The New Now gives designers in their early careers the opportunity to connect with employers, and gives employers the opportunity to hire and support the new wave of designers.
Created by the Institute of Designers in Ireland and the Design Skillnet, The New Now recognises the challenges faced by new design graduates in getting a foothold in industry, and confidently entering the market.
It also recognises the challenges faced by employers in hiring quality graduate talent, and seeks to provide a straightforward route to identifying, nurturing and hiring the right creative fit.
What are the benefits to employers?
Ireland has a significant shortfall of designers, and while design is on a growth trajectory this is only going to continue to present more challenges. It’s vital that existing designers and employers recognise the need to nurture new talent and engage them early in their careers, to build more design capability over the next 5 years.
The New Now provides an immediate opportunity to reach talent from multiple colleges, ensuring greater diversity of hires and a chance to meet a broader range of talent.
It also allows working designers a chance to to understand the skills, mindsets, wants and needs of emerging talent, and shape their organisation for the future.
If you’d like to support the project, or obtain further information, simply enter your email below and we’ll be in touch.
Onboarding Support
Design Skillnet is providing a series of workshops to equip graduates for the workplace, facilitating a seamless transition from the lecture hall. The series will focus on areas such as developing a personal brand, navigating office life, networking, client care, managing meetings and driving your career.
Guide a Graduate
The New Now also seeks industry leaders to provide one hour session per week to guide a graduate through their career journey via mentoring. This can be facilitated in person or online with a schedule arranged directly with your mentee.
What are the benefits to graduates?
Exposure
Each week we will have industry members write about their experiences and pick their favourite projects. You might be next!
Paid Internships
We will promote the site to our members, helping your work get seen by employers. We have also asked our members to pledge a paid internship. We are committed to improving your working experiences in the creative industry by hoping to achieve an end to the practice of unpaid internships.
Mentorships
We can help put you in touch with a mentor who will guide you through key decisions in your career.
IDI Membership
Get closer to the priorities of designers in Ireland and demonstrate your commitment to design by becoming a member of Ireland’s organisation for professional designers. You can enter the IDI Graduate Design Awards for 2 years post-graduation, or enter the IDI Awards once you have industry experience. There are a variety of events and activities available to IDI members, with more to come.
Sign up for IDI Graduate Membership
If you need support, email info@idi-design.ie