Burgoyne, P. (2004) ‘Experience Necessary’ Creative Review, March 2004, p10

Burgoyne, P. (2004) ‘Experience Necessary’ Creative Review, March 2004, p10

This short editorial from the popular art and design publication, Creative Review, describes the magazine’s focus for the month, work placement. It highlights the importance of placement in enabling graduates to get work in art and design, but also acknowledges the other elements of employability. “Placements, along with the right personality and a portfolio that demonstrates the ability to think conceptually as well as handle type and images competently, are the essential ingredients for any graduate CV.”

Aston, J. (1999) ‘Ambitions and Destinations: the Careers and Retrospective Views of Art and Design Graduates and Postgraduates’ Journal of Art and Design Education, 18 (2), pp231-240

Aston, J. (1999) ‘Ambitions and Destinations: the Careers and Retrospective Views of Art and Design Graduates and Postgraduates’ Journal of Art and Design Education, [online] 18 (2), pp231-240 Available at: http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=5&hid=108&sid=221003da-cfc0-4b78-9d80-6a4910217d08%40sessionmgr7 (accessed 11 October 2007)

The quantitative study uses data about graduate employment perspectives that is up to 16 years old but is indicative of progression routes over a significant period in the late 90s. It is likely that the figures have evolved. The assimilation of survey data provides a perspective of the employment landscape in art and design, suggesting that roughly a third of graduates become self-employed for at least some of the time after they graduate. There is lso an indication that one fifth of graduates do some voluntary work that «fulfilled a transitionary function» in the first three years following graduation. The article states that approximately 30% of 1st level graduates had been unemployed at some point during the year after they complete their course, but that drops to about 10% thereafter. 45% took further study.

Booth, H. (2004) ‘Products of Placement’ Design Week, 18 Mar 2004, pp22-23

Booth, H. (2004) ‘Products of Placement’ Design Week, 18 Mar 2004, pp22-23

The author describes a portfolio as being a vital element in the arsenal of a graduate in their search for employment. The article describes exemplary processes from the student perspective to getting a job. Invariably this involves the development of a flexible and portable portfolio; “I wanted them to see I understood what makes a good idea.” The article also highlights the need for expression of individuality and personality in graduate portfolios, re-affirming the basis of design industries being selected themselves on their stylistic approaches.

Another student experiences also identifies peer assessment of a representational portfolio as having facilitated employment opportunities. However, the focus of the article does show that ‘reciprocal’ placement is perceived as playing a far more important role in seeking and gaining employment.

Carson, P. (2004) ‘Placement Survey 2′ Creative Review, April 2004, pp43-45

Carson, P. (2004) ‘Placement Survey 2′ Creative Review, April 2004, pp43-45

The collated perspectives of employers about the value of placements as part of a recruitment process in creative agencies. The narrator explains the balance between advantages to employers and potential employees. “Placements offer fledgling teams the opportunity to meet great creative thinkers, work on live briefs… Agencies in return enjoy a cheap supply of untapped talent and fresh thinking…”

The article describes the diversity of processes undertaken in different organisations in this element of recruitment predominantly populated with graduates. It demonstrates that one size does not fit all, suggesting that this is not unexpected given the creative individuality that drives these types of organisations.

The article is summarised from the employer viewpoint as placement being of intrinsic value to graduates, suggesting that it provides opportunities for vocational experience that cannot even be replicated in jobs of a similar nature. “It’s worth all the agony… When all your mates come out of Uni and walk into their nine-to-five job, they may be enjoying a wage that makes you insanely jealous, but give it a year and watch the tables turn. They’ll be the ones complainging of dul monotony… you’ll be starting your dream job.”