I guess this has nothing to do with the type of profession, but I find that people usually find students to be more of a hassle to when being approached. Looking for sponsorship, discounts, asking invalid questions, asking for jobs etc. I’d love to help a student when I can, not that I have to right to say that now. So what’s your experience or attitude?
I just have to realize that I asked things that would seem ridiculous today. When I help a student I have to realize that there is a lot missing from there experience and I need to fill in the gaps. I also let them know when I think their questions are inexperienced but I do it in a non-threatening way (so they will ask questions again) and explain why a professional would think it is a bad question.
It all comes down to how much patience you have to back up you interest in mentoring.
I just have to realize that I asked things that would seem ridiculous today. When I help a student I have to realize that there is a lot missing from their experience and I need to fill in the gaps. I also let them know when I think their questions are inexperienced but I do it in a non-threatening way (so they will ask questions again) and explain why a professional would think it is a bad question.
It all comes down to how much patience you have to back up you interest in mentoring.
You have to help students. If you do not, then our profession suffers. Education needs working professional involvement. Without that, how can education be current?
Karma.
I give back to students in every way I can. Of course, if you don’t have the time, just tell them. If their idea is hair brained, just tell them…but back it up with some constructive direction. If their idea is hair brained, but has vision, foster it.
Give back because many people gave to you to help you get where you are.
Then again, I can think of a professor or three that I would love to kick in the nuts. So, I guess its all a matter of perspective.
I also agree with trying to help out students as much as possible. Education is all about passing down the knowledge and its once of the reasons I started my blog - to give others the resources I never had getting into my indsutry.
Agreed it makes the profession better, but I also find you can learn by teaching too. The more you explain a topic or give suggestions, it helps you formulate your own conciousness awareness of the “obvious” things that can make your own design better. Plus, if you can explain design or something technical to a student, it helps when you need to do the same to a client/customer.
In addition, you never know when that student might be the next best designer you want to hire, or, even looking to hire you when they move up the corporate ladder.
Doesnt hurt for networking either to get involved with others of all sorts of experience and postiions.
R
Giving input, feedback, and sharing professional experience is important. It helps you grow as a designer to explain yourself. It is also a good idea to give back to the profession in my view.
Anything else borders on crass though. Especially when someone asks me for a discount (or free shoes). Asking for sponsorship or a job on the spot is almost just as worse, though I understand that the student might not know that it doesn’t work that way, (with a big company) budgets need to be approved, jobs need to be posted, portfolios need to be reviewed.
Then what will be the right way to ask for a sponsorship though?
If it were me, knowing what I know now, but as a student, I would ask a professional if he or she knew of any precedent of their company sponsoring students? If so than is it a regular program, or is there a specific person to get in touch with? If not than who would handle that type of request?
A designer (or even a design director) most likely can’t get you a sponsorship, but he or she might be able to get you important information than could potentially get you further down the road if you ask.
I’m an engineering student currently finding my way into the ID world, so I ask as many stupid questions as anyone. However, being naive about design and being classless enough to ask for free shoes are two totally different things. Most individuals worthy of employment probably aren’t the types who ask for employment at introduction anyway. Without tools like Core77 I probably still wouldn’t really have any idea what ID is all about. So, try to go easy on us new guys, and have fun chewing out people looking for a free ride.
By the way, I could probably use an internship for this summer…and my shoes are looking a little worn…any takers?
A very good way for a student to make a connection is to not ask for a job. The best thing you can do is ask a designer you meet to review your work. Ask for input and critique alone. It is much easier to get an opinion than a job. It also sets the meeting up with no pressure on either side. It has been my experience that most designers love to give their opinion. Plus, the more people that see your work, the better. The more times you show your work, the better you become. In addition, the people that review your work may teach you something. And last, but not least. You do not know who the reivewer may know. Getting a job is 90% who you know and who they know.