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Placement pointers
We invited people who work in Design & Advertising to impart some advice to those aspiring to do so. Our question was "How can people make the most of their time spent on creative placements?". 70 answers are presented below.
Corinne Myers | CDT Design
There is a lot to be said for undertaking a creative placement within an agency, as it is becoming evermore vital on your CV. However it is important not to loose sight of the reason it looks good on your CV – employers see you have experience. It is so important to jump in there at the deep end, as the work placement provides the playground for the aspiring young designer. A place where you experiment, learn & make mistakes.
Although many companies give small admin tasks combined with minimal design roles, it is worth taking just as much time over the things which may not be as creative as it is to the actual design work. This is because companies also want to see hard work, great attitude and commitment. Being prepared to do these tasks shows you are the sort of team player every company is looking for.
Finally just be yourself. Although everyone want to be offered a job at the end of a placement, it does not always work out that way. You are there to see if you could work with that company, as much as they are there to see if they could work with you.
Adam Jenns | Mainframe
Please find a couple of my thoughts below on how placements can get the most of their time:
Don’t be a wallflower, if no work is coming your way; ask someone if they need some help.
Don’t expect to leave early or start late just because you’re getting paid peanuts.
Don’t take shit from anyone; everyone has a right to be treated with respect.
Do offer to make cups of tea, everyone else does.
Don’t expect to get paid a lot, but I think you should get about £100 a week just for some living expenses.
Don’t have a website/email that makes out like you are already creative director of your own studio.
Oli Christie | Inbox Digital
"Don't you know how busy I am?"
Creative directors are busy. And they get stressed. And they get sent a lot of CVs by prospective designers/programmers and from endless recruitment people flogging dead-beat, over-priced candidates with no talent. So standing out from the crowd is vital in order to catch our attention.
Blow my socks off
For me, the most important thing is your online portfolio - you have a blank piece of paper to do what you want with and this is your one chance to shine. If your own portfolio is a piece of poo, then chances are, the rest of your work will be. First impressions really are important, so put a lot of time, love, creativity, original thought and great ideas into this.
CV or not CV?
Personally, I don't really give two hoots about CVs - do I really care that you got an A* at Geography GCSE? Nope. All I wanna know is where you live, how old you are, what skills you've got, where you've studied and worked and what you like doing in your spare time. One page should suffice really. And be creative with your CV - you're meant to be creative, not a sodding suit.
Big brands
Good agencies have big brands and I like to see what work people have done for big brands, so then it's less of a risk employing someone. Now you may not have worked in an agency on big brands, but it doesn't mean you can't still create some pretend work for these clients. Look at a website - how can you better it? See a terrible banner campaign - show how you would do it. Think you've got a great idea for a game - program it. If not, good work for whoever will shine through.
Quality, not quantity
Also, don't show every single piece of work you've ever done since Art "A" Level. Best show five fantastic pieces of work than fifteen OK ones.
Go direct if you can
Recruitment consultants can be very useful people, but they're also parasites. Rather expensive pests who charge us 15-20% of your salary - which is a lot of money. So if you can, go direct to agencies cos it'll save them lots of money which they can give you instead. Simple. Find out the creative director's name and email address. If they don't reply to your email, it's either cos they're far too busy darling, or you're not good enough. More likely the latter.
Don't waste my time
Research on an agency is vital - don't just rock up to an interview with no planning, cos it drives people mad. Look at every page of the agency's site and come armed with good knowledge and some intelligent questions. Look on Google, find out about who's interviewing you. Read NMA, Revolution, Campaign, Marketing, etc and know what you like and don't like. I once asked an interviewee what their favourite website in the whole world was. Their answer was "Inbox Digital's is the best site in the world." Uh-hum. Very flattering, but complete bullshit. Now get out.
Big break
And if you're lucky enough to get a break in an agency, make yourself 1000% indispensible. If you're good enough, they'll keep you on. Be friendly, fun, work quickly, be brilliant, don't be shy in brainstorms, chip in with ideas in the office, send around cool URLs on stuff you like, go to the pub, ask questions, meet people, network...and bloody well enjoy it. It's the best job in the world and count yourself lucky you're not an accountant.
Nicolas Roope | Poke London
You need to look at the placement as a trade-off. You take some of the dull stuff away from the company and in return you get involved with things that give you valuable insights and experiences.
So get stuck in, make the tea, do the shit jobs with a willingness that relieves the people around you not only of the task but also of the guilt that comes with palming off menial jobs. The more useful you make yourself the more likely you'll be asked to get stuck into more interesting projects.
Jamie Starbuck | bmbagency
Three bits of advice I’d give:
The first thing we always did on placement was make sure we went round and said hello to all the creatives on the first day. It sounds pretty simple but it’s amazing how few placement teams actually do this. Get past the nerves; they wont bite your head off. Well some might.
Be the hardest working people in the agency. First in, last out. Again its simple advice but I think a lot of teams forget this.?
Be nice. No one likes a cocky placement team.
Mike Ratcliffe | Relay
My thoughts would be (in no particular order):
I hear all too often from interview candidates about companies taking on placement graduates and then taking the piss because they don't have anything for them to do except make cups of tea. Not good - if you're going to take them then have something concrete in mind for them to do or don't take them.
