The desire for every graphic design graduate is to secure a job that pays well. But this turns out to be a hectic situation since the job market cannot absorb you. Most of the graduates end up being desperate to a point regretting why they pursued that course. Whether you got help from thesis helpers or you did it yourself, you need a job to sustain you.
After graduating as a graphic designer expert, you do not have to worry about securing a job. You only need a few things that will set you apart from other similar graduates.
Check the following tips that will change your life as a graphic design graduate.
- Create a network
Networking is the key when it comes to job seeking. As a fresh graduate, you need to make friendship with corporate people. By doing this, any opportunities that arise in their organization might be offered to you.
You could be wondering where to start the networking process; worry no more. Understandably, getting to talk to people with high ranks in the organization may be difficult. You can deal with this by starting linking with the junior staff. These will take you on top of the ladder as time goes; you only need to be patient.
- Create a portfolio
Nowadays, employers are interested in what you can do for them. They need to see what you can offer to the company. This is where a portfolio comes in. A portfolio showcases your skills in graphic design; it is better than word of mouth only.
After creating a graphic design portfolio, you should make it available to potential clients and employers. You can do this by uploading them on a personal website or social media platform. Make sure your portfolio targets potential employers and clients.
- Patience
In most cases, you will not get a job immediately after graduation. You will apply for many jobs with no response from employers. This should not make you give up. Instead, you should see these rejections as opportunities.
The reason why you did not secure a job could be because your application had a problem. Identify this problem and improve where necessary. Every moment should be a learning moment; it should not make you desperate.
- Become entrepreneurial
After graduation, you are no longer a student. Your way of thinking and approaching things should change immediately. The exposure to the corporate world requires a high level of thinking; it would be wise if you ventured into your own business.
You don’t have to worry about the startup capital; you can start small. By doing this, you will get a chance to interact with other business people, thus increasing exposure to opportunities.
- Learn from mistakes
Nobody is perfect in the world of graphic design. As a fresh graduate, you will make numerous mistakes as you try to be a top-notch designer. You will also get criticism from the “big boys” of graphic design.
If this is the case for you, do not give up. Treat these mistakes as opportunities to improve yourself; success is a process that comes after sacrifice.
- Do not stop learning
The gurus say that knowledge and information is power; they always seek to have more. As a fresh graduate of graphic design, you should also do the same. Companies would love to work with individuals who have diverse knowledge.
After graduation, you can enroll for short courses related to graphic design. The courses will set you apart from other job seekers; your chances of getting the job are much higher than theirs.
- Know your value
Many graphic design graduates make a mistake offering services for free as they aim to gain experience. If you have to take unpaid work, make sure it is short. It should not go beyond one year. Offering services for free will make people see you as a worthless person.
Let the company know that they cannot do it without you. Be smart in what you do; let the company increase their productivity due to your input. They will definitely hire you.
Bottom line
A tiresome journey in college should be worthwhile. It can only be so after securing a job that pays well. You have to make yourself unique so that the job market can absorb you. Know your value, have excellent networking, and of course, a smart portfolio. As a graphic design graduate, make use of the above essential tips to prevent you from tarmacking.