The document provides tips for job-seeking designers, emphasizing the importance of in-person networking to build connections, showing innovative work in a strong portfolio, and problem-solving skills to impress employers. It also recommends communicating skills, joining professional organizations, leading with the best work in a portfolio site, and demonstrating creativity and motivation.

1. APRIL 28th 2012
Job-seeking tips for designers:
How to appeal to potential employers
(ARA) - For college graduates entering the design fields, in particular career down the line,” she explains. “Connections can help someone
aspiring interactive media and Web designers, a job search that ends new find a job. They can also help someone who is working freelance
well starts with socializing. Communicating and networking - in or for a young company to put a team together.” By getting out and
person, not just social networking online - is an important way for meeting people, individuals also have the opportunity to sharpen the
students to start building a foundation for their careers. personal interaction adeptness she promotes.
Also crucial are thinking innovatively and showing a great portfolio Patrick Baird, academic director of the Web Design & Interactive
of work, according to the academic affairs and career services Media programs at The Art Institute of California - Sunnyvale
departments at The Art Institutes system of schools, a source for in the Silicon Valley, advises students and job candidates to go
design and media arts graduates. beyond the expected to really wow a potential employer.
Terry Bailey, academic director of the Web Design & Interactive Media “Students need to go above just showing technical skill,” says
(WDIM) programs at The Art Institute of California - Hollywood, Baird. It is generally a given and no longer the only qualification
tells her students that aspiring Web designers must not only excel in required to land a job. “A great way to demonstrate exceptional
all things Web, but they must also hone their communication skills. ability is to problem solve: Identify a problem and find a solution,”
Baird adds.
“Employers need to see that an employee can represent them well
by speaking and writing well,” she says. Industry professionals, like As the director of the Career Services department at The Art Institute
those who serve on the WDIM program’s Professional Advisory of California - Hollywood, Bill Kilby works with local employers and
Committee and help to ensure courses are staying industry-relevant, counsels graduating students. He notes that “employers respond
need to know that if the new employee sends an email to clients, it well to portfolios that demonstrate a similar design aesthetic to the
will be grammatically correct and coherent. “The employer wants to employer’s company and show work of comparable quality.”
be assured that a new employee can stand up in front of a client and
give an articulate and convincing presentation.” “When putting together a portfolio site,” Kilby recommends,”be sure
and lead with your strongest work, include only current, industry-
Join professional clubs and organizations. This is another tip Bailey quality work and make sure you have a captivating homepage design.”
gives to the bachelor of science and associate of science candidates
in Web Design & Interactive Media programs. “This is how Web Final tips from Kilby that apply to many job seekers in the design
designers meet the other people in the industry they will need in their fields: Be creative and motivated.