For the first installment of "Takeaways," in which I attend events and tell you the important takeaways, I wanted to start off with Entering the Job Market hosted by IDSA Northern Lakes. Even though I've been to events before this and will be writing about those soon, this topic is especially pertinent during this time of ambiguity. Graduating is anxiety-producing enough without the added stress of dealing with a pandemic AND a recession. So this post is for all of my fellow graduates who couldn't make it and need a little guidance.
Entering the Job Market was a panel discussion featuring:
Lauren Dern, senior product designer at Schoeneck Containers
Michael DiTullo, founder of Michael DiTullo, LLC
Dave Joseph, co-founder of Ovie Smarterware
Todd Herlitz, principal designer at Volume Studios
Paul Hatch, CEO of TEAMS in Chicago
Mike Custer, director of industrial design at ITB Packaging
Moderated by Chevis Watkinson
Preface: This pandemic is terrible, yes, and it might have impacted you particularly hard. Even if it hasn't affected you directly, you aren't expected to perform 100% during a literal global crisis. Do not feel bad if you can't put some of this advice to action right now. You come first above all else. This advice will still be here whenever you're ready. Make what you can of it, but you are ultimately the only person who can decide what's best for you.
Show your personality
When connecting with people and applying to jobs, people want to know who you are. Hiring managers are not just looking for someone who can produce good work (even though that is a plus), they are looking for someone they can work with for years. It's difficult to gauge that in a portfolio or a one hour interview. Make the most of your time with that person by showing that you have a point of view, interests, or something that you stand for. People you connect with want to know you as more than just someone looking for a job. You. Are. A Person. Share that with others. If someone can't say much about you as a person, can you really call that a genuine connection?
This bit of advice gives me the most hope because I think that though I might not have the best looking portfolio, I am a great hire. I learn quickly, I'm adaptable, and I can speak in front of an audience. These are not qualities that are easily shown in a portfolio. Plus, there is so much pressure to be The Best, or at least to appear to be, that creating portfolios personally causes so much anxiety. However, we are more than our work. We have interests, skills, and lives beyond the scope of our designs. You are unique - show people why.
From John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch: "There is no one like you. There has never been anyone like you. There will never be anyone like you. Therefore, be yourself."
Build genuine relationships with people
This is an extension of the last point, but it was a continuing theme during the event. To build strong connections that lead to future opportunities, recognize that the people you are networking with are people, too. It's off-putting to go up to someone, even digitally, and start with "Hey give me a job." Have something to bring to the table to start a conversation. Do a little research on the person to see what kind of work they do and things they like. Find a point of connection in that and bring it up in conversation. This is easier on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram where people share their work. You can comment on their posts to say why you like it. Engage with them, but be genuine. Flattery and likes can only get you so far. Again, remember that you are a person and share your point of view. Your goal is to build a rapport with them. Connections are an investment - you have to contribute to them before you see the benefits.
Since I'm quite introverted and shy, the shift to online has actually allowed me to create more connections. I don't quite like networking events because I don't do well in large crowds. Now, I can participate in so many things from the comfort of my own home, and video calls only really allow for one person to speak at a time. I probably would not have gone to as many events as I have if they were in-person, let alone felt empowered enough to speak up during them. Keep in mind that I'm in an incredibly privileged position - I have access to high speed internet and someone I can 100% depend on to support my living expenses. This is just my experience that might apply to other introverts out there.
Get your work out there
Do your own personal projects and get your work out there. This is another opportunity to show your personality while also building your skills and portfolio. If there's a company you want to work for some day, work on concepts that a designer might do while working there. If there's an exciting design challenge online, participate in that. If there's some problem in your own life that you need to address, apply the design process to that. Give yourself mini deadlines to hold yourself accountable to these projects. Whatever you work on, do something that interests you and share it online. That way, when it comes to the job interview, you have something to share that you are passionate about, sets you apart, and has online presence. Michael DiTullo posted something in the chat that is somewhat related, but is a really great point:
They say luck is being in the right place at the right time, so be in as many places as you can right now! - Michael DiTullo
This is, of course, barring in mind that you have the access and mental capacity to do so - even when we're not dealing with a pandemic. Don't put undue pressure on yourself to always be producing top-quality work that you have to share. You are, again, a person with a life and interests outside of design. Do what you can.
Be kind to yourself
The first few months after graduating is always going to be tough, even without a global crisis happening. It can take months to find a job and you can definitely get into a spiral of self-doubt and insecurity during that time. You have to be patient - places that are hiring are never going to move at the speed you want them to move. Trust that the right opportunity will present itself at the right time. Plus, this is a uniquely difficult time. Everyone at every level and every industry is learning how to navigate this new era. You are definitely not alone. Put aside time to take care of yourself and take the pressure off.
Don't be afraid
This wasn't explicitly said, but it was implicitly felt. Don't be afraid of putting yourself out there. Life transitions are terrifying! Have the courage to keep going. Fear has a way of paralyzing us to the spot - it definitely has that affect on me. Take your time if you need to. It will never be too late to network or job hunt because there will always be opportunities, whether it be in design or something else. With that in mind, don't let fear stop you from putting in the work to advocate for yourself. It's scary out there, but the design community is welcoming. Don't be afraid.
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