Many graduate employers seek to recruit people who are lateral thinkers and creative problem-solvers. These qualities are natural to artists and designers and therefore make you an attractive asset, particularly to the expanding UK creative industries sector. This sector relies on people who can think differently, formulate questions and solve problems. Increasingly, artists and designers are also finding work in areas unrelated to the world of art and design. Creative skills are valued and actively sought across a wide range of employment sectors, as employers are looking to recruit employees who are adaptable and can generate fresh ideas. An art and design course will equip you with a combination of practical skills mixed with theory. Specific skills differ according to the art and design discipline, but the following transferable skills are common to all subject areas: imagination and creativity, critical awareness of self and external factors, interpersonal and social skills, resourcefulness, creative problem-solving, divergent thinking, decision making, oral and written communication skills, visual presentation, information and research skills, self-motivation and management, organisation and planning and IT skills, particularly using creative software. Work experience, exhibitions, shows, commissions and competitions can also be used as evidence of drive, determination and initiative, as well as the skills listed above. Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at applications, CVs and interviews for some useful tips.
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