Career Zone
Career ZoneCareer Research and PlanningExploreEmployment SectorsCreative Industries and Performing ArtsDesign

Design

Design is a diverse field spanning many sectors. Whether you're interested in creating physical products, crafting immersive digital experiences or shaping spaces and environments, there’s a design role to match your interests. Like many industries, AI is impacting the design sector by providing digital tools and technologies that automate tasks, boost creativity, and enhance efficiency. 

As a designer, the decisions you make will be underpinned by various principles relevant to the area in which you work. For example, as a web designer, you would create solutions informed by things such as colour theory, accessibility guidelines and visual hierarchies. Many roles involve close collaboration with other professionals and require a solid understanding of user needs and market trends. There are many different types of designers, and you can explore some of the most common ones by reading the job profiles below.  

Job roles  

If you're interested in pursuing a design career, the following sectors may also be of interest:  

Further research 

Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here. These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to thoroughly reviewing the person specification, job description and job advert for each role you’re interested in before applying. 

  • Creativity - to produce innovative, original, and commercially viable designs.
  • Commercial awareness - understanding market demands, pricing strategies, production processes and current design trends.
  • Communication – to clearly present, explain and sell your design ideas to clients, collaborators and stakeholders.
  • Constructive Criticism and Feedback- the ability to accept, reflect on and improve your designs based on feedback.
  • Eye for detail – having a keen eye for colour, shape, proportion and how textures, patterns and materials work together.
  • Interpersonal and relationship-building skills - to collaborate effectively with clients, colleagues, suppliers, and contractors.
  • Negotiation and persuasion - the ability to advocate for your designs, negotiate with clients or suppliers and persuade stakeholders.
  • Organisation and time management - the ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing deadlines, and ensure designs meet quality standards and budgets.
  • Problem-Solving - the ability to think critically and resolve design challenges.
  • Teamworking – the ability to collaborate efficiently with other specialists, including designers, architects, and marketers, on projects.
  • Technical skills – proficiency in specific tools relevant to your industry, such as Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD or 3D modelling software. 

In order to develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.

Gaining Experience

Gaining relevant work experience and creating a portfolio of your work is crucial for impressing potential employers and clients. Your portfolio should highlight your creativity, technical abilities and understanding of the design process. For advice on creating a portfolio read the Prospects article, Putting together a creative portfolio. 

The experience you should seek will depend on the specific design role you're interested in. For guidance on the most appropriate work experience, check the relevant job profile(s) above.  

On campus opportunities and volunteering  

A great way to start building a portfolio is by taking on freelance work or personal projects. Joining relevant university clubs or societies can also be highly beneficial, as they offer opportunities to develop practical experience, such as creating websites or set designs.  

Think about which organisations could benefit from your skills. For instance, web designers can create websites for small businesses or charities, while interior designers might redesign spaces at home or offer services to local cafes, charity shops or startups. Charities, community groups, and student organisations often need design support, whether it’s for promotional materials, website design or stage design assistance. 

Find opportunities using the sites below: 

Part-time work 

While not the most typical route to gain experience, part-time jobs can provide experience in this field. Fashion retail experience, for example, can be beneficial in developing an understanding of customer preferences, visual merchandising, and seasonal trends. Finding relevant part-time work in specialist design roles can be challenging, but small businesses and startups are often a good place to look. For example, smaller companies may need web design support but lack the budget for a full-time designer. 

Internships and work experience 

While some employers offer internships, there is no centralised website listing all opportunities. It's essential to visit individual employer websites, to check for current openings. Visit the DBA Directory to compile a list of potential employers or look for local organisations in your area. Alternatively, consider creating your own opportunity by sending a speculative application.  

Online courses 

While not a direct form of work experience, online courses and tutorials can enhance your skills and keep you up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your field. Platforms like Coursera, Future Learn or even YouTube offer a wealth of resources to help you build specific skills.  

Placements 

If you're interested in gaining work experience as part of your degree, consider a placement. To learn more, visit the Placements Hub  via your Exeter Single Sign-On. It covers everything from how to apply to opportunities abroad and guidance for international students.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers. 

Graduate Jobs 

Design roles are typically advertised on industry-specific websites rather than a single general job board. For a complete list of relevant platforms, refer to the relevant job profile under the 'Job Roles' detailed above. 

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.   

Graduate Schemes 

Most graduates begin their design careers in entry-level roles rather than through formal graduate schemes. While graduate schemes do exist, they are relatively few and often require a relevant degree—though this isn't always the case. Below is a list of employers who have offered graduate schemes relating to design in previous years: 

  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Next
  • Sky
  • Vodafone UK 

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

While formal training and qualifications are typical in the design field, individuals with a strong portfolio and no formal credentials can still achieve success. That said, each design role is unique, so it’s crucial to research entry requirements and employer preferences before deciding on further training or qualifications. For detailed guidance on these, refer to the 'Qualifications' and 'Career Progression' sections in the relevant profile under the 'Job Roles' section above. 

Visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.  

Useful websites to research your further study options can be found below: 

  • Chartered Society of Designers - Design Body for Designers - the internationally recognised body for the design profession. Includes a ‘Find a course’ resource, although it's recommended to review the relevant job profile(s) under ‘Job roles’ above for more specific course provider information.
  • FindAMasters - comprehensive listings for Master’s degrees 

Information and links from professional bodies and associations  

Professional bodies support individuals in a specific industry, providing resources like training, certification and networking. While membership is optional, it can help you grow your network, develop professionally and stay up to date with industry trends.