Getting part-time work as a student

Inazuma

Inazuma

Inazuma

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Joined
9 Jun 2006
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Hey everyone,
I recently moved into my new accommodation in Ormskirk and have noticed there are quite a few design firms around town. http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gr...s=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a

I'm a student and haven't worked in a physical design agency before, but have worked for an online business for the past three years (could almost be considered freelancing) and been designing graphics and websites for seven years.

I'm wondering if I stand much chance in getting some part time work in these local firms? And if I do apply, what things could I do to improve my chances?
 
I was given an internship around my timetable(lasted two years), always 2 days per week so yes, it's definitely possible but very rare - I was lucky. Internships are usually full-time lasting a few months.

Providing you're portfolio is solid enough, tell them your situation and that you're prepared to work a couple of days a week for minimum cash.
 
Cheers for the input.

When I go to apply, should I go straight to their building and see what happens or do you think I should try to arrange a meeting on phone?
 
If your work is good enough, then I'm pretty sure that somebody will probably offer you some work if your price is right. The economic climate is actually in your favour if your willing to put in some cheap hours.

Don't expect too much too quickly, but saying that we took a student on a part time basis 6 years ago, basically doing the dog work that our design team could not be bothered to do or if they got too much on at any time. I guess we started giving him one or 2 small projects (about 5-10 hours a week) to start with, but this crept up slowly as we began to truly know the capabilities of this lad and as he earned our trust. When I left last year he'd finished his studies and was a full time design team leader.

To improve your chances of landing possible work. I guess the same as any job interview of any sort, make sure your portfolio is in top shape and your CV is up to date with everything relevant to design (is your CV targeted to the design market or just a general education based CV?) ask your previous contacts for written recommendations and references (and possible phone calls/emails)

Chances are they get quite a few students in fishing for work, so you have to pretty much count on first impressions for them to consider you, I've saw students roll in to our foyer obviously the morning after the night before, and they didn't even get past reception.
 
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Inazuma said:
Cheers for the input.

When I go to apply, should I go straight to their building and see what happens or do you think I should try to arrange a meeting on phone?
Click to expand...

I'd probably say phone call first, but sometimes if your standing face to face to a guy with a decent portfolio in your hand then they may feel obliged to give you some time there and then.
 
Inazuma said:
Cheers for the input.

When I go to apply, should I go straight to their building and see what happens or do you think I should try to arrange a meeting on phone?
Click to expand...

I personally emailed two companies, one said unfortunately they couldn't help whilst the other had a look at my portfolio and arranged to meet up. If I was to arrange another placement today I'd probably phone though, which I will be doing over the coming months for next summer.

Good luck. :)
 
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