Top Tips For Design Students

Sue Bicknell offers essential advice for any design student in their final year

- Sue Bicknell

You’re in the final year at uni and heading towards your major project. Now is the time to think about what you can do to get your dream job.

Here are ten top tips for getting it together while you’re still at university so you’re more likely to be successful when you graduate.

KEEP SKETCHES 

Sketches help demonstrate your thought process and sometimes they can be better than the final design. They also show off your creativity and problem-solving abilities. If possible, keep the originals and put them together in an orderly fashion. At a face-to-face interview, it is always good to present tangible pieces as well as a digital portfolio.

GET INVOLVED 

Whether online or in real life, it’s a good idea to take an active part in the world of design. Join organisations, attend events, follow industry leaders and keep your eye on what’s happening in design.

Do as many outside and award projects as possible. Take on competition briefs and give them your best. They often provide an opportunity for you to experience real design briefs first-hand, come into contact with people in the industry and test your skills.

It’s your chance to show the design world what you can do and winning an award can open a lot of doors.

DON’T POLISH TURDS