Equally, graduates shouldn't expect to be spoon-fed - it would be handy if they made up a list of things they wanted to have exposure to and set themselves some serious objectives as opposed to being wallpaper.
Expectations of money - graduate placements are about as valuable as used scalpel blades. So their expectations in this area should be realistic bearing in mind that they are not going to make any significant contribution to that business' profitability. They often don't get this!
Since most graduates hope that a placement will lead to a job, be as businesslike as possible from the word go. Eagerness to make a contribution is never a bad thing and their enthusiasm can often look quite refreshing compared to the more jaded souls who have been there a while.
My own experience of the job market is that too often candidates talk up their worth unrealistically and are ale to offer precious little. Employers are not looking for slaves but as we all know employing junior designers is an investment in the future NOT a way of getting rich.
Oh, and one more thing. We shouldn't have to teach them Quark - but having said that most colleges are really poor at this.?
Simon Leahy | SCB Partners
My advice would be firstly:
Be fearless. I find that some placement kids have this built in ‘un-worthy’ attitude.
I think this comes down to self-confidence and maybe lack of experience.?
I have found with some agencies they have terrible corporate hierarchies. However, I have found that there is no real difference between you and them. You have quality ideas, just as much as they do. If you can’t approach these people face to face it’s a good idea to email them ideas. No matter how small or unimportant the idea is. If you feel it can add something worthwhile do it. Who gives a shit if it doesn’t happen? Just remember your there to earn them money. You have the best interests in the firm and you want them to be successful – just as much as you.
Also when you join a firm on placement do things how you would do them. Understand the culture of the agency and try and make it evolve into something better.
Remember who you are and why you do what you do. You don’t have to compromise yourself ever. If you’re not happy, never be afraid to leave. Walk out that door with your head held high. There are many different agencies, which would love your ideas, have self-believe.
And secondly – nothing is that important. Were in the business of selling sand… (and having fun)
Will Jeffery | Maverick Media
My view is that it is vital that the individual makes an assessment of the company or department and works out a way to engage the people in it, people that sit around wondering why no-one is talking to them do not tend to be very happy or get many opportunities to get involved.?
Making tea, whilst a cliché has a huge effect at breaking the ice at Maverick - a Work Experience person can often use that to at least get on speaking terms with everyone from the MD down - and it makes everybody happy
Alan Gilbody | Slice
The key thing for me is to make sure that the placements are properly immersed and actively participating in a project - that way you really find out there strengths and whether they can hack it. Obviously the onus is on the agency to trust the individual and give them the nurturing and support they need, but the candidate has an opportunity to really make a difference - I'd say to them make sure you get involved projects, ask if you can help out, offer critiques and don't be afraid to do it - everyone has an opinion and they are all valid, don't be afraid of voicing it!! The most wasteful and annoying use of young talent is to sit someone at the back of a studio and tell him or her to do the photocopying!
David Bell | Poulters
Ensure that the placement is long enough; I don’t think 1 week is enough to find the coffee machines no matter get properly involved.
Make an effort to get involved, what can you get your energetically sweaty mitts on, is there anyone who would like help with a project or new brief?
Try to work on live briefs; I always give my placements real briefs, live briefs. It not only shows me what they can do, it can do a lot of good for your portfolio. Nearly every placement team I have had in has been good enough to get work out into the real world.?
Join in; if there is an event or a night out, you should go. How else will you get to hear what it is really like in the business.
Don’t leave early and don’t arrive late. Every placement you are on should be treated like a long interview. Work hard.
Know where you stand. How long are you there for? Is there the possibility a job? How should you keep in touch afterwards incase there is a job later.
Be the surprising one (with your work). We have people here who can do a great, professional job already, what else can you bring to us?
Do what is required and then do something that you think is excellent and award winning, but always make sure you have covered off what is really needed.?
Be happy.?
Love your job even before it becomes a job.
Dom Murphy | Tak!
Placements can differ from company to company. At one you could be the runner, helping scan or mock up ideas at another you could be hands on deep in a project. Either way, make the most of your time on the placement. Ask questions. Be curious. And if you're stuck, ask for help. Most of all enjoy.?
Amelia?Noble | Kerr Noble
One little thought I can share with you is this: we think it is always a good idea to try and ask to work on a project that you can take a proper piece of ownership in (or full ownership if possible) This can then be something you can include in your portfolio as an example of what you did when at that particular studio, that you have had a true input to. This also makes for a better learning process about how a job works – from start to finish, and therefore, ultimately, a good working experience you can share with confidence to your next potential employer.
Paul Kemp-Robertson | Contagious Magazine
Leave the following Chinese proverb on your new boss’ desk:
Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand.
Tony Foggett | Code
The best advice I can give is offer to make a brew round for the team within the first hour of your first day. I know this sounds old school but there is good reasoning behind it:
You are showing you are keen and ready to do anything to help even if it’s making a brew.
2) As you take the order you can get to meet the team and learn a bit about what they each do
3) They now owe you, you’re one of the team and they are much more likely to give you help / advice if you are bribing them with tea.
4) Add cake to this on your last day and they will remember you when future jobs come up.
We actually include doing a brew round as part of our induction for all new employees at Code at whatever level, it’s a great ice breaker and makes a real statement about willingness to muck in.
