EWU Design Student Handbook

EWU DESIGN 1

Student Handbook 1st Edition

Written and Designed

by Danielle Flinn, 2020

1st Edition

Written and Designed

by Danielle Flinn, 2020

EWU DESIGN

Student Handbook

CONTENTS 1

Part One 2 Welcome 3 Introduction What Even is Design?

Fretting About the Future Tailoring Your Life Choosing a Side Hustle Getting Your Tech Right

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Getting Settled Important Shi...Stuff What!? No Tests?

Get it Done The “F Words”

9

Our Community We are On Point Student Led Semi Organized Socializing Been There Done That

11 Part Two

WELCOME How to use this guide Welcome to EWU’s Design program! We are so excited you chose our program and can’t wait to see what amazing things you will do!

This guide was created by a fellow EWU Design student to provide you with a little introduction to our program and set you up for success throughout your journey here with us. It covers everything from our learning environment and design community to career and industry prep after college. It may seem like a lot of information upfront, but don’t worry; the EWU Design Program has amazing faculty and staff ready to help you at every turn in your design journey.

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INTRODUCTION WHAT EVEN IS DESIGN?

Milton Glaser, an industry renowned designer, marketer, and business professional, says “To design is to communicate clearly by whatever means you can control or master.” Design is communicating, and graphic design—visually communicating—is just one aspect of design.

Design is problem-solving, storytelling, entertaining, marketing, advertising, and more.

FRETTING ABOUT THE FUTURE

There are numerous career paths you can pursue with a Design degree. You can be a Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Marketing Expert, Entrepreneur, Digital Designer, Artist, Teacher, UX Designer, Web Designer, Social Media Designer, Experiential Designer, Event Planner, Set Designer. The sky isn’t even the limit!

All of the possibilities with a design degree might seem overwhelming, so we encourage you to use the time you have now to explore the different avenues and aspects of design.

Take classes that interest you. Talk to people you know and read about designers. Reach out to local experts. Most people are thrilled to talk to someone about their life (people like talking about themselves). Visit the EWU Career Center for resources on conducting an informational interview with an industry professional. Part of your education is discovering what you want for your life, and the best way to do this is to observe and experiment with different roles yourself.

INTRODUCTION

TAILORING YOUR LIFE

The EWU Design Degree is a fairly general start for your design journey. However, you can tailor the degree to fit your interests and career goals. You will work with your faculty advisor to choose classes to fulfill degree requirements and electives while also building specialized skills in a design area you are interested in.

CHOOSING A SIDE HUSTLE

If you are interested in declaring a double major or minoring in a subject related to design, consider the following options. Then talk with your design advisor about how a minor or second major can help you reach your career goals. Below is a list of options that complement a design degree well.

Marketing

A marketing degree can be a great option for developing design skills related to marketing.

This degree can help you understand where your design will go and how they will be used after you finalize them.

Psychology

Psychology is a great option to study along with design, as in the design field there is a lot of overlap with interpreting how your audience will respond to a design. The visual information processing and cognition classes would be extra beneficial.

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Communications Studies

Communication is a key skill for any field.

A communications degree will help you gain organization and communication skills that will serve as a key asset throughout your professional career.

Technical Communication

A Technical Communication degree is a great compliment for a design major as it focuses more on readability, textual information design, and understanding how language structure affects and interacts with design decisions.

Business/Entrepreneurship

It would be hard for the field of design to exist without business. If you are interested in starting your own design firm or freelancing, this degree would be helpful for you to gain the skills necessary to make your dream a reality.

Computer Science

For those more interested in the design and technology, a computer science degree would complement a design degree well and set you apart from the competition.

UX Certificate

The User Experience Design Certificate is offered by the design program and is a great option to accompany the design major if you are interested in designing the interfaces of apps or websites, or if you are interested in becoming a front end designer/developer.

