What should you prioritize when choosing your first design job?

1 Your goals and values

Before you start applying for design jobs, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what matters to you in your work. Do you want to specialize in a specific area of design, or explore different domains and disciplines? Do you prefer working in a large team or a small one, and how much autonomy and feedback do you expect? What kind of impact do you want to have with your design, and how do you measure your success? These questions can help you define your goals and values, and align them with the vision and mission of the companies you are interested in.

2 Your skills and portfolio

Another factor to consider when choosing your first design job is your current level of skills and the quality of your portfolio. You want to find a job that matches your skills and experience, but also challenges you to learn and improve. You also want to showcase your best work and demonstrate your design process and thinking. To do that, you need to tailor your portfolio to the specific job and company you are applying for, and highlight the relevant projects, tools, and techniques you have used. You also need to be ready to explain your design decisions and receive constructive feedback.

3 Your compensation and benefits

Of course, you also need to think about the financial and non-financial aspects of your first design job. You need to research the market rate for your role and location, and negotiate a fair and competitive salary that reflects your skills and value. You also need to consider the benefits and perks that the company offers, such as health insurance, retirement plan, vacation time, training opportunities, and so on. You need to weigh these factors against your personal and professional needs, and decide what is acceptable and what is not.

4 Your culture and fit

Finally, you need to assess the culture and fit of the company and the team you are joining. You want to work in an environment that supports your growth, creativity, and well-being, and that shares your values and vision. You also want to work with people who respect you, inspire you, and collaborate with you. To evaluate the culture and fit, you need to do your homework on the company's history, values, and reputation, and ask questions during the interview process. You also need to trust your gut feeling and intuition, and see if you feel comfortable and excited about working there.

Choosing your first design job is not an easy task, but it can be a rewarding one if you prioritize what is important to you and what will help you grow as a designer. Remember that there is no perfect job, and that you can always learn from any experience and move on if it is not working for you. The most important thing is to be confident in your skills, curious about new opportunities, and open to feedback and improvement.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?