For further reading see George Orwell’s 11 Rules in his essay on making “A nice Cup of Tea" in the Evening Standard 1946.?
Alice Carlise and Lucie Friar | Maverick Media
When people come into a creative work environment for work experience they should try and find a real element of personal interest in the nature of that company’s business. Even if the company is not a first choice for the participant in terms of creative, if they themselves are keen on a particular area or project that company is working on they will instantly find themselves getting involved in things and inevitably will demonstrate more of their own skills and interests. There is always something to be learnt and it is up to the participant to seek it out.
In a company like Maverick we value people’s thoughts and initiative and therefore when people ask questions, they get involved and that is what a work placement is all about. Try and listen as much as possible to what is going on in the office and don’t be afraid to offer your services when an issue arises. It is very hard for a busy creative or production office to take the time to get to know the skills and interests of work placement people and so if you can offer them solutions without them having to ask people will soon see what you are capable of.
Personality is always important too and inevitably in some companies you will feel more at home than in others. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show your creative thinking. If your thoughts are not wanted you will be told and there is no harm done, but sometimes a fresh mind can be a great burst of inspiration for a company and then who knows where that may lead you.
Chris Butterworth | Omobono
The only piece of advice I would give to those on placements is:
Get involved – don't sit there waiting to be spoon-fed work. Remember, your being there is creating work for someone to mentor and look after you on top of their day job. It's up to you to add value to the company's process wherever you can (even if that means making tea). They'll think better of you than if you sit in a corner and wait to be spoken to.
Carl Rush | Crush
The best way to make your mark is to really get stuck in and get involved. OK – so the student may not know what’s going on, how to artwork or answer the phone properly, But I’m always impressed with the ones that roll up their sleeves and get stuck in, as if they are part of the team. I like students that bother me with questions all the time. They stand behind you and look what’s on screen, they want to know how meetings went, what my favourite artist is, what fonts they should use...
The students that sit in the corner quietly and do what they are told do not achieve anything. They should challenge us, come up with ideas no matter how bad. They should have a voice.
. We had one guy on a work placement that did try to talk a lot and was enthusiastic, however he fell at the first fence when we set him the task of designing a book jacket entitled. “The Way We Were: the history of gay and lesbian culture”. His response to this was “But I don’t know nuffin bout gays”. My reaction was – Well you better bloody find out!!
Being a designer can really expose you to many aspects of life – we are constantly learning not only about design but also about the subject we design for. Open your mind, ask questions and you too will learn.
Rob Andrews | R&D&Co
Five thoughts for you, based on people we have had in:
1. Your portfolio gets you the placement and your personality gets you the job.
Producing brilliant work whilst engaging only with your iPod isn't going to win you any friends.
It was alright at college, but now you are in a collaborative environment.
2. Everyone I speak to about placements quotes this one maxim... "Make yourself indispensible."
Say "Is there anything I can do to help you with that?"and even if the answer is "no", we'll remember that you asked.
3. Remember when you moved from infants to juniors, and you didn't know anything? Remember when you moved from juniors to seniors, and you didn't know anything? Remember when you moved from seniors to college, and you didn't know anything? You are there again. Your degree doesn't mean a thing now. You are starting from scratch. Take advice when it's given, and work with it. Ask for advice when you're stuck.
4. If you worked on a job, creatively, even if your route didn't even make it out of the blocks, or your total contribution to the final piece was a page of typesetting, it's yours to put in your portfolio. (Just don't over-claim on your involvement). There's nothing worse than seeing someone who has six months of real-world experience, and thinks they have nothing to show for it.
5. If you're not enjoying it, say so. If you want to leave, say so. We might try to sort it out to get you to stay, we might not, but we need to know. (But don't just not show up one day without telling us, your mobile number is on your CV, and we will call!)
Dan Cornell | Bloom Design
My thoughts for potential placements:
When on a placement attitude is the single most important factor.
Be enthusiastic, helpful, learn as much as possible and hopefully enjoy the experience.
Christine Osborne | Swamp
My advice to students in getting a placement in the first place is:
1. Address the person you are applying to by name - don't just send out a form letter - tailor it to each company you write to.
2. Be enthusiastic about your own work so they know you love the industry.
3. Find out as much about the company's work as possible and say what you admire about it.
This approach also pretty much goes for your time during your placement too. In addition:
4. Always be keen to learn, keep brushing up your skills and keeping abreast of what is going on in the industry both software and design wise.
5. Take plenty of notes so people know you will retain any information you are given! It’s amazing how many students we see who don't write things down!
6. Have a personal project on the go - get feedback on it from other designers and creatives - its a chance to show off your skills and you may get to work on some more meaty projects rather than just the more junior design stuff.
Adam White | Factory Design
Simple answer - put something in - and you'll get something out.
We have been very fortunate to have some talented placements over the years, having a policy to always have one or two knocking around the studio (literally in some cases).?
We currently have one placement, one ex-placement working freelance for us and one who is now fully employed here.
The placements that stand out are the ones who are pro-active - whether that is by having a good idea or by making tea - mostly both of these things.
Never underestimate the significance of mundane tasks - there are many mundane things that make up the running of a business and within the simplest of tasks there is value - teamwork, organisation, following instruction - all things that might land you a job.