INTRODUCTION

GETTING YOUR TECH RIGHT

Most of the campus computers meet the required technical specifications for design classes. However, if you want to purchase your own computer for Design classes, make sure it meets the following requirements. *Chromebooks and other cloud based devices will NOT work.*

RAM

16 GB minimum (more preferred)

Hard Drive (Storage)

512 GB SSD or 750 GB/7200 RPM minimum (more preferred)

Video Adapter (Graphics Card)

1 GB VRAM or more; animation students should consider 2 GB VRAM or more (avoid integrated graphics processors)

External Hard Drive

An external drive at least as large as your computer’s internal drive for backing up your computer.

Warranty Service

It is recommended to purchase a warranty service lasting at least 3 years.

Software

Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud are required for design courses. Microsoft Office 365 is available through your EWU email. If purchasing Adobe Creative Cloud, be sure to check for educational discounts.

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GETTING SETTLED IMPORTANT SHI...STUFF

The first few classes Design students typically take set the foundation for beginning your journey as a designer.

Drawing for Communications (DESN 100) Digital Foundations (DESN 216) Visual Thinking (DESN 200) Then, continuing to build on this foundation, students usually take: History of Design (DESN 259) Typography 1 (DESN 243) Design 1 (DESN 263) Your faculty advisor will work with you each quarter to help set your class schedule. It is recommended that you look at the course catalog and schedule before meeting with your advisor. Draft a proposed schedule, then talk with them to make sure you did not miss anything important. Remember, professors have a lot going on especially during enrollment periods. You are encouraged to meet with your advisor early and often.

GETTING SETTLED

WHAT!? NO TESTS?

EWU values student learning and success.

Because much of the design in the “Real World” are projects, a lot of the work assigned in the Design program is project-based. There are exercises, readings, and occasionally tests and quizzes. But the main work you will be asked to complete will be design-related projects.

GET IT DONE

The EWU design department bases final grades primarily on effort. So DO THE WORK. Work ahead, if you have time, as toward the end of the quarter assignments tend to pile up.

THE “F WORDS”

FEAR of FAILURE. Just don’t. Don’t be afraid to fail. And don’t be afraid to try something new.

Challenge yourself in your work and grow from it.

Put your best effort into your work and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling. Often, students will collaborate together on how they are approaching the same project. Take these opportunities to ask questions and listen to peer feedback. The more effort you put into your work the better it will be, and the more you will learn.

Sometimes this might even mean starting over.

Iteration is all part of the design process. But once you have a clear vision, your hard work and effort will show in your final draft.

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OUR COMMUNITY WE ARE ON POINT

The EWU Design program has an amazing community. From professors to students, everyone wants to learn and grow together.

So don’t be afraid to say “hi” to your neighbor, bring up the latest controversial design topic, or mention an interesting Medium article you read.

Our community is open, collaborative, and ready to hear what you have to say and grow from it.

The Professors and Advisors care about you and want you to take every learning opportunity you can while you are here.

Your fellow students are excited to learn with you and collaborate on class projects and assignments. Some of the most inspiring ideas come from conversations with others who have different perspectives and views on your ideas.

Upperclassmen are eager to assist with lowerdivision classes and answer any questions.

Don’t be afraid to seek out peer opinions.

OUR COMMUNITY

STUDENT LED SEMI ORGANIZED SOCIALIZING

BEEN THERE DONE THAT

A great way to meet and collaborate with other design students is to participate in the EWU Design Club. The club meets weekly each quarter and works on different design projects, hosts peer critiques, portfolio workshops, and networking opportunities.

The club also facilitates social events for design students typically in the form of Draw Offs and Holiday Parties. Be sure to join the club on Eagle Sync to stay up to date.

Many program alumni are right here in Spokane!

These folks love to chat with their old profs and see what the current students are up to. The best way to reach them is through the EWU Design Facebook Group. You can request to join the group here. These might be some of the most valuable connections you can make.

Create these authentic connections now, before you need them. So once you start looking to gain experience, you already have a connection and you don’t have to cold call. You will quickly realize how valuable this network is, as many positions are filled before they are advertised due to word of mouth.

CONTENTS 11

Part Two 13 Succeeding Seriously Do the Freak’n Work Seventy Times Seven Use Your Words Be a G.O.A.T. Feeling Dead?

