Professional Orientation in Design

This unit was significantly beneficial in preparing my peers and I for life in this expansive industry. Being a designer can mean so many different things in our current day and age as the design world has grown so much and will only continue to do so. This is why units such as Professional Orientation are so important. Like such, these kinds of classes allow students insight as to how the industry functions, what makes it tick and how to grow alongside it as opposed to getting left behind (considering the rate of development and progress is so fast paced in our technologically focused day and age).

As well as all this, it aids students in finding their place within the industry. This is something that can be so incredibly daunting when first starting out. With the amount of information and opportunities we are fortunate enough to get exposed to as students, we often neglect to acknowledge (in amongst the excitement and passion) how overwhelming it can all be; especially so, when attempting to find where one fits in, in the grand scheme of things.

During the course of this unit, I learnt a great deal as to the demands of the industry, the many different career paths and opportunities available to me, the importance of design ethos, understanding my own personal values and how to form genuine connections with potential colleagues and clients. Getting your foot in the door is always one of the hardest parts of any job, and this unit ensures we have to skills and knowledge to assist us in this area.

Furthermore, I would love to continue to research potential career pathways and gain more experience through connecting with more industry professionals. As someone who is often apprehensive when it comes to putting myself out there, I would love to begin taking my first steps towards building important relationships and gaining experience as well as confidence.