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Graphic Designer.

 

I start every morning at 8.30. I'll either be working on previous design work that needs to be given an update or starting on new material from scratch. The work varies from client to client but I get to use all of my graphic design skills every day. From day one in the job, I've been designing all kinds of material from stationary, logos, brochures, posters, corporate material.....even biros!

 

Nothing's ever the same, so boredom doesn't exist in this job! Also, the fact there's pressure put on you everyday to get a client's work done professionally within a given time period. However, what makes my day is when a client calls in for a one to one with me to review work in progress and are very happy with what I've produced.

 

 

I was originally a commercial sales executive for a large waste/recycling company in Ireland before I flew to Australia where I was working in bars in Melbourne.

 

When it comes to design experience, I had very little. I had done some design work 5 years previously in college for projects but it was fairly amateur compared to what we did in this course.

 

I did this course because I had to look realistically at the employment choices I was going to have when I returned to Ireland in September 2010 (Ireland's currently in recession with very high unemployment). I already had an honors degree in Services Marketing & Sales but I wanted to have a graphic design qualification so it would make my CV stronger from an employers point of view. The 3 month intensive course at Shillington college was ideal for me to get the skills I needed within the time I had available in Australia.

 

I learned how to create material that I normally would never have conceived of creating in the past. The knowledge I gained on how to create something original that I can proudly call 'my own work' was invaluable.

 

The college environment was friendly and energetic. There was plenty of material to gather for inspiration for designing your work. The teachers were thorough in delivering class assignments and had 'one to one' time with students regularly so that the pace was kept throughout. The pace of the course had to be the best part as it was fast enough to prepare you for the real work environment in the design industry.  

 

I've learned a lot in the 3 months that I studied in Shillington College. The skills and techniques that I have taken with me from this course, can work hand in hand with my marketing skills in future employment.

 

This is the best part! I graduated on the 13 August in Melbourne and then flew back to Ireland on 6 September. I was employed as a graphic designer within ONE week of being back home in Ireland! A lot of people were amazed and shocked at how quickly I managed to get a job because of the high rate of unemployment that the recession has caused in Ireland at the moment.

 

I got a lot of positive feedback from my portfolio during interviews. And even though I'm currently in employment, I still get the odd design and print company ringing me to see if I'm available for extra work that they need done!

 

 

Where do you see yourself 12 months from now?
Hopefully I'll make it to a Marketing Manager role with graphic design and sales but for now I'm happy to be in an industry that's constantly changing.

 

Any advice for someone pondering whether to take the leap into graphic design and sign up for the course?
I would strongly recommend it to people who are even in sales and marketing roles. These qualifications will improve your CV greatly and can work hand in hand with your previous qualifications. You don't have to be a hardcore artistic type to do this course. Just the appreciation of design makes any person a suitable candidate.