I Do What I Want Humble Brag

19 Your Own Path Adulting Events Getting Out #Goals Talking to Strangers Be Ready to Brag #Fearless on Campus #Fearless in Spokane #Fearless Away

Part Two cont.

29 Gaining Experience G.Y.S.T Shazam Your Portfolio Get a Jump Start Take the Leap Your History Your Statement Suit Up Prepping for the Hot Seat The Hot Seat Push a Little Get a Drink!

Spread Your Wings

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SUCCEEDING Succeeding in the design program isn’t about getting an “A” or about having the coolest project in the class, it’s about YOU. What are you learning? Which of your goals are you reaching? Are you taking ownership and pride in the work you are doing? With that said, here are some quick tips on how you can meet these goals.

SERIOUSLY DO THE FREAK’N WORK

SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN

Wait...Why does this sound so familiar? Oh yeah, it’s that important we had to mention it twice. To succeed you will need to do the work.

Start early, plan ahead and get your work done.

Any work you don’t do is a missed opportunity to learn, grow, and increase your skills as a designer. If you push yourself to do you best on every project now, you will have numerous pieces to include in your portfolio. Each project is an opportunity to enhance yourself and set your future self up to succeed in the professional world.

Design is all about process. Research, Brainstorm, Sketch, Ideate, Refine, and Make.

It is through planning and iteration that each project will take shape and become something great; and maybe even something you never thought you could make. So iterate. How many times? Seventy times seven.

SUCCEEDING

USE YOUR WORDS

We’d like to think this is common sense, but in our busy lives, it sometimes is forgotten. Practice good communication with your professors and peers now, as in the workforce this skill is invaluable. Confused about an assignment?

Raise your hand in class, email your professor, talk to your classmates. Seek feedback on your projects, before, during, and after. Pitching your projects and ideas helps you process them and can unlock even bigger inspiration. Hearing feedback helps you enhance your eye for design and improve your final work.

BE A G.O.A.T

Your reputation while in the program is one of your first opportunities to practice professionalism. Start thinking now about how you want to be seen and work toward that image. Do you want to be remembered as hardworking? Creative? Artistic? A leader? Your peers and professors now will be your first circle of professionals after graduation. Who knows; they might assist you in landing your first job.

Be the best version of you that you can be, in your work, in your actions, and in your character.

Be G.O.A.T, “Greatest of all time”.

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FEELING DEAD?

As a creative, sometimes it is hard to be creative. Your “creative juices� might run out or maybe you are just plain unmotivated. Whatever the reason, you find yourself struggling with an assignment, the best way to get over the block is to just sit down and start. Make something. It might turn out horrible, but it is something. It is a start. Then take a break and think about the project. Set aside time to research what others have done. One of the best ways to create is to remix pieces others have made into something new and uniquely you. Research other things that may not even relate to the project but that inspire you. Ask yourself how you could incorporate this into the project. If none of this works, think about what made you want to be a designer. Then write that in giant letters above your workspace. Put it on your phone screen, set is as your desktop background. Shoot, make yourself stickers and tag campus with it.

SUCCEEDING

I DO WHAT I WANT

Having your own design projects outside the classroom is important. These personal projects not only give you a break from structured assignments and the stress of “being right/ perfect�. But they offer you an opportunity to practice what you are learning on your own.

You are in charge of what you are making, how you are making it, and how long it will take you.

Once you are looking to enter the industry, employers will seek passionate people with personal side projects in their portfolios. They want to see projects that show your personal interests, the level of work you are capable of, and your willingness to try and learn new things.

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HUMBLE BRAG

As a designer, you will need a portfolio to showcase your very best work. Don’t worry about setting one up right away. But as soon as you have taken a quarter of design classes, it is a good idea to start curating your work. The more practice you have designing and building your portfolio, the better it will be. Start now so you can update it as you learn and become a stronger designer. Having a portfolio will help you market yourself and create opportunities for you to gain professional experience.

