Have you recently graduated from a design course and are looking at your options? Whether you are thinking if you should pursue a role where you are trained or looking at venturing into a different career path, read on to find out about the different industries that you should consider.
Firstly, for a designer, a design portfolio is an essential tool to showcase their skills and land a job. It should be a collection of your best and most recent work, showcasing your skills and capabilities as a designer.
Choose pieces that you're proud of and that demonstrate your range of skills and experiences. It's important to be selective and only include your strongest work, as this will give potential employers a good idea of what you're capable of and what you can bring to the table.
Singapore is a hub for many industries, ranging from finance to technology with many opportunities for designers in the city-state. Let's take a look at some of the best industries for designers in Singapore and why they are a great choice for those looking to start or further their careers:
Technology The technology industry in Singapore is rapidly growing and is one of the best industries for designers to work in. With the rise of startups and multinational companies in the city-state, there is a high demand for designers who can create visually appealing and user-friendly websites, mobile applications, and software. The tech industry is known for its fast-paced and innovative environment, which can be highly motivating for designers. Tech companies in Singapore are also often well-funded, meaning that they are able to invest in high-quality design resources and provide designers with the tools they need to succeed. Many tech companies also have a strong focus on user experience, which can be incredibly rewarding for designers who are passionate about creating products that make a difference in people's lives.
Finance The finance industry is another great choice for designers in Singapore. With a thriving financial sector and numerous banks and financial institutions, there is a high demand for designers who can create visually appealing and informative financial reports, presentations, and other materials. These financial companies are often looking for designers who can create engaging and accessible materials that can help them communicate complex financial information to a wider audience. Designers working in the finance industry in Singapore can expect to be well-compensated for their work, as financial companies are often willing to invest in high-quality design resources to ensure that their materials are professional and effective. Additionally, the finance industry is known for its fast-paced and competitive environment, which can be highly motivating for designers who are up for a challenge.
Advertising The advertising industry is another great option for designers in Singapore. With a large number of advertising agencies and marketing firms in the city-state, there is a high demand for designers who can create visually appealing and effective advertising materials. From print advertisements to digital campaigns, designers in the advertising industry have the opportunity to create a wide variety of materials that can help companies reach their target audiences. Designers working in the advertising industry in Singapore can expect to be part of a fast-paced and creative environment, where they will be challenged to think outside of the box and create innovative and impactful materials. Similarly, advertising agencies are often well-funded, which means that they are able to invest in high-quality design resources and provide designers with the tools they need to succeed.
Architecture The architecture industry is a great option for designers who are interested in creating functional and visually appealing structures. In Singapore, there is a high demand for architects and designers who can help design and build the city-state's growing number of high-rise buildings and other structures. From residential buildings to commercial and public spaces, designers in the architecture industry have the opportunity to create structures that can have a lasting impact on people's lives. Designers working in the architecture industry in Singapore can expect to work on challenging and complex projects and to be part of a highly collaborative environment where they will work closely with architects, engineers, and other professionals to create functional and visually appealing structures. Additionally, the architecture industry is known for its high levels of compensation, making it an attractive option for designers who are looking for a well-paying and rewarding career.
Preparing Your Portfolio
To be ready for that interview, as mentioned, a portfolio is essential in securing a good job as a designer.
Apart from putting your best work inside, is your portfolio ready for the ultimate interview for the job that you want to secure? Here are some tips to tighten the ship!
Make it Easy to Navigate Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and organized in a way that makes sense to the viewer. You can use categories or themes to group your work together, or simply present it chronologically. Be sure to include clear descriptions of each piece, including the project brief, your role in the project, and the outcome. This will help potential employers understand the context of your work and what you achieved.
Highlight Your Process In addition to showcasing the final outcome of your projects, it's important to highlight your process as a designer. You can do this by including sketches, wireframes, and other early stages of the design process, as well as any research or testing that you carried out. This will give potential employers a deeper understanding of your design thinking and approach, and help them see the steps you took to get to the final outcome.
Make it Visually Appealing As a designer, you should take care to make your portfolio visually appealing and professional. Choose a clean and simple layout, and make sure that your work is well-presented and easy to see. Use high-quality images and make sure that your portfolio is optimized for different devices, including desktop computers and mobile devices.
Update Your Portfolio Regularly It's important to keep your portfolio up-to-date, adding new work as you complete it and removing pieces that are no longer relevant. Regularly updating your portfolio shows that you're an active designer who is always looking for new challenges and opportunities, and it also gives potential employers an idea of what you're working on now.
For our graduates who have completed their Diploma in Communication Design or Professional Diploma in Advertising & Design, good luck in your job hunt!
