[BizCareers] Good design schools and how long to stay in a job

Design schools

I have been working in the media industry for the past 27 years, mostly for magazines. I am 45-years-old. I enjoy improving quality of images using Photoshop or Lightroom. I was fully employed until two years ago when I became a freelancer. For my future career I would love to learn to be a designer as well - where could I get affordable schooling for that? I would also like to do more retouching / editing pictures for photographers, but I don't know where they advertise for jobs? - Patricia

Hi Patricia,

Thank you for your enquiry.

I'm assuming by "designer" you mean graphic designer? In which case, there are some very reputable institutions to contact eg. Inscape Design College, or Vega School of Brand Leadership. At Vega you would also be able to do short courses in photography if you are interested in upskilling yourself there.

With regards to editing and retouching jobs, most of the time independent photographers will do this themselves, so it would be better to look at larger companies such as offline and online magazines publishers. Perhaps contact companies directly such as Caxton, Media24 and Conde Naste, and utilise your previous experience in the magazine industry.

I hope this helps you, best of luck.

How long do you wait to make a change?

I have studied and completed a three-year marketing and media diploma and I'm currently working for one of the largest retail companies in SA, however, not in the department I have studied for. I've been working as a customer service consultant for over a year now and when I started I thought it would be a foot in the door for me, but I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I've tried speaking to some of the 'big boys' in HR about getting me into the marketing department, but with no success. Instead they say its almost impossible because I'm already working for them. What does this mean exactly? That they put more value on people outside their company and would rather give this opportunity to someone external?

Kindly tell me, am I wasting my time with false hope? Should I just leave this company? (Note: its a huge company that has enormous room for growth) - Bonga

Hi Bonga,

Thank you for your question.

You have a great qualification, well done! It seems you also currently have a great opportunity for exposure and learning at hand in your current company. I know right now it seems like you've been waiting for ages, but one year really isn't a long time in the big scheme of things. The worst thing you could do at this stage is resign after only a year with a very well-known brand. This won't look good on your CV and it may be very difficult to find another opportunity with an excellent company.

What I would suggest is to give it at least another year, perhaps even to the point where you get a promotion in your current department. Once you have proven yourself here, your managers should see your potential for learning and growth and if you put forward an excellent motivation towards working in the marketing department, with proof, there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to move you in that direction. Try to develop a good relationship with your direct manager, gain their trust and perhaps they can even try and help you move in an area you want to work in, they will be able to pull more strings than you and it's important to develop these relationships in a positive way. If it is really unbearable and you can't possibly see yourself there for another year, perhaps go for other interviews if you can and see what else is out there. You never know what you may find.

I hope that answers your question.

Best of luck!

Remember to always love what you do!
Juliette

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