You might be thinking, “I can’t have a portfolio, my work isn’t good enough.” Stop it. Confidence in yourself is key. If there is work you are proud of, it deserves to be in a portfolio. If you are unsure of what work to use, talk to your peers and program faculty to gain insight and advice on your work. Consider revising some of your weaker projects to make them stronger pieces.

For each project you include in your portfolio, it is important to describe the problem you were trying to solve and your approach to the solution.

For example, for a branding project include something like, “A local brewery needed a logo and brand identity documentation to encompass their unique mountain malt flavors and hipster style.” From here, describe your approach and process during the project. Then end with a conclusion stating why your solution works (or doesn’t work), what you learned, and if there is anything you would do differently.

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YOUR OWN PATH Now that you’ve been introduced to the program and you know a bit about what to expect, it is up to you to make it your own. What you do with your time outside of the program is up to you. However, we encourage you to take advantage of the time you have now and start building a professional presence and network to set you up for success after graduation.

ADULTING EVENTS

There are many organizations and events right here in Spokane that can help you build your professional network. It is a good idea to research each of these organizations, and follow the ones that interest you so you can stay up to date with what is happening in our local community. The following pages list some places to start.

YOUR OWN PATH

American Advertising Federation Spokane

AAF Spokane is a local chapter of the American Advertising Federation. They host several events and fundraisers throughout the year. Including, the American Advertising Awards, Create, and Collective Campout. They also offer volunteer opportunities and lunch and learn workshops.

All of which are great opportunities to get out there and network. In addition to these opportunities, AAF also offers scholarships for college design students and seeks an EWU Student Liaison to serve on their board annually.

First Friday

First Friday is a program organized by the Downtown Spokane Partnership. On the first Friday of every month, local art galleries launch new art exhibits, host live musicians, and local restaurants offer discounts. These are great opportunities to see what the community is up to. Downtown Spokane also hosts a poster contest in the summer to gather designs to use throughout the First Friday season.

Future Ada

Futura Ada hosts technology-centered events and workshops throughout the year. Including Code in the Dark held annually in October. This is a great event to practice your web design skills alongside industry professionals. Futura Ada also offers career mentorships for women and nonbinary students.

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She is Vested

Vested is a professional networking group specifically for women entrepreneurs. Vested hosts monthly events to promote professional growth and community connection.

Spark Central

Spark Central is a community organization and learning space that promotes creativity, innovation, and imagination through education and workshops. Spark Central also offers volunteer and internship opportunities.

Spokane Arts

Spokane Arts is a community organization existing to promote art and creativity in the inland northwest. Spokane Arts hosts and supports a variety of creative events throughout Spokane. In addition, they offer artist grants and curate a list of local artist opportunities.

Spokane Art School

SAS organizes community art classes and hosts art centered events, such as the annual Monster Draw in October. They are always looking for volunteers and regularly offer art residencies.

Spokane Print and Publishing Center SPPC is a local print center specializing in letterpress, screen-print, relief printmaking, book-binding, and other creative mediums.

SPPC frequently offers classes to further your creative printmaking skills.

YOUR OWN PATH

Spokane UX

Spokane UX is a local Meetup group with monthly meetings discussing the latest UX trends and local opportunities. These events are a great opportunity to make connections and practice discussing industry trends with other design professionals.

Spokane Young Professionals

SYP is a local networking group specifically for young professionals. While not specifically design-oriented, the SYP events are great ways to meet other professionals. Who knows, someone here might need an intern or have a job opening?

Terrain

Terrain is a local art gallery and non-profit that hosts the annual art show Terrain, bi-annual craft fairs Bazaar and Brrzaar, as well as First Friday events throughout the year. EWU Design students and graduates have exhibited work at the Terrain art show and have been accepted to table at Bazaar. Keep an eye out for when the applications open for Terrain events.

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GETTING OUT

#GOALS

Getting there is the hardest part. Set a goal for yourself to attend one event every month, or every 2 weeks, whichever fits your schedule.

Then, make sure to go prepared. Take business cards with your contact information, portfolio link, and any professional social media profiles you would like to share. Take copies of your resume, if relevant to the event. Then prepare for the actual networking part.

