If you are one of the few people who have your future all figured out, bravo and carry on!
If, however, you are still not sure what you want to do with your life – don’t stress, you’re not alone.
Many people are unsure of their future when leaving a tertiary institution. One of the reasons for this fear is the simple fact that you have to suddenly change your routine. You’ve gone to school, now you’ve studied for x-number of years, and the only thing left to do is to step out into the big, scary world out there and do something you’re not used to.
Lucky for you, Inscape ensures relevant experience with our true-life-projects from real designers, which means you won’t enter the industry unarmed!
But where should you apply? What position suits you? How long should you stay?
If you need help choosing your career path, feel free to visit the site Mapping Your Future {link to site: https://www.mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcareer/careership/match_career_results.cfm} or seek out the assistance of a guidance counselor. It would also do you good to speak to professionals in the industry.
Studies {link to site: http://gradireland.com/career-sectors/performing-and-creative-arts/art-and-design-graduates-what-to-expect-after-graduation} show that most designers enter short-term positions after graduating as they explore their options. This has an upside and downside – the upside is that you aren’t contractually bound to a permanent position, the downside is that you don’t have a secure income.
According to 40/20 Vision {link to site: http://4020vision.com/index.php/2012/09/20-something-question-how-often-should-i-change-jobs/}, it is desirable to stick to a long-term position while in your 20s, since this teaches you crucial skills. They propose that you use the ‘two-year rule’ to re-evaluate what you want.
The design industry is highly dynamic, however, and job-hopping is something which occurs much more frequently than in other industries. Staying with one company for too long may indicate to prospective employers that you have a lack of ambition or are set in your ways, so carefully consider your career choices.
In the words of Steve Jobs:
“I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next…
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.”
If you are ready to enter the market, try a specialist recruitment agency:
- Redline Recruitment {link to site: http://za.linkedin.com/pub/redline-recruitment/24/ba0/607} specialises in placements in the Architecture, Building, Construction and Interior Design industries.
- See BizCommunity’s {link to site: http://www.bizcommunity.com/Recruiters.aspx?l=196&c=11} list of Marketing & Media recruiters.
- If you want a position in the fashion design industry, take a look at Rite Fit Staffing {link to site: http://www.ritefit.co.za/}
If you aren’t ready yet, consider taking some time off if your finances allow and also look at your freelancing options {link to site: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/50-freelance-job-sites-for-designers-programmers-best-of/} or working abroad (luckily there is a universal need for design).
Whatever your choice of position, remember that your success will depend on whether or not you are referable {link to site: http://business.tutsplus.com/articles/new-leads-2-how-to-get-more-referrals–fsw-88}.
Wishing you all the best for the future.