Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

Success in gaining employment at the end of your course is often related to your engagement with industry prior to your final year which enables you to organise appropriate experience and build up networks.

Through visits to consultancies and the production of case histories you will develop an understanding of the possibilities open to you in respect to employment or postgraduate study.

The unit enables you to build on prior design knowledge and skills in a manner that directly relates to your personal and career aspirations. You will be further assisted in the preparation of your "portfolio of work", personal planning and development in preparation for practice.

This unit focuses on the processes you need to engage with in order to network and develop contacts in your chosen field. Industry experience can take place outside of the academic calendar.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit. 

• Sector analysis - looking at industry specialisations and visiting companies.
• Identifying emerging issues that effect change within the industry and your professional role and responsibility as a designer.
• Networking and career planning.
• Making yourself visible in a competitive world through: Preparation of a CV, a personal portfolio (print and digital) and job and postgraduate course applications.

Method of Delivery
Lectures, seminars, visits, workshops, discussions, case studies, presentations, group and individual tutorials.

Aims

A1 To introduce you to the breadth of career opportunities relevant to Graphic Design.
A2 To provide an environment that encourages lifelong learning and reinforces knowledge of emerging issues that effect change.
A3 To provide practice in the preparation of portfolios and documentation.
A4 To promote self-evaluation and review as an essential part of personal and professional development.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to: 

LO1 Identify and research possible career options.
LO2 Inform your creative ambitions with realistic career planning and enable you to consider sustainable and ethical options.
LO3 Prepare a CV, portfolio and documentation in support of your ambitions.
LO4 Review your strengths and weaknesses and establish an action plan for personal development.

Reference Material

Key
Carniol, S. (2008). Preparing for a Career in Media and Design. London: Prentice Hall
Heller, S and Fernandes, T. (2005). Becoming a Graphic Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design. London: John Wiley & Sons
Ingraham, Z. (ed) (2008). Prospects Directory 2008/9. Manchester: Graduate Prospects
Longson, S. (2006). Life After... Art and Design: A Practical Guide to Life After Your Degree. London: Routledge

Recommended
Dorrain, M. and Farrelly, L. (2006). Business Cards: More Ways of Saying Hello. London: Laurence King.
Eggert, M. (2007). The Perfect CV. London: Random House Business Books

Useful Web links
Creativepool // Creative Review // Design Week // Design Week Blog // Navyblue Design Group // TED // Ultimate Holding Company