An elevator pitch is a brief summary of who you are, what you are currently doing, and what goals you have for your future. Think about being on an elevator with your favorite designer. How would you describe yourself to them? How would you explain your experiences? And how would you express your hopes for your future? Practice your elevator pitch and get feedback from your advisors and mentors. Revise your pitch based on their feedback. Then practice your pitch until you are confident in your delivery.

YOUR OWN PATH

TALKING TO STRANGERS

You might feel awkward going to an event as a student. But here is the secret: Everyone is feeling a little awkward. Making conversation with people you don’t know is hard. But networking events are great because talking to others you don’t know is expected - in fact, that is why everyone is there. They want to meet people and connect. The simplest way to start a conversation is to introduce yourself and then ask someone what they do for work. You can always have other questions to help build the conversation: “That’s great, what company do you work for?”

“How long have you been there?”

“How long have you been doing that?”

Once you ask the questions, be an active listener. Inquire further about projects, activities, and personal hobbies. Show you are interested in connecting with them in your actions. The best connections made are the ones where you discover shared interests and common goals.

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BE READY TO BRAG

Be ready to talk about yourself. Use your elevator pitch and show excitement when you are discussing your own projects and professional goals. Stay mindful of how you are doing throughout the event. Remember it is okay to take breaks; you don’t have to be “on” the whole time. You perform your best when you are relaxed and confident; if you need a social break, take a moment to get a drink of water or visit the refreshment table (if there is one). Then when you are refreshed, jump back into “networking mode”. At the end of the event, ask to connect with other attendees on LinkedIn or offer your business card; better yet, get theirs.

YOUR OWN PATH

#FEARLESS ON CAMPUS

There are many opportunities to network and gain experience right here on the Eastern Campus.

Connect with the EWU Career Center to see current job openings and events. The annual events below are great places to start: STEM Career Fair, Fall Quarter FUSE Career Fair, Winter Quarter SOAR Conference, Spring Quarter Stay up to date on Handshake for internship and job opportunities on campus that relate to design. Historically the EWU offices below have hired design students as student graphic designers or marketing assistants: Athletics ASEWU Career Center The College of Social Sciences Eagle Store EPIC Adventures Housing and Residential Life Office of Diversity and Inclusion Office of Sustainability SAIL Student Affairs Student Employment

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#FEARLESS IN SPOKANE

There are also plenty of local industry opportunities in and around Spokane. Follow local creative firms on social media to be the first to know of student opportunities and check Handshake often. Below is a list of firms and local businesses that have regularly offered design internships or residencies.

Agency

14 Four Bahlr Media Desautel Hege - DH Gravity Jack Klundt Hosmer Marketing Vision Mojo Labs Seven 2 The Woodshop

Community

Future Ada Laboratory Spark Central Spokane Art School Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

In House

ENGIE Impact Etailz Itron McKinstry RiskLens SCAFCO Steel Stud Company

YOUR OWN PATH

#FEARLESS AWAY

While there are some opportunities locally, there are so many summer positions if you are willing to relocate. If you are concerned about cost, usually away opportunities are paid! No place to live?

Thanks to the worldwide web there are numerous temporary housing options or services to connect you with someone in need of a sublet. The next section goes into detail with tips on securing a summer internship away from Spokane (although the same tips can land you a local position too!).

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GAINING EXPERIENCE G.Y.S.T

Get your shi..stuff together. Figure out why you want an internship or job. What are your goals for the position? What do you want to learn from it? Is there a specific area of design you want to learn more about? Once you have a clear picture of what you want, it is time to start looking.

SHAZAM YOUR PORTFOLIO

Once you have an idea about what kind of work you want to do, make sure your portfolio reflects this goal. Make sure to include your best portfolio pieces. If there is work you previously were confident in, but I don’t feel like reflects your talents today, don’t be afraid to take this out. Also, be sure to only include work that you actually want to do in a job. If you do NOT want to be hired as a photographer, don’t include a bunch of photography. If you DO want to be hired as a UX Designer, include as many UX projects as possible. You’ll be hired for what you show you understand and are skilled in.

