How to Land the Career of Your Dreams
It’s a well-known fact that most people don’t end up in the jobs they initially desire. According to a LinkedIn survey, only 30% of people report working in their childhood dream job. However, while the specific job might change, a significant number of people do eventually find themselves in careers they love. In fact, a Gallup study shows that 85% of people globally are not engaged or actively disengaged at work, but those who are, often report being in careers that align with their passions and skills.
The difference between merely having a job and building a career of your dreams without earning low as a creative often comes down to effective planning. As highlighted in “Plan Your Career” by Alberta Careers the key is to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals. Marcos Malaga reinforces by accepting in his work that all dreams can be achieved and all careers won—it’s all about the right approach.
Success and failure in landing the career of your dreams requires more than planning, requiring at least the possibility that your dream job is attainable
Take Craig, for example. Craig always wanted to play in the basketball league but never achieved this dream. Standing at 5’4″, his height wasn’t ideal for the sport. From the onset, Craig’s dream was unlikely, not due to a lack of effort, but because of physical limitations. Simone Biles on the other hand From a young age, dreamed of competing in the Olympics, and made that dream a reality by becoming one of the most successful gymnasts in history, Winning this title was a realistic goal for her, and she succeeded because her dream matched her abilities and circumstances.
If you have a dream design job or a creative position in mind, and you’re looking for ways to land it in 2024, this guide is for you. Whether you want to get hired as a graphic designer or any other creative role, ensuring that your skills are utilized effectively is crucial. Let’s dive into the steps you need to take to achieve your dream career.
Making the Decision
Landing your dream job begins with clearly defining what that dream job is. This can be particularly challenging for those new to the field, who may be drawn to the aesthetics of design but are less certain about the financial and professional realities. A study by the Design Management Institute reveals that design-driven companies outperform the S&P 500 by 228%, highlighting the importance of understanding the professional impact of design.
It’s easy to assume you love illustration when designers like Dapo get featured on CorelDRAW for illustration, but beyond the glamour of a design genre, you must think deeply about why you love a particular skill and whether you have the drive to pursue it.
“I loved graphic design and started it in 2020,” says Tobechukwu Aninyei. “I also dabbled in motion graphics too. But I didn’t have the eye for the former and soon had to leave it.”
This scenario is common among multiple designers. Ask yourself, “Do I love this?” If the answer is yes, proceed to the next question: “Can I do this?” Remember, your design skills might be undeveloped, but with training, you can improve. However, if, like Tobechukwu, you find that you lack the necessary aptitude, it may be wise to explore another area that aligns better with your talents.
How do you answer this question? Take the NGD “Are You Meant for Design?” interactive quiz to find out if this path is right for you.
Ikigai: Finding Your Purpose
Ikigai blends the concepts of passion, talent, and skill to determine what you can offer that people would be willing to pay for. This ancient Japanese concept helps individuals align their career choices with their innate talents, ensuring that their professional life is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
A 2023 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that people whose careers align with their Ikigai report 34% higher job satisfaction and 15% higher income than those who do not.
You can apply the Ikigai framework to assess whether the design field (skills and business aspect included) is the right career for you.
Learn, Learn, Learn
If the career of your dreams is the right fit, it’s time to show it some love! Passion alone doesn’t make up for skill—only skills do. Building your skills requires hands-on application to creative tasks within your genre, mastering software tools, and learning the fundamentals of design.
Creatives seeking to go beyond and above in the industry have to learn the business side of creativity also. This includes managing clients, deadlines, pricing negotiations, and utilizing helpful tools to manage your finances.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for designers is projected to grow by 3% through 2029. To stand out in this competitive field, you need to continuously improve your skills.
Here are our tips for learning the right way:
Self-Practicing: A common mistake designers make is to spend more time watching tutorials than actually practicing. While learning from others is crucial, applying what you learn is what truly matters. After watching the best Photoshop tutorials for beginners, dedicate time to practicing on your own system. Avoid turning tutorial watching into a form of entertainment. Instead, apply the Japanese concept of “shadow mastery,” which involves copying exactly what you see in tutorials. Look for lessons that allow you to follow along and replicate the process.
Though this might seem counterintuitive to creativity, shadowing allows you to understand the reasoning behind color choices and design decisions, enabling you to create stronger works.
