Embark on your career journey with confidence using the "Design Career Handbook，" your ultimate companion to success in the dynamic world of design professions。 Authored by seasoned industry experts， this comprehensive guide presents invaluable insights and practical advice for self-taught artists， students， career changers， and early-stage working designers。

Part 1 offers a primer for newcomers， covering what designers do， essential design knowledge， educational routes， and fundamental skills needed to excel in the field。

In Part 2， discover indispensable guidance for entering the design workforce。 From evaluating potential employers or setting up a freelance business to crafting an impressive portfolio and a memorable personal brand， this section equips you to stand out in a competitive job market。

Navigate the job search process with ease in Part 3， where you'll learn effective networking strategies， discover where to find job opportunities， how to master communication with recruiters， and gain insider tips for acing interviews， design challenges， and portfolio presentations。

Part 4 provides vital advice on thriving in your first design job， including tips on navigating workplace dynamics， leveling up， making a meaningful impact， preparing for performance reviews， and overcoming imposter syndrome。

Looking ahead， Part 5 offers strategies for career progression and long-term success， whether in traditional full-time roles or freelance endeavors。 You’ll learn approaches for setting goals， getting promoted， and charting your path。

Structured for flexibility， the "Design Career Handbook" empowers you to explore topics at your own pace， making it your indispensable roadmap to a fulfilling career in design。

We’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and portfolios， interviewed and hired designers at all levels， and taught， mentored， and managed people at all career stages， supporting their growth and aspirations。 We’ve gained so much from the design industry that we’re excited to give back。

In addition to our personal experiences， we interviewed different types of designers to include diverse perspectives。

In this book， you’ll design fundamentalsDifferent educational routesDescriptions for a broad range of design jobsGuidance to develop a stand-out portfolioComparisons of working at different size companiesCritical steps to set up a freelance businessTips to search and apply for jobs that are a great fitInsight into what recruiters and hiring managers look forHow to nail interviews， design challenges， and presentationsTools to be successful in your first （or next） design jobAdvice on how to make an impact and shine in performance reviewsStrategies for your development and career growthAnd much more！