It is always important to be sensitive to what is going on around the studio - join in and you will be more likely to get on and therefore get the most out of it,
Martin Daubney | Loaded Magazine
AN IDIOT'S GUIDE TO WORK EXPERIENCE BY MARTIN DAUBNEY, EDITOR OF LOADED
I'm a big fan of work experience kids: I've always got one on loaded. Why? Well, I started out as a workie on Maxim when it launched in 1995. It was my big break. I made the tea, fetched photo props, tidied the filing cabinets and generally made myself indispensible in any way I could. I threw crap ideas at them, but they were my ideas and in the end they got so bored of me nagging them I think they gave me bylines just to shut me up.
My two weeks turned into three unpaid months, but it got me my first bylines and, later, a job on women's mag Bella. How? Because Maxim's then Features Editor was dating a girl there, and she was leaving for Channel 4. They needed somebody who was keen, eager and didn't mind doing the dog's work: exactly what I'd been doing at Maxim.?
Fortune smiled on me, but you make your own luck in this game. I was off, and now I'm Editor of one of the best mags on earth. I've got my dream job, and you can get one too. Here are my tips to help you get to the top.?
Happy hunting - and don't let the bastards get you down.
WHEN APPLYING BY EMAIL
1. Always address the person by name, NEVER 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To Whom It May Concern' or - worst of all > > address it to an Editor of a rival publication. Think about it: if people can't be bothered to find out the Editor's name, are they likely to be great employees?
2. NEVER send a round-robin email. It doesn't exactly send out the message that you really want to work for my magazine if you send the same email to 20 titles, does it?
3. Read the magazine before you apply and, in 50 words or so, tell the Editor what you liked about it. It doesn't have to be sycophantic; it just shows you've actually looked at and understood the title.
4. Show you're aware of the title's history. This can be something as simple as "I've always loved your magazine ever since you did that cover with Ian Brown with a monkey on his shoulder, it really stuck in my mind."
5. It always amazes me when students start slagging off your mag in an application, saying how they'd do it better, as if they know the secret code to making it better. They don't, they have no credentials or trophies in the cabinet. Understand your place in the food chain. Be respectful and polite.
6. The thing that always gets somebody a definite placement with any mag I've ever worked on: pitch ideas that are specifically targeted at specific sections/bits of the magazine. E.g. "For your Going Out Section, why not do a guide to the best pubs in Britian for pulling girls?" It shows you’ve read the mag and understood it. Bingo!?
7. If you get knocked back, keep going. Never lose the faith. Don't assume it's all "jobs for the boys". I had zero contacts in the media, but I was full of fire and didn't take refusals personally. I just kept plugging away. Do the same and you can make it.
WHEN YOU GET THERE.
1. It's hard, but introduce yourself to people as soon as you can on your first day. Put your hand out to people so they have to shake it. It's empowering and puts you in control. Smile and be full of energy. The best time to do this is when handing out people's post. Ask the PA or office manager for everybody’s name and quickly draw a little desk plan with names on. "Hi, you're Andrew, right?" is far better than "Sorry, what's your name, mate?" Show respect and you'll get it back.
2. Understand that no task is too small and accept them with grace: greater opportunities and bylines and chances to design will come later only if you show willing with the spadework. I did it. I still do make tea and I still do the > post if I'm bored. Offer to make tea. Smile, don't moan, even when you feel you're being taken the piss out of by being asked to file the newspapers. Moaning workies last five minutes.
3. Offer to help all the time. Never sit there in silence checking your emails. People will think you're taking the piss. "Is there anybody I can help you guys with at the minute?" is all it takes. "Does anything need researching, I'm shit hot on the Internet". When you've researched something, don't just hand over a pile of printouts. Distill the main points to an email of bullet points; use a highlighter pen to mark out pertinent bits. It shows you can dissect documents and your research prowess.?
4. That way, they'll trust you and offer you more work.
Paul Lang | Loaded Magazine
DESIGNERS - BY PAUL LANG, ART DIRECTOR LOADED
1. A good understanding of the latest program is a must. You need to know your way around InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to the best of your abilities.
2. The best designers have editorial ideas, too. Don't think it's just your job to design pages. You must understand the core ethos of the magazine. Approach every title from the viewpoint of the reader and what it's trying to do commercially. It's not about what you like: the magazine might not be for you. Keep an open mind.
3. A keen interest in magazine design will always help. Its a creative world and can really challenge a designers thought process.
4. Ask questions. Don't feel as if you are a scanner monkey and that's it. Get stuck in. It's not just about being a mouse jockey. There are so many other attributes to putting a page together than just moving pics and words about.
5. Don't feel down if you ideas are knocked back. Magazines are successful because of strong creative pages and they need to be fresh every month. A magazine can gobble up loads in a single issue and it depends on you delivering all the time.
Jon Hill | Jon Hill Design
No creative placement is a bad experience. At the very least you'll see how a studio operates, how work is briefed and presented. At its best you might get a job, make new friends, earn some money and do some great work.
The key thing is to be keen. Even if you were the best graduate on your course and your portfolio is red hot, you still need to get experience. Increasingly studios want someone who knows how the industry works, who can slot straight in and get on with projects. Sometimes that means helping out on a project that someone else has already started, sometimes it means finishing off a project that you think isn't that great. It might even mean getting a sandwich for the boss. All of these things will show that you're professional and that your ego isn't so big you'd be impossible to work with -- if you're bored at the sound of this, skip the placement and start your own studio!
