Multiple Skills Help Employability

At the lecture given by Jo Cope, she mentioned about skills that not related to major also helpful to find an ideal job. As an artist employs multiple techniques to bring her ideas to exhibit, she doesn't do designs only but also communicate with audience through crafts, films and performance.

Image Copyright Jo Cope Studio. Photography Nigel Essex 2023

Personal Experience

As Jo Cope said during the lecture, more skills people have, the more job oppotunities they will have. This part didn't take much of the whole talking but inspired me a lot because I had experienced something similar.

It was during a summer vacation when I want to use my free time to find a part-time job. Through social media, I came across a position that required designing a web page, and I thought I can give it a try as I have experience of designing covers for booklets, so I included my digital painting skills and CAD skills when I hand-in a profile, hoping I will be chosen, but I wasn't. After a few weeks, I checked the updates of the team that requires web page design, and discovered that their new web page is incredibly trendy -- it not only has the typical appearance of a web page, but also some interactive animations for audiences engagement. Since I don't have animation skills, I'm not able to offer this to my potential customers.

It's the same in everyday learning. In my highschool, I chose art and design as one of my majors, so I'm able to draw and paint by hands well. At my spare time, due to my personal interests, I also become proficient in digital painting, hand embroidery and crochet. Currently, I'm learning how to make animations. These skills may not all be put to use, but they will definitely give me more job oppotunities.

Future Thinking

I was always thinking these days -- Have I caught the trend? -- It's not saying I'm afriad I'm a old fashion person, it just a thought to the future -- If I go to a design company, are the skills I had enought for me to find my ideal job? Do I need to learn new things?

I don't know the answer now, but I can learn as much as I can.