Graphic Design Training on the Job

School isn't the only place you'll get graphic design training. Read about first steps for your career.

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Getting Work Experience as a Graphic Designer

Your graphic design training won't end when you graduate from school. Gaining on-the-job experience is an important step in your design career. Graphic design school should give you the tools you need for an entry-level position. However, your first couple of years on the job will provide the work experience you'll need to prove yourself at a graphic design firm or build a reputation as a self-employed designer.

In the competitive job market for graphic designers, you should expect to start your career in an entry-level position. You may need to put in a couple of years in a junior designer position before you qualify for a promotion. Take advantage of the opportunity for real-life graphic design training, and get a feel for where you want to go in your career. You may find that you want to focus on a particular specialty within graphic design. For instance, you may want to work specifically on advertising design or website design. Or you may decide that you want to work as an art director.

Finding Graphic Design Internships and Jobs

An internship can provide the opportunity to get your feet wet in graphic design, before being thrown sink-or-swim into your first big graphic design job. This can be a good way to supplement your schooling and get graphic design training in a real-world work environment.

If you're a student, take advantage of your school's career services to find internships in your area. You may also want to contact graphic design firms to see if they have any internship openings.

Your school may also have resources to help you land your first graphic design job after graduation. The easiest way to find a job is often through personal connections, so take advantage of the industry contacts your professors or career services department may have. Go to industry events. Social gatherings or conferences can provide great opportunities to network with established graphic designers and learn about graphic design companies in your area.

Getting Your Graphic Design Career Off the Ground

New graphic designers should be prepared to pay their dues. In the beginning of your career, you may work long hours doing the least glamorous tasks. Don't be discouraged. With a little patience and perseverance you can get where you want to go.

School Spotlight

The International Academy of Design & Technology is committed to providing academic excellence to help you excel in your chosen career. Find a campus offering graphic design near you:

Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Sacramento, San Antonio, Seattle or Tampa

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