Looking for some cool tutorials? Check out Photoshop for Beginners and UI/UX Basics for Designers.
Mentorship: Mentors provide a one-on-one critique that can help you refine your work. It’s easy to become blind to your own mistakes. While good work might make you feel confident, bad ones can easily go unnoticed without external feedback. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 76% of professionals say that mentorship is critical to career success.
Top designers have emphasized that achieving your dream career often hinges on the guidance of a mentor. Mentors offer advice on creating work that your dream company or clients will admire.
Getting a mentor isn’t rocket science but requires careful planning. Seek out respected creatives in your chosen genre and approach them respectfully via emails or DMs. You can also attend networking sessions like our upcoming masterclass, where teachers automatically take students on for mentorship.
Get a Job: Experience Matters
We might be putting the cart before the horse, but sometimes the best way to grow is to take on projects with real stakes, such as paid gigs or internships in corporate environments. According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 81% of employers say that real-world experience is essential when hiring new graduates.
In these environments, deadlines are strict, and there’s no room for procrastination. This pressure often forces designers to grow and develop their skills rapidly. However, for freelancing, start with manageable expectations—take on work for relatives or projects slightly above your current skill level. Avoid reaching too far beyond your capabilities at first.
Get a Decent Job
Research how much designers in your genre earn in reputable establishments and aim for this as a stepping stone. This might not be your dream job or dream salary, but it’s a crucial step towards achieving them. A study by the U.S. Department of Labor found that workers who gain experience in intermediate roles earn 23% more when they eventually transition to their dream jobs.
Ensure you’ve proven yourself in intermediate positions before aiming for higher-paying roles. This isn’t a setback—it’s a step up from working internships or for friends and family.
How do you know you’re ready for this?
- Utilize Mentors: Ask mentors for candid opinions, leveraging their experience to determine if you’re ready to be hired.
- People Are Willing to Pay: If you approach businesses outside your family and friend circles and find people willing to pay for your services, it’s a good sign.
- Outgrowing Inspiration: If you find yourself craving more challenging projects, it’s a sign of growth, suggesting that you’re ready for the next step.
If you’re ready for this, here are successful methods to land your dream job.
Job Boards: Finding Opportunities
Your dream job might be tied to a specific company or salary. Utilize job boards to find positions at your dream companies or those offering desired salaries. According to Glassdoor, job seekers who use job boards are twice as likely to find employment.
A good CV and cover letter are required. Check here for tips on how to craft them effectively.
Cold Emailing: Make Yourself Known
Your dream company may not be actively hiring, but you can make yourself available by reaching out to them directly. This method, known as cold emailing, allows you to approach decision-makers with an offer, even without prior introductions. A study by the Career Advisory Board found that 70% of jobs are not advertised publicly, making cold emailing a powerful tool.
We cover everything about cold emailing to land the perfect design gig. Check it out.
Social Media: Positioning Yourself for Success
Social media for designers goes beyond uploading cool work. It’s about strategically positioning yourself for discovery. In 2024, social media can be a powerful tool in landing your dream job when utilized properly. LinkedIn, for example, reports that 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find job candidates.
Power your way through the job market and get ahead with our guide to social media for graphic designers.
Networking: Building Relationships
Designers praise networking as a reliable way to land dream gigs. Making a few connections and saying hi could open doors that were previously closed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of jobs are found through networking.
Calling out an event as a networking event easily rubs off as a chore whereas it’s an easy way of meeting, connecting, and thinking out ways for collaborating. Take the stress off by attending events filled with like-minded people. The upcoming NGDX25, hosting designers from several genres is a great place to be.
How to Get the Dream Job of Your Life
Most people spend around 28% of their lives on career-related activities, making it all the more important to pursue a career that aligns with your dreams. With our guide, you could be among the lucky ones to land your dream job in 2024 or later.
Our process above doesn’t cover everything, but it provides solid guidance for your journey. Feel free to improvise, and develop strategies that suit your unique path toward landing the career of your dreams.
The journey to your dream job is not always linear. There will be challenges, but with the right planning, continuous learning, and strategic networking, you can position yourself to achieve your professional goals. Whether it’s refining your skills, seeking mentorship, or making the most of job boards and social media, every step you take brings you closer to your ideal career.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning today, and take the first step toward making your dream job a reality in 2024. Your future self will thank you.
