Design graduate jobs

Design graduate schemes are perfect for recent graduates on the lookout for an entry-level path into design.

Graduate schemes for designers usually include a 1-3 year rotational training programme. You will have the opportunity to work in various areas of design and find what suits you, such as UX, UI, web, and product design. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a design career but aren’t sure where to start, graduate schemes are a great way to gain the experience you need to find your area of interest.

Design graduate schemes are built to fast-track your career in design. Unlike a traditional graduate job, where you might be hired for a specific role from the start, graduate schemes offer the chance to rotate through departments and train in different skills as you grow.

Graduate schemes often provide additional mentoring, workshops, and career development support, which is less common in standard entry-level positions.

By getting hands-on experience with client liaison, working to deadlines, extensive multi-tasking, and wider team collaboration, you will already be on your way to more senior design roles. 

Essentially, starting your graduate career in design is made easier with a designer graduate scheme. They offer you a broad understanding of the design industry and help you build your design skills.

This makes it the perfect way to kickstart your design career.

On the hunt for your dream graphic design graduate scheme? Register to our graduate jobs site to access the best UK graphic design jobs and digital designer roles!

The skills needed for graduate designer jobs vary between roles, but there are some skills most employers look for when hiring a graduate graphic designer.

All junior designer jobs require creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to understand briefs. Employers also want candidates who can think critically and solve design problems.

Strong communication skills are essential for discussing ideas and working with teams and clients. Design work also needs to align with the company’s or client’s brand and attract the target audience. So, digital designers need to be both artistic and commercially aware.

Being technically skilled is important for most junior graphic designer jobs. Graphic designer jobs typically require InDesign and Photoshop skills. Depending on the role, knowledge of other Adobe Creative Suite programs, like Illustrator, After Effects, and XD, may also be needed.

It’s also helpful in design jobs to have a basic understanding of web design, design software, and tools for web development, like WordPress. Understanding responsive design, HTML/CSS, and even JavaScript can set you apart for digital or UI/UX design roles.

Don’t forget soft skills! Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work under pressure are also important.

This may seem like a lot, but if you’re a creative and technically skilled graduate, you’re the perfect candidate for graduate graphic design jobs. Don’t worry if you don’t have every skill – if you tick a few boxes and believe you’re a good fit, apply! Employers value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, so don’t be shy about putting yourself forward.

If you’re unsure about what skills are required for a particular job, you can always check the job description.

If you’re not sure how to get your design career started and want some career advice, we’re here to help! As the UK’s top graduate recruitment agency, our designer jobs board and specialist recruitment services can support your career journey.

Our team has over a decade of experience in early career recruitment, with our portfolio boasting a vast range of digital designer jobs at some of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses.

To launch your first graduate design role, simply register with us and upload your CV, before submitting applications to the design roles on our graduate jobs board. We ensure that every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. 

If your skills and experience look right for the role, a recruiter will be in touch to talk you through the rest of the process.

With our team being made up of fellow graduates, we understand how hard it can be to determine the direction of your career. With expert guidance and top-class industry insights from our recruitment experts, you’ll have your job queries sorted in no time!

In the meantime, here are some ways to set yourself apart from other applicants:

• Build your portfolio: showcase your best work, including personal projects and freelance work.
• Craft a CV: here’s some templates for creative CVs.
• Network: attend design events and connect with professionals to grow your community and discover opportunities.
• Improve soft skills: develop communication, time management, and problem-solving skills to complement your technical abilities.
• Stay persistent: keep applying and improving your skills even if you don’t land a job immediately, you’ve got this!

There are a wide variety of UK design jobs available for graduates across different industries. Here are some common types of design careers that graduates might consider:

• Graphic Designer: Graphic Designers create visual content for various mediums, such as websites, advertisements, print materials, logos, and more. They combine typography, images, colour theory, and layout techniques to convey messages effectively.
• UI/UX Designer: UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) Designers focus on creating user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces for digital products, such as websites, mobile apps, and software. They ensure that users have a seamless and enjoyable experience while interacting with these products.
• Product Designer: Product Designers work on the design and development of physical products, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. This can include anything from consumer electronics to household items.
• Game Designer: Game Designers are responsible for creating the rules, mechanics, and overall experience of video games. They work on gameplay, level design, storytelling, and user engagement.

 

These are just a few examples of the many designer roles available to graduates. Each field requires a unique skill set and involves different tools and technologies. 

When you’re getting started, it’s important to try a variety of designer opportunities to find a position that matches your interests and strengths.

Freelance design jobs can be a good option for graduates, but they come with both benefits and challenges that should be carefully considered before pursuing this path.

Here are some factors to weigh when deciding if freelance design work is a good fit for you:

 

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Freelancing offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of work hours, location, and projects.
• Diverse projects: Freelancers often work on a variety of projects for different clients, allowing them to gain exposure to various industries and build a diverse portfolio.
• Control over projects: Freelancers have more control over the types of projects they take on, allowing them to focus on the areas of design they are most passionate about.
• Potential earnings: depending on your skills, the demand for your work, and the rates you set, freelancing can offer the potential for higher earnings than traditional employment.

 

Challenges:

• Income stability: Freelancers often experience irregular income, as work can be unpredictable and project-based.
• Client management: Freelancers need to manage client relationships, which can include negotiating contracts, handling feedback, and addressing potential conflicts.
• Lack of benefits: Freelancers typically do not have access to traditional employee benefits like pension plans, private health care schemes, and paid time off.
• Market competition: the freelance market can be competitive, especially for newcomers. Building a client base and establishing your reputation can take time.

 

Whether freelance graphic design jobs are a good option varies from person to person. If you’re comfortable with the challenges and excited about the benefits, freelancing can provide a unique and rewarding career path.