With over 20 years of experience, we transform your digital presence. We specialize in website and E-Shop development, SEO and Digital Marketing, ERP software and smart automation that take your business to the next level.
Address:
154 Egnatia Street, Thessaloniki 546 36
Phone:
+30 231 231 4095
E-mail:
hello@twodots.gr
Design studies are one of the most popular and dynamic fields in contemporary education, but often do not fully meet the requirements of the labour market. Despite high expectations in areas such as graphic design, design thinking and digital tools, existing university design programmes have significant gaps in practical skills and professional preparation. For successful professional rehabilitation, it is essential to strengthen the designer portfolio, practical training and continuous updating of skills so that graduates can effectively respond to contemporary design needs and have meaningful prospects in the international market.
Design studies have gained immense popularity in recent years, as the creative industry is often presented as attractive and dynamic. From traditional university design programs to specialized seminars and online courses, more and more young people are turning to graphic design, design thinking and design applications with the expectation of building a creative and flexible career. However, many academic design researchers and practitioners stress that design studies, in their current form, often fail to adequately prepare graduates for the demands of contemporary work environments.
According to recent studies and articles in English media such as Design Week, design studies focus mainly on theoretical courses and traditional techniques, leaving aside vital design skills that today's market demands. A major gap lies in not learning enough practical design skills, such as working with clients, project management, writing and presenting a designer portfolio or even preparing properly for job interviews. Many graduates, when faced with the real demands in the workplace, find that a design degree is not enough for immediate professional design rehabilitation, leaving them at a disadvantage against the competition.
Surveys of large English design companies reveal that over 60% of employers consider existing design courses to be inadequate in teaching skills such as design thinking, digital communication and basic business practices. Also, many businesses point out that design students who have previous work experience or have developed a practical designer portfolio have a clear advantage in finding employment.
Graphic design and design curricula should be regularly updated to meet the needs of the design labour market. Modern industry requires multi-dimensional design, IT, communication and business skills. The traditional approach based mainly on aesthetics and manual skills is no longer sufficient. A modern training programme must include:
These elements are fundamental to enable graduates to create strong portfolios and respond adequately to the day-to-day issues of the profession as required by contemporary design needs.
Given the above problems, what can today's students and online store owners looking for professional designers do? The following step-by-step guide suggests the necessary steps for a successful career after design studies:
The portfolio designer is the most important «showcase» for every designer. Include projects that demonstrate creativity, but also the ability to apply it in real-life situations.
Working with professionals and business experience is essential and often more important than the design degree itself.
Participation in local designers' associations, conferences or online communities helps to develop contacts and networks that open doors to the design job market.
Continuous education in areas such as UX/UI, web design and new technologies significantly increase the value of each graduate.
The educational crisis in design education becomes clear, as the needs of the market deviate from traditional academic models. Teachers and educational institutions need to rethink and improve university design programmes to equip students with real professional skills. It is suggested to incorporate modules such as:
At the same time, systematically linking schools with industry and the market can lead to improved design programmes and faster integration of graduates into design positions.
Design studies remain a powerful passport to creating professionals with imagination, technical knowledge and social skills. However, to ensure a dynamic entry into the market, both improved educational programmes and personal development and continuous learning on the part of students are required. The career prospects for design graduates are great if they invest in skills, modern education and continuous adaptation to market changes.
