Graduate Product Designers: 5 tips for your first role
My first job after graduating university has been Graduate Consultant at OPD. As I approach the end of my first year in this role, I wanted to reflect on how much I have learned. If you are a graduate product designer or engineer about to embark on your first role, here are my top 5 tips from my experience this past year.
1. Embrace mind-blowingly innovative challenges
OPD tackles unique and highly challenging problems that often surpass the difficulty of any university project. In an environment filled with talented and experienced professionals, it’s easy to feel like an imposter, especially as a graduate. Don’t let this hold you back! This setting offers the best learning opportunities you can find as a young design engineer. Work on your mindset to turn imposter syndrome into a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. Don’t let the fear of not knowing how to do something stop you from learning how to do it.
2. Learn from exceptional colleagues
At OPD, everyone has different passions, interests, and talents. If you are as fortunate as I am, you’ll find your colleagues to be exceptional individuals who are immensely inspiring in various ways. Instead of fearing failure, focus on what you can learn from them.
Asking a simple open-ended question whilst making a cup of tea can be an opportunity to learn. Early-on during my time here, I asked a colleague how a project was going and I learnt so much about how product design processes and strategies can change based on the end goal or patent and trademark applications.
So, don’t hesitate and be enquiring!
3. Ask questions and make decisions
From the smallest design changes to fundamental project decisions, senior consultants rely on their experience and knowledge to make choices. Understanding their rationale is one of the best ways to learn. While you can do the job without asking questions, being inquisitive can lead to new insights or reveal learning opportunities that might have otherwise been missed.
One morning at the OPD workshop, I was learning how to put together an Easy Assist product from our Senior Consultant, Allan. I kept asking him questions on how he was approaching the assembly as I couldn’t achieve the same result as him. In the process, we both noticed there were things he was doing intuitively that he hadn’t realised. These were additional points to note for manufacturers in the future.
Each interaction is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills - and can add value to projects.
4. Learn to handle critique and diverse opinions
Every designer or engineer has their preferred way of doing things, whether it’s CAD practices, design decisions, or the process of drilling the perfect hole for a dowel pin. It can be confusing to receive advice from multiple experienced colleagues and not know which one to follow. When I was first faced with making a decision with opposing opinions, my manager suggested focusing on the rationale behind the decisions rather than viewing them as conflicting options. This perspective helped me put things into context and handle feedback more effectively. I found a good approach is to absorb all advice, understand the rationale behind each suggestion, and test them out for yourself.
5. Drive commercial success through design
As a designer, the commercial success of a product is as much in your hands as the marketing or sales team of the client. The way we present information to our clients and the commercial team can significantly influence their perception of the product's success. With the subjective nature of perfection, it’s hard for it to be obtained and there are often areas that must be prioritised over others, due to scope, timelines or client budget. By understanding what outcomes are important to the client, you can ensure these are prioritised and highlighted when presenting back to the client (rather than just technical details you know as an engineer and designer!). Throughout this process, keep the narrative focused on the product’s strengths. While it's important to acknowledge possible shortcomings, provide context to help the client understand them better. This approach ensures effective use of your time on a project, directing attention to what matters most to the client - and ultimately driving the product's commercial success.
Each challenge, lesson, and piece of advice has contributed to my professional development. The first year will be a transformative experience and sets up a solid foundation for your career. Take advantage of every learning opportunity, and you'll find yourself well-prepared for the exciting path ahead.
