Archive | October, 2008

Q&A With a Young Graphic Design Professional

22 Oct

I’m always intrigued with what recent grads like myself are doing- how long it took them to find a job, how they like their first job after college, tips for saving etc. Working at a design firm, I’m very impressed by the graphic designers that I work with and interested in how they became involved in graphic design (besides their innate creativity gene that I apparently was not born with). Their fantastic work is everywhere, from magazines, to advertisements, product packaging and web design. Eager to learn more, we sat down with our good friend Lindsay, who graduated in 2008 from Chico State University and is working as a graphic designer. 

Madgrad: What is your current position?

Lindsay: Junior Graphic designer at a large Design Company. It is my first job since graduation, and I’ve been there about 7 months. 

Madgrad: How did you find this job?

Lindsay:  I knew I wanted to work in the Bay area, so I looked up companies that I wanted to work for in this area and then contacted them directly. I think this was the best way, because I knew the company I was applying for and could tailor my resume, which often isn’t the case on Craigslist. I do know lots of people that have found jobs through Craigslist though, so I wouldn’t overlook it as a resource.

Madgrad: Why Graphic design?

Lindsay: As my fellow classmates voted me “most likely to be found in photography” I knew I had to do something with art, but I still wanted a BA. A teacher told me I’d like graphic design, so I thought I’d declare it as my major and try it out. I figured I’d change it a few times like everyone else does, but ended up loving it!

Madgrad:  Did you find a job right out of college? How long did it take? 

Lindsay: No, I did some freelance work while interviewing for permanent positions. It took me about a month and a half to find the right job.

Madgrad: Seems like you lucked out with the Job search! Did any former jobs, internships or classes prepare you for this position and help you get it?

Lindsay:  YES! I had two internships in college. One through the school and one I found on my own. I also took a really helpful class where you prepare your portfolio as well as run though practice interviews, presentations and critiques. 

Madgrad:  What do you most enjoy about being a graphic designer?

Lindsay: I get to be creative every day! Depending on the projects, I will usually get to do something new and different each day. 

Madgrad:  What’s the most challenging part of your work?

Lindsay:  Hands Down-the client. Normally a client will ask for something and you will provide them with options based on their visions. But I would say 9 out of 10 times they don’t choose the option you like the best. So sometimes you have to toss your best ideas to please a client. 

Madgrad: If you had one piece of advice to give to recent graduates looking to enter the design field, what would it be?

Lindsay:  Work on your portfolio! If you are able to get a version online always do that too. And once you have a job, always be updating your portfolio anyways. Eventually you will have to replace all your school projects with actual printed work. This is something I just realized I should be doing.

Madgrad: Living on an entry-level salary can be tough. Any advice you’d give to recent grads in similiar positions?

Lindsay: I lived at home for 6 months after college. This was the best thing I’ve done because I saved a lot of money and now actually have money to spend living in the city I recently moved to. Instead of spending money on rent every month, I was able to put that into savings. It definitely was hard at times, but it allowed me to focus on my work and now have money to spend going to dinner, shopping, and going out to meet new people. Oh, and I also recommend shopping at H&M and Forever 21 for work clothes- they’re cute without a hefty price tag. 

Thanks Lindsay! If you have any questions for her on how to start your career in graphic design, email us at themadgrad@gmail.com 

Top Ten “Must-do” Things after Graduation

20 Oct

1. Learn To Cook: In all honesty, I have no idea what I ate in college. Probably because I was usually too hungover to eat anything other than pizza, mexican food, or hamburgers. Between racing to class, my dwindling bank account and the Decrepit state of our kitchen from the late night parties, cooking was not something I did often let alone think about. This is why after graduating, and settling in your own apartment, cooking is more of a possibility. In fact, after a long day at work it can even be relaxing, and a great way to bring friends together and meet new people. Browse your nearest bookstore for tips on cooking on a budget, and easy to prepare meals. 

2. Volunteer: You’ve heard it said before, ” If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.” Well, this is your opportunity to stand for something. Volunteering is a great way to become involved in your new community after graduation, meet people, stay busy, and spend your free time making a difference.

