Thoughts from
Yu Rong
July 30, 2023
Navigating Your Dream Job: Tips for Fresh Product Design Graduates
In today’s unpredictable economy and challenging job market, landing a first job has become an uphill battle for recent graduates looking to start a career in design. The pursuit of a dream job can feel like a distant aspiration amidst the turbulence – but it’s worth the chase.
Here are five things that propelled me to where I am today, and what I encourage job-hunting designers to do:
Be Proactive and Seek Out Studios That Inspire You
In the quest for your dream job as a budding product designer, seek out studios whose work resonates with you. Reach out to them, even if it's for an unpaid internship — the goal here is to build a compelling portfolio piece. While these studios may not align with your ultimate career aspirations initially, the key is to discover the inspiring and impactful work they've produced and learn from them.
Before graduation, I proactively reached out to studios by emailing them and connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn. Start with a brief introduction outlining your background, goals and past design experience – everything from school assignments, passion projects and things you designed for fun. Don’t forget to include a link to your portfolio and offer a more formal presentation if they express interest. Make it easy for them to schedule a call by providing your availability. This approach was successful for me, and it will hopefully work for you too.
Engage with the Design Community: Connect Meaningfully
Explore design community platforms, Slack channels, and attend events, but do so selectively. Don't spread yourself thin by joining every group—focus on those where members showcase talent that inspires you and aligns with your professional interests.
Personally, I attend 2-4 in-person design events annually and catch virtual events during my free time. These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity to network and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Some connections have led to job or freelance opportunities, while others have shared great tips, such as information about working visas.
Here are a few resources to check out:
Design community platforms
In-person design events
Stand Out and Carve Out Your Niche
While versatility is a hallmark of good design, discovering your unique niche early is equally crucial. It's not just about mastering various projects and styles; it's about identifying your distinctive skill set and the value you bring to the table. One way to do this is by taking on personal projects that resonate with you—it’s a chance to tackle problems you're passionate about and to craft solutions in your signature style, essentially becoming your own client. These projects not only mold your identity as a designer but can also introduce you to new opportunities and connections. After taking on these types of projects, I like showcasing projects on platforms like Behance, WNW, and my website.
Stay current: Expose Yourself to New Things
Staying on top of the latest trends and projects is paramount. Keep your finger on the pulse by subscribing to newsletters and exploring design platforms regularly. For product designers, trying out new products is a hands-on approach to staying inspired. Venture beyond familiar apps and websites to explore realms like AR/VR. Pay attention to both the successes and shortcomings of these experiences.
Don't underestimate the power of travel in infusing fresh inspiration. Personally, I've found that travel subtly shapes my creative mindset, fostering a broader perspective. Exposure to different cultures and landscapes enhances your knowledge and awareness, influencing the thoughtful and inspiring work you create.
Find Studios that Align with Your Personal Values
Everyone envisions their dream job differently. While you’re job hunting, consider what you need in a workplace to fuel you on a personal level. Now that I’ve been in the industry for several years, I’d classify my own job “must-haves” around these guiding principles:
- Collaborating with Like-Minded Peers: Working alongside individuals I admire—experts in their field who bring positive energy to the workplace and actively engage in continuous learning.
- Opportunities for Personal Growth: Beyond climbing the career ladder, my ideal job entails a daily pursuit of knowledge and problem-solving. I thrive in an environment that not only encourages continual learning but also empowers designers with autonomy, allowing them to take the initiative in presenting their work and making decisions independently.
- A Positive Workplace Culture: Striking the right balance between work and personal life, embracing remote work options, fostering positive interactions with colleagues, and dedicating ample time for team bonding.
Ultimately, your unique path will involve a mix of self-discovery, skill refinement, and embracing what truly resonates with you. If you’re a designer looking for advice or to exchange stories, please feel free to reach out on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to have a virtual coffee chat or connect at a design conference.
About the author
Yu Rong is the Product Design Lead at CōLab where she creates digital experiences for websites and apps with strategic thinking and solid design skills. Over the course of over 8 years, she's worked in China and the United States at all sizes of design agencies — from Leo Burnett and AKQA to Partners and Spade, and Astro Studios; and tech in-house such as Apple and Facebook. A few notable clients that she worked with included Apple, IBM, and WarbyParker.
