot Com – going to a meet up can lead to a mentor who can be your advocate

- The beginning of networking can lead to potential work

What can make you stand out?

- You don’t need to pretend you know everything, but be proactive, show that you put in that effort

- You only way to get better is through critique, take it graciously

- Show your ability to up-skill and keep learning

- Technology and programs may change over time, be proactive in learning new updates

- Have a good attitude – have a positive outlook

What to include in your portfolio?

- You can show your college work but having some commercial work in your folio is more likely going to get you hired

- Internships are really valuable

- Get permission for using work in your portfolio

- Free work: put value into that work. Work that’s going to add to your experience

Final tips:

- Be articulate in talking through your work and design process

- Be proactive

- Ensure you are on LinkedIn as managers and directors are on LinkedIn and may be seeking junior designers to join their agency

- If you comment, make it worthwhile and people may start to notice

We hope this episode inspires you to be proactive in your job search. If you or a friend is a Junior Designer, please feel free to share this podcast with them. Tune into the full episode and visit www.becomerecruitment.com/podcast for more information and other great episodes.

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