Stop asking me for three years’ experience

Opinion

11 Sept

We live in a society which is consumed and ruled by numbers. How many marks do I need to get an ‘A’ in my exam? Will I be able to afford this and how many hours will it take me to finish this project? Numbers are important of course, without them we would be void of many useful tools and resources.

But, why are employers seemingly obsessed with setting unachievable figures when it comes to experience required for junior roles?

The hierarchy system of creative roles, I always assumed was to ensure that everybody could get their foot in the door, with an entry-level springboard into the industry. Unfortunately, from what I have discovered through many tireless scrolls on the jobs boards, is this simply isn’t the case. Instead, young creatives eager to bag their first job are matched with several obstacles, the biggest of which being “minimum x years experience required”.

Don’t get me wrong, I do have some understanding as to why businesses feel it necessary to include measures like this in their application process, they have money to make after all. But where are junior creatives supposed to gain the aforementioned experience in the industry if it’s not in junior roles?

And it’s not just the experience clause. It’s the expectation for young creatives to already be inter-disciplinary, multi-skilled, full packages. You can no longer just be a graphic designer. You’re asked for print experience, but digital too. Illustration skills, but web design as well. The pressure and expectations set for young creatives for what should be an entry-level position is unrealistic.

There is a misconception that a junior creative will only bring inconvenience, professional immaturity and lack of knowledge to a company. Simply put, some might think we are more hassle than it’s worth. How could we possibly benefit their practice? The unrealistic requirements on a job role frankly speaks volumes to the way some in the industry may feel towards the new wave of up and coming creatives.

However, what some of these employers don’t realise is work experience and a thick portfolio doesn’t automatically make you the perfect candidate. You could have an intern straight out of university who is eager, willing to learn and earn their stripes, but Bob, a mid-weight designer who has 10 years under his belt - lacks motivation, the hunger to learn and just can’t wait until the day is over. These examples might be a little extreme, but it highlights the point. Just because you’ve got it all on paper doesn’t mean you’ll do a good job.

In the UK we are already seeing a decrease in young people pursuing creative careers, so why are more obstacles being imposed. I’m sure many recent graduates including myself are fed up with this reality.

Grads - I understand how draining and discouraging this can be and I want to remind you that you are an asset to any business, you have insight and target market awareness that Bob will never have. Have confidence in your ideas, passion and determination. You can rack up experience, qualifications and paperwork, but it all means nothing if at your core you’re not passionate about what you create.

We need to call out the employers advertising unrealistic job descriptions and requirements. They need to remember how they felt when they first started in the industry and their first opportunity which subsequently led them to where they are today. I want them to think about how their impractical job requirements are unfair and damaging to the next generation of creatives, who can't catch a break.

On behalf of creative juniors, we demand you stop asking us for three years’ experience, let's focus on more important things.

About the author

Sinead Taylor is a recent graphic design graduate who is an obsessive and creative powerhouse helping small businesses through quietly forceful ideas. She is also passionate about changing the current design industry and educating others on the power of creativity in our world.

Website : www.sineadtaylor.co.uk

Instagram : www.instagram.com/sineadtaylordesign

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