If you make yourself indispensable you'll get a job. No question. Perhaps not at the studio you've been helping but you'll be recommended to somewhere else. That's how the industry works. There's always a studio looking for keen, young creative graduates. Designers call their friends and ask if they've 'seen anyone good lately'. You just need to make sure that you're that someone.
Jon Wilkins | Naked
We have a few creative placements and the overall feedback I get is:
“do your research first, work out where you want to work, and the type of agency you want to work at (they’re all different!), when in, be proactive, muck in, and be as productive as you can”
Terry Stephens | Rose Design
Placements are a great chance to learn things that you simply can't at college, so don't be afraid to ask somebody how they achieved something or why they have approached something the way they have. It shows enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, two factors which every studio will look for in new designers.
People tend to notice you more when you are being pro-active, so if you have a spare five minutes, ask around to see if you can help anyone out. Even if it's not strictly design work, a bit of research, some printing, going to the shop or making a cup of coffee for someone is a great help when the studio is busy.
Arthur Parshotam | Draft London
Here are a few thoughts - although my own placement was 20 years ago I think the advice is still as relevant today…
You're bright, you're keen, and you’re ambitious. So show it. Don't hide away in the corner and wait for someone to give you something to do. Be proactive. Seek out the briefs. Do loads of ideas, cover every channel, stay late and nick briefs from the senior creatives and work on them. But don't get cocky. Remember, you know nothing. Bring your talent and enthusiasm and listen, listen, listen.
Clare Connor | Parker Williams
General comment would be to try and find an agency that specialises in the area that the student is interested in. There’s no point going to a packaging company if you like print.
Interact
Don’t be shy, talk to people. If you see someone with something interesting on their screen, go and approach them and find out more. Don’t wait for others to come to you. Go and speak to people in different areas of the company, as that’s the best way of understanding how the whole company works.
Enjoy
It’s supposed to be fun. Be enthusiastic and offer to help. You’ll get more back from the experience and enjoy the time more.
Ask
If you see a briefing going on or know that a photo shoot will occur while you’re there, ask to be included. The worst the agency can say is no.
Expectations
Don’t get annoyed if you’re given trivial jobs to do. You can’t expect to walk in to a company and be treated like a normal designer.
Shane Greeves | Futurebrand
We generally have at least 2-3 placements each week. In a busy studio where most people are striving to meet deadlines, being noticed as a student is important. This can be achieved in a number of ways – a strong personality isn’t always the way! Generally students either assist with busy programs or are given small tasks to do that basically support a panic or overflow situation.
As an example we recently had a project from a large confectionary company and the task was to put together a fairly standard Powerpoint presentation. A graduate was tasked with this job. The graduate wasn’t overtly strong in personality so wasn’t really noticed in the studio. However, sometime later the client director emailed me to informed me that the powerpoint we had done was the best the client had seen and was now the standard they wanted us to use! I was unaware that our graduate single handedly, supported by the program manager, took initiative and turned something that was in most designer’s eyes as mundane – and delivered something that had such impact.
He was offered a job the next day!
On an aside we also have a student program called Future Talent Awards – see details on our web site.
Katie Reik | Saturday London
Ask, ask and ask again. Don’t presume. Find out exactly what it is you’re meant to be doing.
Use your initiative.
Keenness goes a long way.
If you need to concentrate or ‘escape’, don’t listen to your ipod, you’ll be missing out on a lot of conversations and automatically exclude yourself.
Ask to sit in on as many meetings as you can. If you can, offer to take notes, it’ll help you understand what’s going on and be great to share with the rest of the team if needed.
Try and be sociable so people get to know you. If you’re invited to go along for lunch or drinks, go!
Alicia Odell | 400 Communications
Value your time and their time
Before you even start a placement, make sure that you choose places whose work you admire, and be selective about which placements you take up. Ask about what you’ll be working on to see if it is going to make the best use of your time. The more research you do and questions you ask at interview will show your enthusiasm and mean that both you and the design consultancy get the most out of your placement.
Keep your confidence up
Everyone understands that you are there to learn and bridge the gap between university and working as a designer. There should be tons of information you don’t know; try not to be overwhelmed. Ask as many questions as possible, take notes that you can refer back to, and generally absorb as much information as you can. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and attention to detail will go a long way.
Greg Smith | Mando Group
1. Drop the ego!
Just because you have been to college don't think you know it all in fact you know very little.
I have lost count of how many people come to me on placements and have such a bad attitude on what they think is right in the world of design when most of them copy the latest trends out of CR, Eye or Grafik Magazine... think DR, North etc.?
Universities teach you how to drive a mac and give ridiculous timeframes to do briefs that serve no real purpose in the real world. Your apprenticeship starts when you graduate. Be prepared to listen and learn and then listen some more.
2. Be the first one in and the last to leave...
Time is precious and far more valuable than cash. If you are serious about design as a career then you need to spend as much time there as you can as it shows good commitment and enthusiasm - people will notice this trait very quickly.