GAINING EXPERIENCE

GET A JUMP START

TAKE THE LEAP

Start your search in the fall. Bigger companies start posting positions anywhere between October and January for summer openings, with an increasing number of postings during late February through April. Keep your goals and desires for the experience at the forefront of your mind. Once you start looking outside Spokane, there are numerous opportunities - but also many more candidates to compete with. But don’t doubt yourself, you ARE qualified to apply and you CAN secure an internship. Narrow your search to a select 3 to 5 cities to help filter the overwhelming number of openings. Make a list of ten companies you think you’d like to work for. Then go to their websites to see what internships they have open.

Search Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, and even just Google. Save the positions that excite you the most when you read about them, taking special note of any application deadlines.

Now with an organized list of opportunities, start applying. Schedule out time to work on your applications. Start with the one that is due the soonest, then work forward. Always include a cover letter; if there isn’t a place to upload one, add it as the first page of your resume.

TIP: Use a screen capture plugin to save the job description so you can reference it later. Some companies will take down the posting before scheduling interviews, and you might need to reference it to prepare for an interview!

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YOUR HISTORY

YOUR STATEMENT

When writing your resume and cover letter, focus on the skills the internship posting lists as qualifications or requirements. Organize your skills by grouping technical ones together and then listing soft skills separately. When describing job roles and activities, focus on how you grew from a role and what you learned. Pull keywords from the listing and incorporate them into your resume and cover letter. In today’s ever-advancing world of technology, the first round of resumes are sometimes filtered by rules and algorithms searching for specific search terms related to the posting.

Use your cover letter to introduce yourself, highlight specific information in your resume that you don’t want your audience to miss, and anything else that is relevant. Structure it in three to five paragraphs. Include who you are, why you want the role, why you are qualified for the role, and what they will get upon hiring you. When describing your skills quantify your experience, by stating how many years, hours, or projects you have been practicing a skill.

EWU has several resume and cover letter writing services that may be beneficial to take advantage of. Visit the Career Center for tips on drafting your application documents.

GAINING EXPERIENCE

SUIT UP

Congrats! Your application caught someone’s eye. When this happens, you will usually get an email from a recruiter requesting to set up a short phone call. These calls are preliminary checks to make sure you understand what the role you are applying for is and to answer any high level questions you have about the position. Before the call, make a list of a few questions to ask about the position and company. Below are a few ideas: • • • • • • • • • •

How big is the team I would be working with?

What types of projects have interns (or Jr. staff) completed in the past?

Will there be any other interns / Jr. staff at the company?

How many senior designers will be available to mentor throughout the internship?

What teams will I be working with in this position? Marketing? Developers?

Is intern housing provided?

Are relocation costs offered?

What is the salary?

What are the chances of a job offer at the end of the internship term?

How fluid is internal career advancement?

Remember, this call is as much for you as it is for them. You want to make sure you will be compensated for the time you are spending and the skills you already have. Be confident and value yourself.

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PREPPING FOR THE HOT SEAT

After the call with the recruiter, you will get an email requesting to schedule a phone, video, or in person interview. Once the interview is set up, it’s time to prep. First, come up with a salary rang; base this off industry averages, your professional value, and your personal living expenses. You want to be prepared in case you are asked about your salary expectations. Next, review the job posting and research the company or team you will be working with. Find articles about past projects and find the interviewers on LinkedIn. Come up with two or 3 questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest in the company and position.

Practice your answers for basic interview questions and how you would explain relevant projects in your portfolio. Contact the EWU Career Center to schedule a mock interview and develop your skills or use ewu.biginterview.com/

GAINING EXPERIENCE

THE HOT SEAT

If the interview is a phone or video call, make sure you are in a professional and quiet space.

Remember to stay calm and breath. Dress professionally, or as otherwise directed by the recruiter; you want to make a statement that you care about your presentation and are interested in the company. Feel free to bring a list of brief notes or questions to help you stay focused and remember what you practiced.