3. Travel: Remember when you were younger, and the feeling you got when you sprinted out on Christmas morning and saw the brand new bicycle with a huge bow on it from Santa? Well, that is the feeling you get once you have accrued enough vacation days at work to actually go somewhere. Take advantage of the time after college, when you aren’t bound to your class schedule or sick days. Grab your backpack, a close friend and go somewhere you’ve always wanted. Trust me, once you start your new job you won’t have this luxury. 

4. Meet with a Financial Advisor: The first thing you should do after college (now that Mom and Dad aren’t helping out with rent) is to sit down with a financial advisor at your bank. They will help you open your own bank account (if you haven’t already), start a savings plan, and improve your credit. 

5. Exercise: The easily accessible candy bowl/ nervous snacking/tired after work/sitting in front of a computer all day/free food in the kitchen/fully stocked cafeteria- pounds can sneak up on you after college. Join a gym, take a walk/run or hike to de-stress and look as great as you did before the Freshman 15.  

6. Find and Cultivate a Hobby: Sorry, but “going out with Friends” does not count as a Hobby, although most of us wish it did. After graduating, and starting your 9-5 job, find something that relaxes you and that you love doing. Take up a sport (running, biking, soccer etc), do something creative (sew, knit, paint, draw) or learn an instrument. Doing so will take your mind off of the busy workday, and the stress of figuring out your future.

7. Read: “You always want what you can’t have.” In college, this was the luxury to read a book for fun and not be thinking in the back of my mind, “What are you doing reading Harry Potter?! You have 400 pages of your biology book to read by tomorrow!” Now that your text books have hit the bonfire (or even better a used textbook site), read read read. And not just books, reading the newspaper, news sites, and articles will keep you informed of current events, and give you something to talk about with coworkers and friends. 

8. Update Your Resume: Now that you are graduated and are applying for full time positions, it’s time to make your resume more professional. Have your friends and family review it and give suggestions, and buy books to help you perfect it. Move that education section to the bottom, and the experience to the top- you are now a working professional. It’s important to have your resume, edited and ready to go at all times, maybe even carry a copy with you as you search for a job. It sounds nerdy I know, but you’ll thank me if you run into Steve Jobs at Starbucks. 

9. Drink Responsibly: Your body can’t handle the keggers, binge drinking and thursday night 2 for 1 specials anymore. Instead, have one or two drinks with dinner and sip don’t gulp. As you start your professional career, you don’t want to be seen around town acting like a frat boy at a Journey concert. And Let’s be honest, who wants to be the talk of the water cooler? 

10. Save a Little Money Each Week: If you are like me and struggle to meet rent every month on your entry- level salary, you may be wondering how this is possible. Really, putting aside 100 dollars a month (25 a week) is pretty reasonable for most people. You may have to stay in a night or two, or skip a shopping trip to do so, but it’s worth it in the long run. This is especially important with the state the economy is in right now. Lets say you put 100 dollars in your savings for 12 months. If the unthinkable happens, and you lose your job, you will have enough money to pay rent for a short while while you look for another job. 

Bonus #11: Vote!! It can be tough to vote in college, as you change residence often and have difficulty imagining life outside of your college bubble. But as you enter the real world, you start to see the policies you previously didn’t think twice about, affecting you. Get out there and register.

Great Site for Shopping on a Budget

16 Oct


I came across Delight.com today and I can say with certainty it has answered all of my shopping prayers- they do the shopping for me, find the coolest items and always at a reasonable price. Each day they feature a fabulous new product with an added bonus- either a discount, free shipping or free gift. This is a great place to buy a fun unique gift for that special someone, or spice up your home or office (and not break that entry-level salary fed bank account)

Quote of the Day

16 Oct

“Look at it this way: you’re only in your twenties once. You probably don’t have mortgage payments or a family to support. For the first time in four years, you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. No teachers, no roommates, no schedules- your time is now your own. Take advantage of it! Do something that you always wanted to do, but never had time to do because of your schedule and school pressures. This doesn’t mean starting your career. You might travel, write, or volunteer. Now is the perfect time to follow your heart.”- Richard Carlson, Ph.D in The Don’t Sweat Guide for Graduates

Don’t forget to Watch the Debates Tonight! 9pm EST

15 Oct

Cool Site for Design Inspiration: Apartment Therapy

14 Oct

If you are redesigning your apartment and want some inspiration, check out Apartment Therapy. They have a blog, store, virtual house tours, and shopping guides for New York, LA, DC, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco.  My favorite is the Shopping Guide where you can view a calendar of sales and events in your area. I found some great sample sales and discounts through this. You can also browse stores specific to your location (i.e. Nob Hill and The Mission in San Francisco).

