Being the (somewhat) creative person that I am, when it comes to selecting prospective employers it is important for me that creativity is involved in one way or another. I like to think I have left my options open by picking up knowledge in a variety of creative avenues from Web Design to 3D rendering, with a sprinkle of Photography and Video Editing, but my underlying passion is Digital Art, particularly involving Photoshop and Graphic Design. Below is a list of prospective (more like far-fetched) employers that center around these various skills :
Employer: Pearl Fisher
About: Pearl Fisher are a multi award-winning design company founded in 1992, with studios in both London and New York. Their work includes all forms of branding and identity, from logo design to packaging and architecture. Their philosophy and ethic revolves around the passion and expression of design, and ultimately the commercial results that an effective design can result in.
While this would be 'jumping in the deep end' for me as a designer, a company like this would give me the opportunity to not only let the creative juices flow, as they say, and produce work for some of the biggest and most iconic brands in the world. If that wouldn't inflate your ego, I don't know what will. But not only that, Pearl Fisher states they are passionate about nurturing the stars of tomorrow, so the opportunity to grow as a designer would be phenomenal... but also hard work...a lot of hard work.
Employer: Agency Republic
About: Another award-winning company (5 times digital agency of the year!), Agency Republic are a Digital Agency situated in London and were founded in 2001. They too have worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, and are similar to Pearl Fisher in the line of work that they do, yet they have a very distinguishable, quirky 'personality' of their own.
Again, being from a creative digital background, a Digital Agency would be the right kind of place for me. I not only have a knack for it, but I enjoy being creative, which is particularly important when working for an agency, as things can sometimes get repetitive or stressful if you don't have a passion for expressing your creative side.
These companies are just a selection from some of the best design companies and agencies in the world, and there are many more ranging from small businesses to global agencies. In an age where technology and digital industries are only getting bigger and bigger, it can be a fair guess to say that someone like myself if spoiled for choice for prospective employers right now, but what's to say the particular skills I have learned now will be in demand in the years to come, or whether the same set of prospective employers will be relevant in five, ten, fifteen years time?
Unit 1 - 2.2 Explain how to choose an employer in terms of personal interests, knowledge, skills and job requirements.
When it comes to choosing an employer, there are a number of factors (money aside!) that are important to consider. It's not all about landing a job for the sake of it, and it's not always about the employer either (here's hoping my boss doesn't see that). To be successful yourself, and to bring success to your employer, its important to have a role and a business that mutually suits both parties.
Experience. It is an classic discussion - which is more important, experience or a qualification? In an ideal world, an employer would love to have both, but young up and comers usually have one or the other. While we would all love to jump in to a senior role and earn some big bucks, everybody has to start somewhere. Many job descriptions state that experience is a must, while others are geared toward fresh talent that can grow with the role. So keep in mind, depending on your employment history, whether you really do have the experience under your belt to go for a particular job, or whether you need to approach a role that is more tailored to someone looking to gain experience and skills in a particular field.
Personal Interests.It can be extremely fulfilling if you have a passion about the job, role or employer that you will be approaching. For instance, I chose the employers above because I have a strong interest in creative design, and therefore I would enjoy my work, which, in theory, would lead to a good working environment and dedication.
