Hear straight from our graduates.
Know your portfolio back to front, practice talking about your projects, cater your portfolio to where you’re applying and be authentically you!
Freelance Graphic Designer
Mary Lin
Mary Lin studied at Shillington New York
What was the best part of studying in New York? Any suggestions for applicants interested in studying abroad?
The city itself and meeting new people were definitely the best parts of studying in New York. I also met so many amazing people in and out of school who made my whole experience so invaluable. I would definitely encourage anyone who’s interested in studying abroad to do it if they can. My main tips are that you should be organized, especially during the application process to ensure that it goes all smoothly. Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with the city (e.g. how public transport works) before you dive into school so you’re all prepared.
Do you think the Shillington course armed you with the skills and confidence needed to launch your career as a designer?
Definitely. By the end of the course, not only did I know that I had a great foundation of design skills and a portfolio that I was proud of. We also received so much feedback from the teachers and the opportunity to interview with a recruiting agency, which all helped me gain the confidence to start applying for jobs.
What advice can you share to help new graduates with preparing for an interview at a design studio?
Know your portfolio back to front, practice talking about your projects, cater your portfolio to where you’re applying and be authentically you!
I also attended a couple of The Design Kids Portfolio Review Nights where I got to present my portfolio to some amazing people in our industry. I received so much valuable feedback from these events so check out if any similar events are running in your city!
Ready Mary’s full interview on the blog, stay up to date with her latest projects and follow her on Instagram.
Know your portfolio back to front, practice talking about your projects, cater your portfolio to where you’re applying and be authentically you!
Freelance Graphic Designer
Mary Lin
Mary Lin studied at Shillington New York
What was the best part of studying in New York? Any suggestions for applicants interested in studying abroad?
The city itself and meeting new people were definitely the best parts of studying in New York. I also met so many amazing people in and out of school who made my whole experience so invaluable. I would definitely encourage anyone who’s interested in studying abroad to do it if they can. My main tips are that you should be organized, especially during the application process to ensure that it goes all smoothly. Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with the city (e.g. how public transport works) before you dive into school so you’re all prepared.
Do you think the Shillington course armed you with the skills and confidence needed to launch your career as a designer?
Definitely. By the end of the course, not only did I know that I had a great foundation of design skills and a portfolio that I was proud of. We also received so much feedback from the teachers and the opportunity to interview with a recruiting agency, which all helped me gain the confidence to start applying for jobs.
What advice can you share to help new graduates with preparing for an interview at a design studio?
Know your portfolio back to front, practice talking about your projects, cater your portfolio to where you’re applying and be authentically you!
I also attended a couple of The Design Kids Portfolio Review Nights where I got to present my portfolio to some amazing people in our industry. I received so much valuable feedback from these events so check out if any similar events are running in your city!
Ready Mary’s full interview on the blog, stay up to date with her latest projects and follow her on Instagram.
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