Experience

1. What is professional / industrial experience?

>It is where you can establish contacts with one or various companies.
>It's your chance to apply all that academic knowledge and theoretical concepts into live briefs and a practical work setting.
>A better understanding into how businesses work.
>It is experience and help needed in finding a future job in Graphic Design
>It is an opportunity for others to see what you can do.
>It is also your chance to work in your chosen field without a long term commitment.


2. Why is professional / industrial experience important as part of PPD?

>It gives you a taste of what goes on in the working environment.
>It enables you to make better and more informed decisions about what exactly it is that you want/do not want to do within this industry.
>It gives you more confidence and knowledge.
>You learn more about the expectations and needs of employers, customers and yourself.
>You can take advantage of contacts, networking and mentoring opportunities.


3. How do you gain professional / industrial experience and what form does it take?

>You will only gain experience by putting yourself and your name out there.
>By knowing your skills and what you can offer, and showing them why you stand out from others.
>By going to them and not waiting for them to come to you.
>It could take the form of a set number of weeks, paid or voluntary, or it could just be a day to help gain knowledge.
>It could be assisting a freelance designer, being hands-on working with a company, or just over-seeing how everything operates on a day-to-day basis in a design studio - but any experience is vital.


4. What should you aim to gain from professional / industrial experience?

>Independence and maturity
>Important skills, specialist knowledge and a better understanding of customer needs
>A deeper insight into how businesses work
>Job searching, C.V. writing and interview skills
>Confidence
>Contacts
>An improved, or more professional portfolio