How to be prepared as a design graduate during the coronavirus pandemic
After last weeks post it was great to gain some perspective from close acquaintances that have been in the industry a lot longer than myself, being able to rely on my inner circle is reassuring as it either confirms or refutes my work. Therefore I feel confident in writing this knowing that many professionals have been helping students, graduates and young designers to get through this difficult time and that it is aligned with my posts.
If you read my previous post "Design Grad: 5 Ways to Survive the Current Climate" then you may have had some ideas on how you can be more proactive to gain experience during these uncertain times. It seems that each week another automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier is announcing redundancies and cut backs in spending. While this is not what we want to hear the reality is that we are going to have to find a way to get through this as a community.
In Detail
So to follow up, right from the start your portfolio is going to be a big part of your application process and getting the right advice is going to determine how you go about putting it together. Building on the point from last week that networking opportunities are now right there on your mobile device, try to find an established professional that would be happy to give your portfolio an honest review. That means getting feedback on the good bad and ugly while providing constructive points for you to work on. Remember that your portfolio is as good as your worst piece of work so be mindful of what you select.
Self Set Projects
These are easy to dream up but difficult to get right if you are on your own without anyone to provide a critical view point of your choices. Set yourself a project and try to get an industry professional in your desired field take a look at it once every other week. Its not an internship but if they have some time to spare it will be worth its weight in gold for you right now, as this will give a flavour for what a live work environment could be like but also feed your portfolio with fresh material.
Collaboration
Even as a fresh design graduate you will have some contacts in your network with which you could collaborate, failing that you could always reach out to your university peers and collaborate on a project while playing to each others strengths. Combine it with some industry feedback where possible and get it noticed on social media, soon enough you'll have gained some insight into working in a professional collaborative environment and have a couple of projects to put in the portfolio. Its all about utilising what you have at your disposal at this moment in time.
Value
Time is worth everything right now, there are many experienced professionals at home that may be willing to provide students and graduates with some guidance. However do not take this for granted as their input is key to your success so be sure to keep your word. By that I mean if you say you will send them a piece of work then follow up on it, this shows that your are a disciplined and driven individual that is serious about a successful career. It will leave a good lasting impression on your peers as well as your mentors if you respond to their feedback.
Industry Uncertainty
Now talking specifically about the automotive sector, you may have heard that many companies have announced job cuts in the last few weeks due to the effects of coronavirus. Companies which where just hanging on in a lucrative climate are now in the red. Looking forward, what might this mean for you as graduate seeking opportunities to set foot into an automotive design studio.
Without naming specifics there is a global trend in the automotive sector to cut costs, minimise layering of efforts in large automotive groups and a drive towards reduce staffing by 2025. As mentioned in my previous post, the industry has always bounced back, so while these changes continue to go on its vital for you as a graduate to keep your eye on the ball and stay relevant. Its important for you to continue growing, by that I mean the continual development of your core design skills despite the given economic climate. Your sketching, rendering, modelling. Is it good? Can it be better? Find someone you can trust to provide guidance, honest critique and occasionally throw some rocks to realign your perspective.