Over the past year we have had many guest speakers attend the college to give us their thoughts and opinions about the design industry and their experience. Due to graduate soon, we recently had a different type of lecture by Mike Carter who works at Orchard Recruitment who specialize in the design and advertising area.
I decided to discuss lectures by Mike Rigby (The Chase) and Mike Carter because Mike Carter gave us advice on how to get into the industry and Mike Rigby advised us what to do once in the industry.
Both Mike Carter and Mike Rigby believe that design is a very competitive area. Mike Carter states that there are as many as 456,000 students studying design and there could only be as little as 49,188 actually doing it. Both believe that being a good designer is only a small part of the job. Mike Carter explains that enthusiasm, commitment and determination are just as important.
Mike Carter discussed CV and interview techniques during his lecture and explained that once in the industry you can look to expect £12-14,000 in your first year. Mike Rigby explained in his lecture that he started out on £13,000 and stated he would not work for less.
It can also be said that rejection is part of design. Mike Rigby sympathetically explained that no doesn't mean you are not good enough it just means you may not fit. Mike Carter believes that your CV has to get people to contact YOU and you have 3 seconds to communicate what you want to say. If being turned down for placement or employment Mike C believes it is important to keep a positive attitude. Agreeing, Mike R believes you need keep yourself intrested, and to keep doing design briefs. The important thing is to ask yourself why you are doing it, and are you commited?
