Thursday, 18 October 2012

Industrial Experience Workshop.

10 questions I would like the answer too:
  1. How do we get industrial experience?
  2. Where can we go for industrial experience?
  3. What skills do we need before we embark on industrial experience?
  4. What is the best way to contact people regarding industrial experience?
  5. What do you get out of doing industrial experience?
  6. Does taking part with industrial experience help you get contacts within the design industry?
  7. Do I have time within my schedule to fit in industrial experience?
  8. Can I go to distant cities or other countries for industrial experience?
  9. How long do industrial experience visits usually last?
  10. Do other students recommend taking part in industrial experience?

Small group top 5 questions:
  1. What exactly is industrial experience?
  2. How long do placements last?
  3. What is the best way to contact a studio?
  4. Is it better to visit a small or large studio?
  5. What are you expected to do?

Whole class question selection, plus who could help or answers:
  • How do you present your portfolio? ask tutors/the studio, what do we like?
  • What mistakes do people make? ask 3rd years/graduates/tutors/the studio
  • What is the best way to contact a studio? by contacting them, ask questions
  • How do you make the most out of your time? by doing it
  • How do you get an internship overseas? local - overseas, same process
  • How do you work out rates? John, don't just consider financial aspects
  • Is it better to work for a small or large company? big have internship programmes, small could be more personal, both very different
  • What is expected from you? skilled, enthusiastic, polite, professional. They are going to need to want to give up time to talk to you

Small group & whole class discussion, list of 'what forms does industrial experience come in?':
  • Freelance work and work placements
  • Studio visits
  • Visiting professionals
  • Live briefs
  • Visiting exhibitions
  • Selling work
  • Internships
  • Competition briefs
  • Visiting trade events
  • Online networking
  • Business support - financial/legal
  • Research - industrial/in studio
Only one entails working at a studio, but ALL are very important


Small group & whole class discussion, list of 'How do you get it?':
  • Be proactive
  • Be nice
  • Direct contact - emails/phone calls etc
  • Tailor your portfolio
  • Never give up
  • Requesting samples
  • Creative networks
  • Business networks
  • Appropriate placements
  • Ask for feedback
  • Confident and professional

Small group & whole class discussion, list of 'What can you get from it?':
  • Experience
  • Confidence in your professional self
  • Contacts and fame/exposure
  • Portfolio work
  • Friends
  • Different perspective on your ambitions/opportunities
  • Motivation
  • Real life processes within a company
  • Future work/job prospects
  • Direction with design practice
  • Learn not to be afraid of making mistakes
  • Something for your CV
  • Enjoyment 'the buzz'
  • New set of skills

Small group & whole class discussion, list of 'What do you need to get it?':
  • Professionalism
  • An interest within the subject
  • Confidence
  • Portfolio of work
  • Samples
  • Be friendly and approachable
  • Perseverance
  • Hard working
  • Adaptable
  • Good commitment/work ethic
  • Online presence
  • Knowledge of the company - infrastructure/portfolio content
  • Design identity - business cards
  • CV

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