This course will focus on planning for a successful transition from academic life into professional practice as a working designer. Invited speakers from professional design practice will play a key part in panel discussions in this class.
We will cover methods for effective job-hunting, portfolio presentation and related skills, and understanding your personal strengths, weaknesses and objectives as you enter the job market. In addition we will discuss the nature of the professional design industry: what are the pros and cons of working for a design firm, as a freelancer, as a consultant, or as an in-house designer? What broader roles can the designer play? What about setting ethical boundaries on the work that you do?
Learning Objectives
Through this course you should:
• Refine skills for effective job hunting, including portfolio presentation skills, writing and speaking
• Learn from design professionals about the practice of design, and what they look for in a designer
• Learn about different working models within the design world
• Develop plans and goals for entering the design profession and pursuing a career path suited to you and your work