3. Be selfish... Don't be shy it's good to be a pest!
Ask questions all the time don't just sit there in the corner and wait for people to come to you, they won't - because everyone will be so busy they won't notice and you will end up wasting the opportunity. Ask if you can help even if that means making tea etc. You do need to know how to judge the situation though be sensitive if people are working to a deadline. If this happens talk to the receptionist, cleaner or whoever, as they will give you insights about how that particular business is run from their perspective - knowledge is power!
4. Be prepared to take rejection well
Although it can be soul destroying when someone says your work is crap it’s something you need to get used to and FAST. Learning to take rejection well is one of the greatest lessons you will have to learn. Creatives don't have time to spare your feelings and clients even more so. They can be pretty vicious. If this happens to you then try to answer back with positive stuff such as; "what if I was to do this... or that" etc.
5. Don't waste the opportunity
You should see it as a great achievement to be offered a placement. It shows that someone believes in you as a talent and should give your self-confidence a terrific boost - Don't take it for granted - enjoy and relish it!
Anthony Lester | Visual-Eyes Media
With most companies within the creative industry, especially computer graphics, looking for at least three years experience, graduate placements often are a good way of getting your foot in the door, but remember it's not all about you.
On a placement the graduate should have not only gained experience and technical abilities but should also have gone some way to repaying the companies investment in time and manpower. One has to remember it is a two way street, a placement does not just mean a graduate feeding off the experience of a company.
The biggest asset to take from a placement is a confidence within your own ideas and an ability to communicate those ideas to the rest of the creative team. Even if you don’t have the technical knowledge to realise the ideas yourself, the team is likely to be open to fresh thinking and can help develop those thoughts with you. It maybe that your ideas are not used, if so ask for the reasoning why not, this will help develop your understanding of the companies design ethos and focus your thoughts for the next project.
It should also be remembered that the creative process does not stop when you leave the office; design is all around us so open your eyes, take photos, draw sketches and make notes. If you put the time and effort in, work the extra hour and be proactive, your team will respond to you and your questions in more detailed manner.
Claire Morris | Size Creative
Make as many contacts as you can, don't just sit there in a corner on your mac scared to talk, become part of the team for however long you are there for. Get involved in anything, if the opportunity arises - then take it - Get feedback, when its finished then ask how you did, even if its a 5 min chat it still gives you something to go away with - maybe even a job! Make Tea - always a winner!
Sam Stocking | Point Blank Inc
All I can say is be helpful, proactive, don’t be afraid to ask questions especially if you don’t understand. In creative work show your thoughts before you run off in one direction and make good Tea.
Ryan Clark | Asterik Studio
If you get a chance to take part in a creative placement, use this time to soak up the real-world aspects of the design field. The areas that design education scarcely touches on enough are the business practices and common “ins and outs” of the design world. Listen to the way companies speak to employees and clients. Take note of the processes being applied within the company. Ask questions regarding design submission, methodology, client interaction, conceptualizing, the specifics of color separations, pre-press, usability and any other details that professional designers are faced with on a daily basis.
Sean Lam | Kinetic
The keyword here is "foot in the door". If you are passionate about your work and craft, home in on the agency/company you want to work in and offer to work as an intern (for close to nothing). If you really, really love that place, offer to work for free (for the first few months, that is). This is the time you can prove that you can pitch in and proves that you can produce good work. Bosses recognise good work, intern or not. Chances are (if you produce good work) you'll get hired eventually. If you are not, you still walk away with experience, which will come in usefully in the future.
Graham Dodridge | Silver Worldwide
Be on time, be smart, be awake – having enjoyed a good nights sleep. And don’t hesitate to make the tea – shrugging your shoulders and claiming not to drink tea yourself doesn’t wash and will just mark your card. The communications industry is a great place to be and if you are in the right place and demonstrate the right enthusiasm you will succeed. Finally don’t be afraid to ask questions. Good luck
Clifford Boobyer | Firedog Design
1) Don't be scared to get involved - Sure the creative director might give you a hard time for trying to make an impact but they are like that anyway. If you act like a shrinking violet and stay quiet then you will most likely end up cutting presentation boards. Don't ask "what would you like me to do now?" - Rather say, "You know this client / job - I've had some ideas and here are my sketches. Creative directors are visual sponges and will appreciate your input. It is a good way to get noticed.
2) Choose your agency carefully. Have a look at your portfolio and see what works the hardest. Is it advertising? Logos? Plan your approach and only apply to agencies with appropriate content. Also try and choose an agency with a strong design hierarchy - A jobbing agency that only knocks out flyers will not likely have a strong apprentice type focus.
3) Make sure you can sketch. This is the first step to getting an idea across and it goes down well with creatives. Mac visuals however fancy you think they are don't.
4) Don’t mumble be clear and concise. You will need to sell your work hard to get noticed. Yet don't be arrogant and make sure you have your design rationale all nicely lined up so that you can survive the grilling you'll get from the account manager.
5) Be nice and memorable, dress well and offer to make coffee. You will leave a bigger imprint on peoples brains if you are remembered fondly.
6) Listen. Observe. Absorb. You know nothing, trust us. Don't be afraid to change your perceptions on certain things.
Finally a slightly contentious issue I'm sure - but it has a major impact on the studio. It's really off-putting when students come in and use email sites such as hotmail, yahoo etc and also shows a lack of dedication or commitment to the industry. Funnily enough I find almost 75% of students do this without even giving a thought to the creative director or the business manager - who is of course infuriated!
