Part-Time Jobs for Design Students?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior interested in design, and I'm thinking about getting a part-time job that could help me with my future studies. What kind of jobs should I be looking into to get some relevant experience?

As a design enthusiast, there are quite a few job options out there that can simultaneously hone your skills and allow you to experience the industry firsthand. Retail positions in home decor or craft supply stores can be beneficial as customer-facing roles can help you understand people's needs and trends in the market. Plus, you'll be regularly exposed to various design products and concepts.

Alternatively, you can consider internships or part-time roles at local design, branding or advertising agencies. Working in these environments could provide a multifaceted design experience that involves brainstorming, creative execution, and project management.

Design studios often look for assistants, and this could be a great opportunity to learn about the different facets of the design business. Your duties may range from administrative tasks to supporting client projects alongside senior designers.

Local print shops are often on the lookout for part-time help and this can be a great way to learn more about typography, graphics, and layouts.

If you're more tech-oriented, you could cue into a part-time job that involves web design or UI/UX design, possibly at a tech startup or a web development firm.

Freelancing is another great option. Many start-ups, small businesses, or even friends and family might need help with simple design tasks like creating logos, designing social media posts, or improving their websites. Starting as a freelancer will help build your portfolio and gain valuable real-world experience simultaneously.

Always remember to consider not just what the job can offer you right away, but how you can utilize the skills learned in the long run & how it could contribute to your portfolio. Different roles will offer unique opportunities to expand your design toolkit, so consider what areas of design you'd like to gain more experience in as you search for a part-time job. Happy job hunting!