Use and abuse the grads

graphicbreeze

graphicbreeze

Member
I have been reading UK based GD forums all over and there seems to be a reoccurring theme of grads having to work for nothing on an intern, placement or trial just to get their foot in the door.

So this is directed more to designers who have graduated and went through this having to work for nothing chaos.

Do you find many design companies abuse this "free work" to lure in fresh grads in just to get them-self some free labor. Afterwords kicking them out to the curb with a smile and a smug "thank you" just so they can go hire a NEW grad to victimize and make work for nothing.

Reason for my concern is once I arrive in the UK I have only a few months to find work or it is game over. The worst thing is finding a no-pay internship that uses me and spits me out gobbling up some of my short precious time I have to find actual paying work.
 
Maybe in some places

Hello there,

I think some places do offer a good internship maybe even with pay in london.

In one place I do remember hearing the attitude "we'll get a college student to do the work, they'll do it for free"
This was so they can save some money yet got frustrated when the student struggled with the business eye on the project! and speed!

Anyway, I'm sure 'some' do pay but be prepared to be exploited a little. Keep at it.

try YCN, some good jobs and junior roles on there.

Cheers
 
We receive 2+ speculative enquiries per day. When we do take on a recent grad, it is because we see genuine potential and would like for things to work out / them to stay.

Takes time to get a grad up to speed commercially.
 
Minuteman Press said:
When we do take on a recent grad, it is because we see genuine potential and would like for things to work out / them to stay.

Takes time to get a grad up to speed commercially.
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I agree with this view. Why get someone in, train them up and then kick them out? Seems commercially a bad idea to me. If you invest in people then it should be for the long-term.
 
I think this is perhaps where graduates and businesses get hold of different ends of the same stick. Graduates see the fact that they cant walk into a well paid design job as exploitation of their skills. Whilst businesses look at a graduate as someone with potential but who doesn't know what theyre doing in a studio/business environment.

Graduates don't earn much because initially they cost the business money. Once they become profitable to the business, they are worth more and so earn more.
 
I was taken on in my current job as a grad, it took them 2 years to take me on permanently because of company restrictions on new staff, but i was paid, an alright wage as well. But now, after 3 years, i think I've outgrown that wage :icon_tongue_smilie:
 
what kind of rates can a grad expect ? i have a son coming up for graduation and would like to know what he can go for?
 
depends where abouts you are and how good he is. There are only a few well paid graduate jobs about so competition is fierce! Generally speaking If he can get a paid position he shouldn't expect much more that £11-12k.
 
If he can get a paid position in-house he would be able to get a lot more (more like 18,000 to 20,000) but then it would be a lot more responsibility depending on how many other inhouse designers the company has.
 
linziloop said:
If he can get a paid position in-house he would be able to get a lot more (more like 18,000 to 20,000) but then it would be a lot more responsibility depending on how many other inhouse designers the company has.
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WOW!! Wish I'd got a grad job where you work. lol :icon_biggrin:
 
bigdave said:
WOW!! Wish I'd got a grad job where you work. lol :icon_biggrin:
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Is it really that good?! I always thought it was kinda average, i was on £15,000 just doing bar work so expected to be on more when i left uni and got a graphic design job. This is in the North West of England as well, in London I would have expected it to be a lot more?
 
I can only speak from my experience in the Yorkshire area but Junior Designers with a years experience earn around £12-13k, 3 years experience will get you £15-18k anything over 3 years (junior/mid weight) varies wildly depending on the company. For example, I have friend's with 3-5 years under their belts but only earn £15k whilst others with a similar experience (myself included) earn £19-20k.
 
bigdave said:
I can only speak from my experience in the Yorkshire area but Junior Designers with a years experience earn around £12-13k, 3 years experience will get you £15-18k anything over 3 years (junior/mid weight) varies wildly depending on the company. For example, I have friend's with 3-5 years under their belts but only earn £15k whilst others with a similar experience (myself included) earn £19-20k.
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Wow, that does surprise me, I've been getting job adverts through by email for the past year or so and most junior designer jobs are starting at 18k, medium being 22 to 26k and senior being up at the 30k mark. I don't feel quite so bad with what I'm at now you've spoken up hehe!
 
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