First Design Job? Here’s How to Make It Happen

You made it through design school (or maybe you taught yourself—props to you). Now comes the tricky part: getting hired. The competition is real, and if you want to stand out in a crowded industry, you need a solid portfolio, the right tools, and a game plan.

This guide walks you through every step of the journey—from aspiring designer to landing your first real gig. Let’s dive in!

Build Experience That Counts

The best way to get hired is to have projects—real or fictional—that show your skills in action. If you don’t have client work yet, create your briefs, redesign existing products, or collaborate with friends on passion projects.

The more you design, the better you get. You’ve probably heard of the 10,000-hour rule, made famous by Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: mastery takes time. It takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to master complex skills and materials, like playing the violin. While you don’t need exactly 10,000 hours, consistency is key.

Internships are another excellent way in. Many companies offer internships that turn into full-time roles if you prove you’re a quick learner and a strong culture fit. Stay on the lookout for opportunities—especially in tech, where demand for skilled designers is high.

Make Your Portfolio Work for You

Your portfolio is your first impression—make it count. Quality over quantity always wins. A few polished projects say more about your skills than a long list of mixed-quality work.

Here’s how to make your portfolio stand out:

• Refine ruthlessly – Showcase only your best work. If a project doesn’t represent your skills at their best, leave it out.
• Presentation matters – Use mockups, realistic scenarios, and motion graphics (if relevant) to bring your work to life.
• Keep it professional – A clean, minimalistic template lets your designs shine. Or, if you’re up for the challenge, design your own. 🙂

Stay Relevant

That flier or poster you designed two years ago should not be a main feature of your portfolio. The design industry moves fast, and digital design moves even faster. Explore digital design and find the tools you need for your job. Knowing Figma is non-negotiable—it’s the go-to tool for UI/UX and digital product design. If you haven’t explored it yet, now’s the time. Check out our blog on Figma. Build on your design style and aesthetic and transform it into something that will benefit you in designing digital products.

Attending conferences is another way to stay ahead. They help you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and get inspired. Events like the Povio Academy Conference (PAC) offer valuable insights into the latest design trends and technologies.

Checking out design festival recaps can give you fresh ideas. Our blog, "Innovation in Action: Highlights from Forward Festival 2024", covers key takeaways on staying creative in a fast-changing industry.

Keep learning, stay connected, and refine your skills to create work that stands out.

Find Your Niche & Own It

General design skills will only take you so far. Specializing sets you apart.

Ask yourself:

• Are you drawn to motion graphics?
• Do you love crafting seamless UX/UI experiences?
• Are you fascinated by AI, AR, or VR?

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Once you figure out your focus, go deep. Master the fundamentals, then push beyond them. The more expertise you have, the more valuable you become.

Nail the Interview

Great design skills won’t matter if you can’t communicate your ideas. Interviews aren’t just about showing your portfolio—they’re about proving how you think, solve problems, and fit into a team.

Common questions to prepare for:

• What do you hope to gain from the academy program? What motivates you to apply?
• Which design tools have you used so far?
• Which student job did you enjoy the most and why? It doesn’t have to be related to design.
• What do you enjoy most about your studies?

Interviews go both ways—it’s just as important for you to learn about us as it is for us to learn about you. Asking thoughtful questions shows your curiosity, interest, and understanding of what you want in a design role. Consider asking about things that will help you grow, such as:

• What does the onboarding process look like for a junior designer on your team?
• How does the team provide feedback and mentorship to help junior designers grow?
• What are some beginner-friendly projects or tasks a new UX/UI designer might start with?
• Are there any design tools or processes your team uses that I should start learning more about?

And remember, an interview isn’t a test—it’s a two-way conversation. Be confident, ask questions, and make sure the company’s culture aligns with your values.

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Ready to Make Your Move?

If you’re serious about landing a design job that challenges and excites you, we'd love to stay in touch

👉 Drop us your contact info, and we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when applications open for upcoming Design Academy programs near you.

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