If you are asked a question you don’t have an answer for, stay collected and be honest. After explaining you haven’t been in that situation or you are not sure how to accomplish the task, volunteer details on how you think you would handle the situation if you came across it in the future. Being honest shows humility, and describing how you would solve the problem shows how you approach problem solving and confidence that you can adapt to new situations. At the end of the interview, it is a good idea to ask about the next steps in the interview processes, or about the timeline on when you might hear back from the company.

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PUSH A LITTLE

After an interview, it is important to follow up with the interviewer. Some companies will delay sending out acceptance notices just to see which applicants are interested enough in the position to follow up. We recommend sending a handwritten thank you note the following day, or at least an email expressing your gratitude for the interview.

If you have not heard from them by the time they stated they’d get back to you, or 5 business days (whichever is sooner), follow up with an email or phone call. Be courteous and respectful of their time, but also inquire about how the application process is going. Don’t be afraid to ask if you are still being considered for the position.

GET A DRINK!

Congrats! You got a job offer! Now all that is left to do is decide if you want to accept the position or not. Remember it is okay to take some time to think about the offer before accepting, but make sure you communicate your intentions. Often it is wise to start by asking the company if their offer is negotiable. Then consider your living expenses, your professional value, the benefit package, relocation costs, and average industry salaries.

GAINING EXPERIENCE

GET A DRINK! (CONTINUED)

Consider your professional experience; do you feel the offer is valuing you at industry standard?

Research average salaries for entry level positions, and talk to your mentors to get advice on what are fair current salary standards. Don’t forget to look at your benefit package. Consider what you want in a health insurance plan, life insurance, retirement contributions, schedule flexibility, vacation time, sick leave, and transportation stipends. After your research is done, if you feel you are getting a fair offer, it is still okay to negotiate your salary and benefits package. Often it is harder to get a salary increase after being hired, than negotiating before you start. However, if they already mentioned the offer was non-negotiable, it is better to answer with a direct acceptance or denial of their offer.

If you decide to ask for more than the original offer, it is important to have a reason. Focus on how you have been a key participant or leader in past experiences, and how you will transfer that skill to your new position. Be informed and confident in your request; but, don’t be greedy.

Value yourself but stay humble. If you are denied the request, the company will usually come back with a better offer than the original or they will give you a chance to reconsider the original offer.

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SPREAD YOUR WINGS

If you’ve landed a summer internship or temporary contract position, chances are you’re on your own to find housing. If you’re lucky, your company might assist with relocation and housing placement, but for the majority of entry level positions, this is not the case. So where do you start? Thanks to the internet, there are plenty of online services that you can use to secure housing. Search Google for “intern” or “student” housing to see results. Some cities have complexes specifically dedicated to provide accommodations for students and interns. Check local college campuses to see if you can rent a dorm room during your stay. Research apartment complexes near where you will be working to see what the minimum lease requirement is and if they offer furnished rooms. For lower cost options, many cities have local Facebook sublet groups you can join to find a room or host family. You can also try Craigslist, Airbnb, College Student Apartments, and other online tools. Don’t be afraid to also inquire with your new employer about local housing resources, most are happy to help assist with relocation technicalities.

INDEX (THE LESS FUN TITLES)

Part One 2 Welcome 3 Introduction What even is VCD? What can I do with this degree?

Tailoring the Degree Complementing Majors Things you should know

7 Getting Settled Courses and Schedule Learning environment Do the Work “The “F Words”

9 Our Community Professors / Advisors Students / Peers Design Club Alumni

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Part Two 13 Succeeding Do the Work Iterate Communicate Make an Impact Creative Block Passion Projects Your Portfolio

19 Your Own Path Networking Opportunities Networking Tips Campus Opportunities Local Industry Opportunities Away Opportunities

29 Gaining Experience Determine Waht You Want Update Your Portfolio Look early Application Process Interview Process

About this Handbook This handbook was created by one of EWU’s very own Design students with the vision that future students could use it to be inspired, motivated, and guided throughout their time in the EWU Design Program.

The handbook has everything from the first few courses students typically take, to campus and community opportunities for gaining design experience. This book even has tips on landing your first job after graduation!