Who else is an unemployed graduate right now? Graphic Design degree and no job.

Hello Kate2610, you are not alone. I was graduated in 2013 2.2 Graphic and Design and was trying one year to find an internship in graphic and design and nothing. I work in retail part time and the rest of time looking for a different job. You are not the only one. It is upsetting yes, but I think the most important thing is to not get upset too much. You are going through a disappointment and that's okay, I am sure sooner or later you will find something appropriate. Don' t lose the graphic design experience out of your sight. It can be a freelance job too. It takes time. Best of Luck. J.

Reply 2

kate2610

OP

4

Original post by jj22j2

Hello Kate2610, you are not alone. I was graduated in 2013 2.2 Graphic and Design and was trying one year to find an internship in graphic and design and nothing. I work in retail part time and the rest of time looking for a different job. You are not the only one. It is upsetting yes, but I think the most important thing is to not get upset too much. You are going through a disappointment and that's okay, I am sure sooner or later you will find something appropriate. Don' t lose the graphic design experience out of your sight. It can be a freelance job too. It takes time. Best of Luck. J.

oh wow, hi fellow graphic design grad!

sounds very similar to me.. My first graphic design job was horrendous, completely taken advantage of working around 50 hours a week for less than minim wage - not even given a dinner hour or anything, ended up quitting because it was so bad.

I got a temp job in retail, loved it actually mainly because it was so much better than working at that horrible company and the people were lovely! which helps.. but that contract ended.. now I'm looking for something new and just applying for anything and everything, it sucks, but its the only thing i can do.
I had an interview for a graphic design job last week and it was just scary, so serious and they expected me to know loads of stuff which was too advantaged for a junior / grad.. it seems to a thing I'm finding is they expect a lot out of juniors ;/ but then they can pay them a junior wage..

Reply 3

jj22j2

That's good. The most important thing is to gain experience I think. I am trying to be more selective in terms of a graphic design jobs. And also looking for a retail jobs. I want to make more freelance works just to have a nicer portfolio, not only filled up with college works, but also something different. It's true, the companies expect you to know extra stuff that colleges do not teach, but still if you have passion you can learn them on your own. For me the hardest thing atm is that I need money and can't waste time. And it's really frustrating when you trying your best still can't find anything. But still it is a matter of time. I am not enjoying the place I work in because it is not a creative environment, can't really share anything with people and I feel totally out of place and wish I can get out of there asap. But it's ok. The best thing I can do is trying, researching applying and hopefully something new will turn up.

Reply 4

I graduated in 2012 with a 1:1 and still can't get a full time graphic design job. I have done 5 internships at big design agencies and they don't employ you after either. They use and abuse graduates and I found its harder to get employed as a mature student in your late 20s. It seems to be a dominated male sexist industry and have found lots of these young designers in top industry's are cocky and crap with no artistic talent. There is also a lot of snobbish behaviour going on as these top design agencies as they will only employ young graduates who studied at universities like Saint martins, RCA or Kingston university. Just because they studied at top universities does not mean the students are in any way talented or better. Most the work in award winning agencies are out sourced to a freelancer because their so called designers lack skills. I have also witnessed and experienced their so called designers to get jealous when a more talented intern comes in to work for the company and will try to stab you in the back of your not careful. Has anyone noticed the same?

Reply 5

ahllb

6

Just keep going, Kate. Keep chipping away and sooner or later, a door will open. All the best.

Reply 6

Bill_Gates

21

Original post by GD ego

I graduated in 2012 with a 1:1 and still can't get a full time graphic design job. I have done 5 internships at big design agencies and they don't employ you after either. They use and abuse graduates and I found its harder to get employed as a mature student in your late 20s. It seems to be a dominated male sexist industry and have found lots of these young designers in top industry's are cocky and crap with no artistic talent. There is also a lot of snobbish behaviour going on as these top design agencies as they will only employ young graduates who studied at universities like Saint martins, RCA or Kingston university. Just because they studied at top universities does not mean the students are in any way talented or better. Most the work in award winning agencies are out sourced to a freelancer because their so called designers lack skills. I have also witnessed and experienced their so called designers to get jealous when a more talented intern comes in to work for the company and will try to stab you in the back of your not careful. Has anyone noticed the same?

Have you thought about setting up as a freelancer?

Reply 7

Original post by Bill_Gates

Have you thought about setting up as a freelancer?

Yes I have done freelance work and I am currently looking for freelance and full-time work. The problem with freelancing is that it's unreliable, and you have to constantly keep chasing for the next project. You also have to be really experienced with 4 to 5 years solid background experience and really know your stuff.

Reply 8

Bill_Gates

21

Original post by GD ego

Yes I have done freelance work and I am currently looking for freelance and full-time work. The problem with freelancing is that it's unreliable, and you have to constantly keep chasing for the next project. You also have to be really experienced with 4 to 5 years solid background experience and really know your stuff.

I agree but list yourself on a couple of online websites. You should be able to get quite a bit of work. I know it's not ideal but i know this is how it's going for graphic design in general.

Reply 9

Thanks for the advise. Do you know any websites that are really good for freelancers?

Reply 10

Original post by Bill_Gates

I agree but list yourself on a couple of online websites. You should be able to get quite a bit of work. I know it's not ideal but i know this is how it's going for graphic design in general.

Thanks for the advise. Do you know any websites that are really good for freelancers?

Reply 11

Ludovico Zwart

This is so true. The week i started at one of the most highly regarded studios in London, my coworker expressed that he was threatened by my skill and thereafter made me look bad at every turn and made it impossible for me to work there. I was let go after a few weeks. It was heartbreaking.

Reply 12

Neca2016