OUGD602 - Abbie Moakes

Today, Abbie Makes, who graduated from LAU two years ago, came in to talk about her experience once she graduated. It was incredibly constructive to hear her experience as the same is coming close for myself. Her visit boosted my confidence in the lead up to my own graduation, and helped me realise it is okay to take time before taking a job, to figure out exactly where I am best suited.

In her experience, she would of liked to take a little more time after graduation and have some space during the transition into a career so that she could of figured out exactly where she wanted to be. That space can be constructive and can prevent you from falling into a job that isn't suited for you.

She suggested getting as much freelance work as possible before settling into a career, as once it kicks off, there won't be as much free time to work on projects you have chosen, and ones that you would enjoy experimenting with and having more control. This can help to build up your portfolio and it is constructive to interact with portfolio reviews which will strengthen them and increase your chances of getting a job.

When looking for a job, LinkedIn is a good port of call to find jobs as there are new job listings posted everyday and it is easy to grow a network. It is important in interviews to ask what the turnover is within a studio, how long will designers usually stay in that job and how far they progress in the company.

This advice is incredibly useful and has increased my confidence in graduating as it has reminded me it is okay to not know what you want to do and to take some time to make sure you are taking the correct route.