Flo Heiss | Dare
We have an ongoing placement program with Brunel Unversity and Watford College and we also run dareschool.com, our graduate recruitment scheme which we launched earlier this year.
For the placements we usually set a brief once a year to students at those two colleges. The best student or student team are then awarded a placement at Dare.
Our open agency structure - a mix of all disciplines sitting together - means the students get a really good insight into how an agency works. All our students work on real jobs. A steep learning curve for people straight out of college admittedly, but this ensures that the students actually learn something beyond how the scanner and the coffee machines work.
Jeremy Leslie | John Brown Group
My one piece of advice: don’t look upon the placement/internship as a job as such. Look at it as an opportunity.
Use your time to make friends across the company, learn about the business, and be positive in response to any requests. If you don’t have enough to do, ask one of your new friends how you can help them. Show a helpful, can-do attitude to everyone
Make sure you get to show key staff your work, and ask for feedback at end of placement.
Keep in touch afterwards.
Alex Haddon | IC Design
I think sticking to the basics is the best first step.
Lots of companies look through their placements when they next need a junior so make sure you are professional about attendance, timekeeping and general appearance.
Try and suss the atmosphere quickly and fit in as best you can.
Don’t be afraid to ask (sensible) questions, in fact, it shows you are interested!
Be honest about your computer skills, that way you ensure you get the right kind of help.
Always send a Thank You email.
Mike Exon | Centaur
Graduates on placement: drink two espressos, sink a red bull, go in and run around, ask questions, help out, volunteer, be cheerful, make the tea, go for a drink at the end of the day..... You will succeed.
Paula Macfarlane
The first summer placement I undertook was in the art department of a fashion magazine. I thought this was the glamorous life, but after two weeks of 'casting off' type, the glitter paled.
I spent the next summer at a design company, then in its heyday, employing over 600 people. It was here that I first experienced the late nights getting presentations together for the next morning, the pizzas, the beers, the celebrations after a successful pitch.
The design industry is still highly demanding, highly rewarding and highly competitive.
For a student or recent graduate, a 'placement' is a priceless preview to the industry at work. An opportunity, which can be taken seriously or wasted!
For the company the placement scheme is a way of ensuring a supply of creative talent for the industry as a whole. But increasingly, with ever tightening timelines and budgets, a busy studio will need the help of an 'extra pair of hands'.
ADVICE:
A successful placement candidate will leave his/her 'attitude' at home, remembering that they are 'guests' invited into an established creative enterprise, not an extension of the college common room.
Generally a member of the studio team will be assigned to manage the placement, but will also have their own workload to deal with.
There may be slack periods, but playing computer games or personal emailing, for instance, does not show enthusiasm, team spirit, or a willingness to 'help out'.
'Free-time' can be used to improve computer skills, showing an interest in the design craft.
Or there is always the ‘library’, which invariably needs tidying. A good selection of inspirational material is usually available here!
Getting work ready for presentation is an invaluable way to see the different levels of ideas/finish required by commercial clients, and to progress studio skills.
Being asked to work on a creative brief is a privilege, and may not happen.
If it does, although no one will be expecting 'genius' at this stage, these projects do run at a faster pace than at college, so be prepared to put the hours in.
Basically, you will get out of it what you put in - so be focused, be yourself and enjoy!
Jeremy Garner | Wheel
Simply put, the more experience you can get the better.
Try to learn everything you can, not just about creative, but about what other departments do too.
Exposure to other disciplines such as planning will really benefit you, as creative doesn't operate in isolation.
Inside the creative department, enthusiasm is the most important skill you can have.
Make it known that you're willing to work your arse off to do the best possible job.
Try to get your hands on as many different projects as you can (without overloading yourself).
You want to end your placement knowing that you've squeezed every last drop of opportunity and learning out of it.
Paul Jenkins | Ranch
There are two parts to what a placement can learn. The first is more obvious, working creatively on real briefs with experienced designers and seeing how the ‘game’ is played, i.e. trying to get the best possible design aesthetic through the many barriers i.e., difficult brief, tight budget, client politics etc. This is usually a massive wake up call to graduates and an invaluable learning curve.
The other part, which is as important, is the day-to-day procedures within the studio. This can range from dealing with clients on the telephone through to being organised and methodical when it comes to client corrections. Even something basic like keeping a ‘to do’ list or actually remembering to pass on a message is all vital stuff that comes easy to some and not too others.
My advice would be (apart from working your balls off!) to treat both these things with equal attention, you can be the worlds best designer but if you can’t do the other part then it’s not a lot of use!
Lucy Collier and Darren Wright | Wieden and Kennedy
Creative Placements are a bit like the luck of the draw.
You think you've hit the jackpot by finally getting through the agency doors but then you're in the lap of the gods as to which briefs land on your desk. I suppose that depends on which agency you're in. Here we like to give our placements a stab at anything and everything. Depending on our workload?that could mean anything from working on a pitch with a diverse bunch of agency people, writing the next Yakult ad to testing out prototype products for the W+K10 Project, as Katy and Steve our current placements have been doing.
But no matter where you are and what work you are given there are always things you can do to make yourselves more visible to the powers that be.
