How to begin a career in project design without experience

Perhaps you’ve just finished University with a Project Design degree under your belt or have changed career paths but are now looking for steady work - taking that first step on the career ladder in the product design industry can be a tough one.

But there are ways of securing that dream job role at that dream company working in product design - here’s how:

Draw upon recent academic achievement

It’s safe to say, you will need some sort of degree or qualification for this industry but having no actual work experience is causing you an issue when applying for roles. This is why it’s important on that CV to detail what you already know and how you can apply this to the role in question. Perhaps you’ve studied a revolutionary piece of product design in detail such as castors from Tente and can use this to demonstrate your knowledge of key trends or perhaps that final project received a high score from a reputable lecturer.

Create a portfolio

You might not have the work experience but you have experience creating innovative products or laying out the plans for them. Put together a portfolio website detailing everything you’re proud of and have received strong responses to and include a link to this with your application. Giving that employer the chance to see your work might sway them to offer an interview even if you have no practical employment experience.

Look at your transferrable skills

As well as the product design element employers are looking for good candidates who can work as a team, time manage and bring ideas to the table. Be honest about your lack of experience but confirm that these transferrable skills allow you to wrap your head around what is expected of you quickly and that as a candidate alone, you are an ideal one. Highlight which ones you think are most applicable to the role on your application.

Understand the role

We’ve all been guilty of applying for jobs and not really reading the job description thoroughly. Taking time to understand the role you have applied for will allow you to effectively tailor your CV and convince that potential employer your understanding will positively influence how you work in that role and that picking up those necessary everyday tasks shouldn’t be an issue.

Speak to people already in the industry

One of the best ways of creating a perfect application is to speak to people already in a similar role about what they would expect to see on a CV from a candidate. If you do get to the interview stage it will also help you better understand what is expected of you and give you some insight into what you will be expected to demonstrate while answering questions.

A career in product design isn’t out of your grasp, employ some of these techniques and wait for those potential employers to give you a call.

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

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