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Careers in design can vary based on the industry you work in or the materials you work with. For example, you might be a graphic designer working in a marketing or advertising agency, or a product designer working in the fashion industry, or a spatial/environmental designer working in the retail sector. Most design agencies and consultancies are found in London and the South East, although there are regional hubs in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

While some Designers will work ‘in-house' (e.g. for a business selling products and services to end-customers), many will work for agencies and consultancies, supplying design services to a range of different clients. In an agency, you might deliver design projects for clients across a number of different sectors - for example, food & drink, toiletries and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods).

Design in different sectors may function in different ways. For instance, a fashion designer will work to a number of different calendars, making sure that designs are available for production and sale during the correct season, while a graphic designer working on advertising campaigns may find their working schedule dependent upon a production house's timings.

All designers will be expected to combine hands-on practical skills within their design medium with an understanding of the commercial goals of their business or client. Projects will usually involve working in multidisciplinary teams often alongside account managers and marketing professionals. A key part of a designer's role is to understand the commercial requirements of a project and to make sure that the execution of the brief reflects those requirements.

Designers will work with a mixture of techniques, from hands-on sketching with pen and paper, to working with prototype models (in plastics or other materials) to using sophisticated Computer Aided Design (CAD) software packages. Designers will be expected to keep up-to-date with innovations in technology and new technical skills. A designer may also be expected to supervise factory production, working alongside production engineers and quality assurance teams to make sure that the finished products match the design specifications.

N Written by Navdeep

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Skills & interests required for a career in Design

Designers must be passionate about their craft, being able to display an awareness and interest in a number of different design techniques and approaches. To be a designer, you will need to display hands-on, practical design skills. This may involve building up a portfolio of design work you have done to show and talk a potential employer through at interview stage. Depending on the nature of the design role you are looking to do, you may also need to show an interest in a specific sector and its products.

Designers will need to show an ability to understand a creative brief, and to work with non-designers to bring the brief to life. Presentation skills may also be required if you are working in a design agency or consultancy.

Graduate schemes & other typical career progression routes in Design

Graduates working in the design industry will typically join as junior designers / design executives. If joining an agency or consultancy, you will be able to progress quite quickly if you have good hands-on design and commercial skills - typically a junior designer can expect promotion to a mid-level designer position within 2-3 years. In an ‘in-house' design role, progression can take more time and will likely require you to display experience working to commercial objectives.

There will be Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities available to continue developing your skills in design. This can be done in-house or through organisations like the Design Council, Central Saint Martin's, the Chartered Society of Designers or the Design Business Association. As you become more senior in an agency or consultancy, skills in client management and sales may become more important, although technical design skills will still be fundamental to your career.

Many experienced designers can work for themselves in a freelance capacity, working with a range of clients to deliver projects independently. This can be a lucrative career path, although your earnings will be completely dependent on your ability to network with potential clients and ensure that you have sufficient projects.

Tips for getting into the field

Arrange a meeting with your careers advisor to discuss your interest in the design sector.

See whether there are any opportunities available to work on design projects within your university, or in partnership with external businesses through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. These can help you build up a portfolio of projects and experience which can help you secure a first role in design.

Often early career designers will have worked as interns for a period of 6-12 months, potentially for more than one business, before securing a permanent position. As the design sector is so popular it can be highly competitive to find yourself a first role in the sector. Perseverance can be crucial to finding yourself a position in the industry.

How much can graduates earn in Design?

Junior designer positions are not very highly paid in comparison to many graduate career choices. Typically, you can expect a salary of £15,000 to £20,000 per annum on first entering the industry. Salaries can be higher if you join a large business in an ‘in-house' role.

With experience, designers' salaries will grow based on their levels of experience and technical skills. After a few years' experience in design, you will likely be earning between £25,000 and £35,000 per annum. More senior positions in design agencies or consultancies will require you to be involved in pitching to potential clients, managing project teams and client accounts. At a senior level you may be able to earn £45,000 to £60,000+.

What qualifications do I need for a career in Design?

Not all design positions will require an undergraduate degree or Higher National Diploma, however academic qualifications can be helpful in displaying your design skills. If applying without an academic qualification, it will be important for you to display the design experience which you have through a portfolio.

Academic subjects which employers will particularly value in designers include: 3D design, fine art, graphic design, industrial design, fashion/fashion design or marketing. There are specialist postgraduate MAs available which can focus on individual elements of design to enhance your chances of working in a specific field within the sector.