Interview Findings

I gained valuable insight into the ways I could better position myself for a career in layout design after receiving feedback from the contact I choose to interview. I spoke only briefly with my first contact, Nikki Hardin, who is currently the editor of Skirt! Magazine. She advised me to research new software programs and updates for the current software used by graphic designers. Gaining proficiency in a wide variety of applications will allow me to differentiate myself from other designers. While her advice was beneficial, the feedback I received from my previous employer was most notable. She recognized the strengths I had already developed and commented on ways to better present the experiences I had thus achieved. She confirmed that my objective should be tailored to the specific job applied for, rather then a broad statement that means little to the employer. She gave me positive reinforcement; mentioning that she was impressed at how clean and informative my resume was. However, she was concerned that my choice of diction might come across as arrogant, and therefore gave me suggestions for changing the wording to sound more confident. From this assignment, I have been exposed to supplemental education that will enhance my marketability, as well as ways to take my existing knowledge and best display it for an employer.