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Build a career in Graphic design
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the Graphic Design sectors.
Potential Job Roles
Job roles in this sector include but are not restricted to:
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Portfolios
Throughout your degree, it is a good idea to start developing a portfolio of your work. Portfolios are a great way to showcase your design work to employers and help you to stand out from the crowd.
Gaining Experience
Undertaking work experience is invaluable in developing expertise and the all-important transferable skills, which will help you demonstrate your motivation and commitment to this area of work. Employers also expect a good knowledge of design software, such as Quark, InDesign or Illustrator plus photo-editing software, including PhotoShop. Participating in relevant competitions and exhibitions can help you to promote yourself and build up your contacts.
Read on below for more information about the types of opportunities that might be available, as well as advice on how to approach your search for work experience.
Types of opportunities
Internships are usually available as short or fixed term contracts and will give you more hands-on experience in the workplace. Employers can view internships in the same way as full-time employment, so when a job role asks for 'at least one year’s experience’ you can include this type of experience.
Placements are a great way to gain substantial experience, help you to build contacts and gain an understanding of an organisation.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules.
To learn more about completing a placement, you can contact the Placements team in the Careers and Employability Service.
Search for placements at:
Learn more about taking a placement
Students from the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Arts may choose to take a Self-Employed Placement. Work for yourself during your placement year and receive support from the University's Student Startup Team. You will have access to funding opportunities, networking events and workshops.
Volunteering is a valuable way to build up your skills and knowledge in this field. Our Volunteering Bank provides local opportunities to undertake alongside your studies.
Where to find work experience opportunities
There are plenty of ways to find work experience in the Graphic Design industry. Some key online platforms include:
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Finding a Graduate Job
Employers who recruit in Graphic Design
- Museums
- Local authorities
- Schools, and colleges
- Advertising and public relations agencies
- Design consultancies
- Book, magazine and newspaper publishers
- Brand agencies
- Multimedia companies
- Television and broadcasting companies
- In-house graphic design services of major national and international organisations and companies
Where to find opportunities
Kickstart your job search in graphic design with the below resources:
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keeping up to date
Below you will find some key resources to help you research the graphic design industry further and keep up date with industry news.
Explore more from the Careers Service
CVs, portfolios and cover letters
Find out how to increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a strong CV and completing a successful application.
Building work experience
Get hands-on industry experience and showcase your knowledge before you graduate!
Graduate job search guide
Learn about the types of roles you will encounter, and how to search for roles.
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