4 answers
sohaya
Student
Mountain View, California
1
Question
Updated
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How to get a job as a new graduate without any experience
Hi, my name is sohaya, I just graduated college with a degree in human-centred Design from India, I just moved to the US and am trying to look for a job as a design researcher, with no experience working in the US. What should my initial steps be?
#career #design #technology#job#DesignResearch#New Grad
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4 answers
Sarah Lascar
Educator/investor/
3
Answers
League City, Texas
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
It's important for you to remember that you have graduated from a university and have succeeded to master . Hopefully at some point in your educational years you've had the opportunity to work as an intern in the field you have decided was your major or your first interest. That is a beginning to list what you've achieved and most important what you will bring to the company or the place that you want to join. How will you add value to this group? What will you contribute that someone else may not. Why are you so enthusiastic to join this group. Of course prior to sending any resume, take the time to investigate the job you want, the position, become familiar with the company and not only what they do, but also what they value, what are their expectations.
How will you be able to add to a team or become a leader or follow orders from numerous bosses.
What are you comfortable with during the day? Do you like people telling you what to do, or do you refer to work on your own solving problems.
So yes, it may be your first job, yet, you need to look at the position as a learning and growth opportunity. Sometimes, the classroom doesn't mirror the many fields and daily challenges, and your first comments should always be, I can learn, and will take the time to grasp what's needed. I have always felt that a university diploma is a license to enter a job, yet, learning is a continual process with each job.
How will you be able to add to a team or become a leader or follow orders from numerous bosses.
What are you comfortable with during the day? Do you like people telling you what to do, or do you refer to work on your own solving problems.
So yes, it may be your first job, yet, you need to look at the position as a learning and growth opportunity. Sometimes, the classroom doesn't mirror the many fields and daily challenges, and your first comments should always be, I can learn, and will take the time to grasp what's needed. I have always felt that a university diploma is a license to enter a job, yet, learning is a continual process with each job.
Thanks Sarah, I did do an internship in the field I'm looking at and will keep in mind the pointers you mentioned before applying for any new positions. Thanks for the help!
sohaya
Ema Karavdic
Design
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ema’s Answer
Congrats! I'm also a designer that moved to the US without work experience here but I went through my masters in the US so got a few hints and tips that helped when I was looking for a job.
A few initial thoughts: 1) Definitely join design communities in your area to expand your network (e.g., meet up, IxDA, AIGA). There are so many design organizations nationally that I'd do a search and follow a few online/socials (e.g., Instagram, newsletters) as well so you're in the know. ADPList is another great design mentorship platform that has design leaders that provide advice! 2) Refine your portfolio so it represents you and your work. This is often the first interaction any recruiter/design assessor will have with your work so you want to put your best foot forward. There are lots of articles online about 'best practices' and plenty of examples to get you started if you don't have one already. 3) Reach out to your alumni network. There might be people from your school here in the US that would be willing to chat to you to share more specific advice or even review your portfolio (you could also do this on ADPList potentially). 4) Ask people in your network working for organizations you're interested in to refer you. Depending on the organization, this can get your work in front of the recruiter or potentially speed up the response. I wouldn't reach out to random people on LinkedIn to refer you though - this should be someone you have an existing relationship with that you would be comfortable asking. 5) If you like an organization, do some research about them! This is especially important if you're writing a cover letter or have been invited to an interview. You can weave this into your conversations and the types of questions that you ask the recruiter. Aside from making your own judgement about whether this organization is one you want to work for, it shows you have put in the effort to seriously considering the role.
As you're doing this, please remember to be gentle with yourself. The recruitment process can be long and defeating as you get a long list of "No"s from companies (I have certainly experienced this!). Stay positive and be persistent! You will discover which organizations you're more excited about along the way and about what you're specifically looking for in the role - not all 'design research' roles are alike. Good luck!
A few initial thoughts: 1) Definitely join design communities in your area to expand your network (e.g., meet up, IxDA, AIGA). There are so many design organizations nationally that I'd do a search and follow a few online/socials (e.g., Instagram, newsletters) as well so you're in the know. ADPList is another great design mentorship platform that has design leaders that provide advice! 2) Refine your portfolio so it represents you and your work. This is often the first interaction any recruiter/design assessor will have with your work so you want to put your best foot forward. There are lots of articles online about 'best practices' and plenty of examples to get you started if you don't have one already. 3) Reach out to your alumni network. There might be people from your school here in the US that would be willing to chat to you to share more specific advice or even review your portfolio (you could also do this on ADPList potentially). 4) Ask people in your network working for organizations you're interested in to refer you. Depending on the organization, this can get your work in front of the recruiter or potentially speed up the response. I wouldn't reach out to random people on LinkedIn to refer you though - this should be someone you have an existing relationship with that you would be comfortable asking. 5) If you like an organization, do some research about them! This is especially important if you're writing a cover letter or have been invited to an interview. You can weave this into your conversations and the types of questions that you ask the recruiter. Aside from making your own judgement about whether this organization is one you want to work for, it shows you have put in the effort to seriously considering the role.
As you're doing this, please remember to be gentle with yourself. The recruitment process can be long and defeating as you get a long list of "No"s from companies (I have certainly experienced this!). Stay positive and be persistent! You will discover which organizations you're more excited about along the way and about what you're specifically looking for in the role - not all 'design research' roles are alike. Good luck!
Peter Huang
Security consultant
79
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
two things to remember when you just graduated. 1) US companies like people have some intern experience, so not having work experience put one in less desirable in bigger companies, so I would recommend for smaller companies or intern position at bigger companies (my kids went through that) getting advance degree (unless going for PhD) would help your prospect but only if you also take advantage of some work opportunities during your study (instead try to finish as soon as possible) 2) get your resume refined. these days, the Human Resource using some tools to filter resumes, so it is important to able to get thru those filters, so you can at least get an interview opportunity.
Judi McEachin
Product Management
24
Answers
Midlothian, Virginia
Updated
Judi’s Answer
How exciting that you are starting your new career! It sounds like you need to make some business contacts in the United States. I’d suggest joining some local professional associations, going to job fairs and looking at what additional technical certifications you can add to your toolbox that will help give you experience and market your skills on LinkedIn and other professional online forums. The certifications often come with access to professional blogs and forums with advice specific to your skills, and job postings that can give you job leads. The school from which you graduated may also have some contacts you can leverage. It is all about who you know, so anything you can do to make connections will help you find a job! Good luck!
Thanks, Judi, I have been doing some courses to add some more weight to my skill set and resume, and also connecting with industry professionals to build connections. I am also on some discord chats to understand the hiring process in the US a little better. thanks for the advice and for giving me some confidence, that I'm on the right track. :)
sohaya