Group Tutorial Prep.

What is professional / industrial experience?

Experience  
• noun
1 practical contact with and observation of facts or events.
2 knowledge or skill acquired over time.
3 an event or occurrence which leaves an impression on one.

• verb

1 encounter or undergo (an event or occurrence).
2 feel (an emotion).


  — ORIGIN Latin experientia, from experiri ‘try’. 

(Concise Oxford Dictionary)


By this definition in the context of design professional / industrial experience could be a number of things.

- A scenario for practical application of skills learnt in education.
- It would seem that experience is now more important than getting a good degree, good experience will mean you have more skills and knowledge to bring to the table when perspective employers are comparing candidates for a job.
- Handling a process - by this I mean knowledge and understanding can be gained simply by taking on more responsibility. For example having a greater dialogue with a printer and dictating the way in which a job is produced rather than being told how they think it should. They will invariably impart their wisdom onto you that you could use in future projects.
- Freelance working - in a similar vein to the previous point - gaining experience through responsibility and full control of duties.


'The most important thing to remember is that all work gives you some experience, including bar work, volunteering and Saturday jobs.' (prospects.ac.uk) 
I think this quote is very relevant because when working, no matter what job, you learn how to communicate with people from all walks of life and this is a very important skill to apply when building a career.

I think the key thing to note about experience is that it can be knowledge or understanding gained through observation or direct contact. I think a bad experience can be just as fruitful as a positive one, if not more so.

Why is professional  / industrial experience important as part of PPD?

- It provides an opportunity to work in a chosen field or specialism gaining knowledge on how a particular industry operates.
- A way of trying out something before making a long term commitment.
- Through gaining experience you may boost your confidence and ability.
- It will help you work out where you would align yourself and your skills in the design context in the long term.
- Will receive critical, professional advice from professional designers and draw inspiration from my experiences. 
- Valuable industry contacts can be made.

How do you gain professional / industrial experience and what form does it take?

- Work Placements/Internships (long or short term).
- Visits - i.e. Printers, Studios, Agencies, Exhibitions, Trade Shows.
- Correspondence and dialogue with professional creatives
- Freelance / Live briefs / Competitions.
- Collaboration

What should you aim to gain from professional / industrial experience? 

- Greater understanding of how the creative industries are linked and operate.
- Industry contacts and opportunities. 
- Professional opinion / advice on my own practice and portfolio.
- Practical knowledge you are unable to learn in the classroom.
- Inspiration and confidence to pursue my chosen career.