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OK, graduating senior art & design students, it’s about that time of year to have a little chat about the Spring semester and graduation. So pull up a chair and grab a beverage and let’s talk. /1
Spring semester Senior year in general is very stressful for most people, and add onto that COVID and the world around us and it can just be TOO MUCH. With that these are some things I suggest you try to keep in mind: /2
Everybody is freaking out about getting a job, not just you. Even the few who already have a job are freaking out about doing well, moving to a new city, paying their bills, making loan payments, etc. Everybody is in the same boat as you no matter how they may appear. /3
With this in mind: do not be a passive/aggressive jerk about the interview you got, or the studio visit you are about to go on, or the money you will make. Offhand comments about how tired you are because your Google whiteboard test was soooooooo intense are not needed. /4
Be proud of your accomplishments, but try to keep your business to yourself. Some of your classmates have not gotten any interviews yet and don’t need to know that Apple is is moving you to Silicon Valley and giving you a Tesla & unlimited avocados. Bragging is not needed. /5
Remember that your classmates are the people you worked with, sweated with, learned Adobe with, kerned type with, made apps with, and generally created and learned with for 4+ years — treat each other with kindness. These people are your first professional network. /6
If you hear about a job you don’t want, or a lead you are not interested in, or an opportunity you can’t take — PASS IT ON TO YOUR CLASSMATES. Help each other out. You are all in this together whether you realize it or not. Be supportive and kind. /7
Do your very very very best to stop comparing yourself with your classmates — that way only lies pain. One person’s dream job is another person’s nightmare, so you should just spend time figuring out what is good for you & what kind of work environment you want to be in. /8
Not every amazing design job is in SF or NYC. Not every amazing design job is at a hip studio. Not every amazing design job is at a 4-letter named agency. Seriously. Open up your search. Jobs at small studios in rural areas, in-house positions, etc. can be incredible too. /9
You won't believe it now, but I promise you that the people you are about to graduate with are the people who will have info on jobs, projects, & opportunities in the future. So treat each other with respect or it will likely come back to bite you sometime in the future. /10
There will be moments — many, many moments — before and after graduation when you feel like you have no idea WTF you are doing and are worried about making bad decisions. This feeling will last until you die. Don't worry about it. Also, welcome to life. /11
Seriously: it is going to be fine. You will figure it out one way or another. It will work out. Also, there are people who have your back and have experience and want you to succeed and will help you as best as they can: these people are your faculty. /12
I hope this might help alleviate a tiny bit of stress and anxiety. Please share this thread around as we could all use a little calm. Thank you and good luck! /13
