PLEASE HELP, research report

[sigsam]

Hallo,
I’ am a third year graphic design student in Norwich, that is currently trying to write a research report on the existing gap between the design industry and academia.
I require a few minutes of your valuable time to answer the following questions and share your knowledge and experience.

Many thanks,
Sam.

1- Does the school equip students with the skills needed to make the
transition to design in the real world?

2- How was your experience of going into the "real world”?

3- What is the role for the designers of today and tomorrow?

4-What can students do to be better prepared?

5- If you had a chance on influencing what is taught, what will you
include on the curriculum?

6- How can graduate students bridge the gap between what they
have learned at school with what is expected in the industry?

7- Why are the standards so way apart between the two practices?

[ARRIVALS]

Hallo,
I’ am a third year graphic design student in Norwich, that is currently trying to write a research report on the existing gap between the design industry and academia.
I require a few minutes of your valuable time to answer the following questions and share your knowledge and experience.

Many thanks,
Sam.

Does the school equip students with the skills needed to make the transition to design in the real world?
No, but that depends what university course you do. With most if not all 3 year degree courses, there really isn't much of a transition at all. These sorts of courses are idea focused. Lecturers set their own projects really to get students to grips with the design process, techniques, idea generation etc.. They're good things to be learning at the beginning, but by the 3rd year (in my opinion) there really needs to be a lot more emphasis on life after university. I regularly here from printers I work with, that even students in their 3rd year, have no idea how to set files up for print.

How was your experience of going into the "real world”?
Brilliant and couldn't have been better. Because my uni course spent the whole 3rd year focusing us towards life afterwards. Modules on freelancing, business, printing, as well as the usual 3rd year things like work placements and dissertations etc...

What can students do to be better prepared?
If their university isn't going to teach them about some of the essentials needed for life after, then try and do it in your free time. Do some freelancing. Try finding some work for clients, if not paid, then unpaid. Look for work-placements in a printer a well as a design agency - if not to do any work, just to learn how printers and things work. Knowledge like this is valuable.

If you had a chance on influencing what is taught, what will you include on the curriculum?
The things mentioned above.

How can graduate students bridge the gap between what they have learned at school with what is expected in the industry?
The things mentioned above.

Why are the standards so way apart between the two practices?
I'd have to assume its because the people writing these courses, havn't had much experience in the design industry, and are just academics. Get designers from outside to help with course structure and actually have input with regards to what students really need to know for life in the industry after. To me, this would make all the difference.

Hope this helps. :icon_thumbup:

[sigsam]

I can not thank you enougth for taking the time to answer my thread.

Sam