Stealing briefs is always a good one. Talk to other Creatives and Planners, don't bug them as they will be busy, but get to know them and the jobs they are working on. Ask if you can have a crack at their briefs or if you can do anything to help on their projects. You won't get a black mark for
enthusiasm.
Talking to people is always a good way forward even though sometimes it may be a little daunting. You'd be surprised at the number of placement teams who come into an agency and sit quietly in the corner justdoing the work they have been given. You need to make your presence felt.
It's not just about working hard it's also about being sociable. Get to knowthe Creative Secretary so that before your placement ends you can get a fewminutes with the Creative Directors or Group Heads to show your book.
Finally remember the advertising industry is a small one. Everyone has friends in other agencies. We often recommend teams to our friends in other agencies, so getting to know people can indirectly get you contacts and even placements/job trials at other agencies.
Most of it is just common sense really, get into an agency, work hard and be sociable but mostly enjoy it.
Alan Whitfield | NE6
The very simple thing that we find with students on placement is that the ones who use their own initiative are the ones who get the best out of their time and tent to be useful to us as a company. It's amazing how many students wait to be told every step of the way, which actually becomes very hard work and is very time consuming.
Sarah-Jane Higgins | Black Pig Design
Invest time researching the company to find out exactly what it does. It will reflect badly on you if you don’t have a clue what sort of service the company offers and to whom.
Be prompt and punctual. Just because you’re not on the pay roll doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it like a real job. You need to demonstrate enthusiasm, reliability and embrace the challenges presented so that both you and the company get the most out of the placement; after all it may lead to a permanent role for the candidate that shines!
Learn to adapt quickly and prioritise your work. If you’re asked to do something, no matter how menial, ensure you establish when the deadline is and if it means dropping what you’re doing so be it. It demonstrates professionalism and helps to give you a feel of what a real working environment is like.
If you have a designated mentor on your placement, be sure to discuss with them what you hope to achieve and they may be able to tailor your work to suit.
Don’t shy away from any responsibility, even photocopying, it shows a willingness to work and will help to establish trust and reliability between you and a potential employer.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly you think they may sound. The employer would prefer lots of questions rather than people getting things wrong and remember; you’re there to learn!
If there is something specific would like to learn, ask to be put on a project or to review previous projects that cover that area. If you don’t ask you don’t get. The purpose of the placement is to provide prospective and future employees with an insight into the industry after all.
Don’t get downhearted if you spend most of your time making tea. You will still gain valuable experience purely through the exposure you get, even if you’re not heavily involved and remember if you show a willingness to help in any way possible it will go in your favour.
Don’t just sit around! If you’ve run out of things to do, ask people what you can help with, chances are it will be most appreciated.
Finally, dress appropriately. Creative agencies have a reputation for being very casual except when interacting with clients but never assume, unless you’re told otherwise, it will be expected that you will dress smartly.
Mark Blaylock | Truth Agency
Relax, it’s only a placement.
Going on a placement is always stressful for the simple reason you’re doing it with the hope of getting a job at the end of it. So you try to be over enthusiastic. You try to do your best ever work. You try to stand out and be remembered. And that’s the problem, you end up trying too hard and you forget the best way to do your best work – and that’s by enjoying yourself. Meanwhile the agency hires the happy-go-lucky team who’s work was never bought but who seemed to be very confident.
So how do you enjoy your placement? Simple. You have faith in yourself. If you’re good, you will get work! It might not be at the first agency, or even the second or third, but you will be hired. You should also enjoy your placements for what they are: a chance to gain a huge amount of experience very quickly. Not only will you work on a huge variety of clients in a very short time, but you’ll also get to see how different agencies work. And believe me, they are all very different.
As an aside it also pays to have done your homework. Go to the agency’s website. See who they work for, see the kind of work that they produce. That way when you start you’ll be able to hit the ground running.
Now all that remains is for you to have fun, do some great work and then wait for your first job offer.
Rosalyn Scott | Dalziel Pow
I would advise students to make themselves as useful as possible and be flexible and efficient at everything they do. Don’t get hung-up about the odd round of tea or tidying the library. They should expect their employer to provide some structure to their placement and not be afraid to talk to their superiors about what they should be getting out of the placement.
Shaun Bowen | Pearlfisher
I value placements very highly and have employed many designers because of the way they have applied themselves to their placement.
Our placement scheme runs throughout the year and for most students/graduates it lasts around 3/4 weeks. This doesn't give them long to make an impression but if they show the right attitude the time is often extended or they are asked back.
All our placements are selected from interviews and so when they join us I am looking for how well they work within the studio. They are brought into the team like any junior designer and given a live brief to work on so they can show us how they think. Are they helpful? Do they ask the right questions? Do they have the right attitude? Does their personality fit?
Most importantly a placement is a real opportunity and they must embrace it with enthusiasm.
Ty Abiodun | 44 Media
Before Placement
1. Send a well designed CV, but make sure all the relevant information can be read properly.
It can look good but it still needs to do the job of selling yourself.
2. Try and address any letter or CV to the right person and also try and find out if they're male or female.
There's no point getting the persons name and starting the letter Dear Sir / Madam.
Most people are confused at the best of times, but it helps if you help them out!
3. Check out the local art organisations as they sometimes offer networking events. You might get the chance to speak to that person in the company you've just sent your CV to. You might also get some advice from people.