Quote of The Day

14 Oct

“The first step – especially for young people with energy and drive and talent, but not money – the first step to controlling your world is to control your culture. To model and demonstrate the kind of world you demand to live in. To write the books. Make the music. Shoot the films. Paint the art.”- Chuck Palahniuk

Furnish Your Apartment on a Budget

14 Oct

Getting a new apartment can be fun, unfortunately our entry level salaries can put a damper on the situation. 60 dollar pillow? Yeah I’ll stick with Mom’s old ones. 1000 dollar tv? I’d rather watch Hulu on my computer. The good news is there are lots of ways to furnish and decorate your apartment on a limited budget. I recently moved into a new apartment and found these resources to be very useful:

EQ3: This is a really fun store for nearly everything for your home. The company aims at providing alternative furnishings for young people. Check out the Value Price section.

Ikea: If you can brave it through Ikea, you will find some great finds. I just got a nice modern lamp for my room for 6 dollars, and a fun jewelry holder for 5. For the larger items, be prepared to do lots of building, but for the price its well worth it.

CB2: This is a hip new affordable store by Crate and Barrel. It has modern and fun kitchenware, furniture, bedding and decor. (Just opened one up in San Fran!) Check out their web site- I recommend the sale section.

West Elm: This is a great place to find wall decor, furniture and bedding at affordable prices. (From the founders of Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn)

allposters.com. If you are like me and love art but don’t have thousands to spend, this is a great source. They always have discounts and sales in addition to their already low prices.

20×200 One of my all-time favorite sites which offers new prints by emerging artists every Tuesday and Wed. You can purchase the small prints for 20 dollars. 

If you are looking for electronics, ask your local electronics store if they have any open-box deals. These are either returned or display items that are on sale for as much as half off to customers. I got a great new tv this way for really cheap! Check out Best Buy or Circuit City, but be prepared to check in everyday for updates. 

Also, don’t let high prices scare you away for shopping from your favorite stores- just go straight to the sale section. Stores like Anthropology and Urban Outfitters have fun stuff for your home that can be up to 75% off. I found some beautiful plates from Anthro the other day for 1.99 each.

 

 


Employee Handbooks: Read Every Line Before You Sign

13 Oct

Remember when you were signing the papers accepting your last job offer, and read through the employee handbook? If you are like me, you probably don’t remember doing so because you skipped over it. In the excitement of being offered a new job, you discuss the major issues with the employer such as salary and insurance and then eagerly sign on the dotted line before reading through the policy details.  This may be okay for awhile, but what happens when 6 months down the road, you request two days off for vacation time only to find you don’t qualify for paid vacation days until a year?

This may seem like a pretty far off example, but actually happened to a fellow employee recently. When she asked me about it, I was very surprised as I’d not read the employee handbook either. When discussing this subject with others, the most common response was ” But that’s illegal!” Well, a quick Google search into California Employment Laws, found that it actually is not. You may sign up with an employer only to find out you will not be sipping Mai Tai’s on the beaches of Maui until you’ve been with the company for 20 years. (Scary thought I know)

Before signing the offer letter, make sure to read the employee handbook very carefully. Personal days, sick days, paid-time off and dental insurance may seem trivial now, but they can really affect you in the future. Read every word and weigh each issue carefully- Can they take away your insurance at any time? Do they give you enough time off for Maternity or Paternity leave? How often are you up for review?

Taking an extra 30 minutes to read the fine print can save you lots of time and disappointment in the future.

Looking For a Job in PR?

9 Oct

Finding a job in PR can be tough- it requires connections, experience and dedication. Ketchum’s blog, Culpwrit, which serves as guide to finding PR jobs, makes this process a whole lot easier. I’m not even looking for a job in PR but still found this blog very interesting. It has a variety of posts on different topics, from today’s “Bridging the generation gap” to yesterday’s post on helpful free job sites. There’s great tips for starting a Freelance career, pr degrees, and advice from PR gurus. 

This is a must-read blog if you are looking for a job in PR or even advice in other industries.

Check it out here: http://www.culpwrit.com/

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