When I give talks about careers in design, as well as going through my journey from awkward school student to running my own business, I share tips on how to get on in the design industry.
Fairly standard stuff.
Be collaborative (great ideas are not generated alone).
Be curious (see more, read more, do more).
Be resourceful (multiple tasks, not just one brief).
Be helpful (on placement, busy teams will love you if you help).
Be social (networking will be vital to your career progression).
As students return, I was reminded of how important the last point is with this photograph. We were all at Northumbria University in 1990, sat in the same desk hub for thirty five hours of studio time a week, and we were definitely social. We all went on to have careers in design and our paths still cross from time to time.
So how do you “be social” now?
Thanks David Webb (in red) for sharing the pic with Bryan Edmondson (ID tee-shirt), who shared it with me (long sleeved Inspiral Carpets tee-shirt). Jason Robinson still has the same hair. Graham Walker looks even younger, I can’t remember the name of the guy on the right (sorry Jim?) and I suspect Colin Gifford - Design Consultant may have taken the photograph (or with the football team).
