Advice for Design Graduates: How to Find your First Job

We may be in the middle of a recession where businesses are laying off staff and there are record levels of unemployment, which means more people fighting for the same positions, but that doesn't mean design graduates can't find the right role for them.

The old adage is that if you're good enough, you're experienced enough, even if you're up against candidates with many years more experience than yourself.

You should begin your job search before you graduate from your degree, as graduate jobs are difficult to come by and every advantage you can gain will be priceless. With this in mind you should also look for work experience locally during the summer months. Employers, especially those offering design jobs, will always welcome someone who wants to learn and this can be your foot in the door to showcase your ability.

In order to make yourself stand out from the crowd, and it is a very big crowd looking for jobs for graduates, you should have an excellent portfolio that is well presented. Your portfolio should also be available online so that potential employers can view it before you see them, and graduate recruitment companies can also view it.

Above all remember that design agencies aren't looking for the finished article, someone with a mastery of design software. They're looking for that raw spark of creativity that can be moulded into a first rate designer. This means that for those who are keen, there are jobs for graduates out there.

Written by Jobsite: Find out more information on
Graduate Jobs