Sessions at Big Design Conference 2011 about Careers

Friday 15th July 2011

• Alphabet Soup: Career Paths, Interviews, and Skill Sets

  by Joe Dyer

  The era of the lone designer is pretty much over. When it comes to selecting the best candidates for work in experience design positions, design rationale and the process are becoming more important the the actual quality of the portfolio.

  There is considerable movement away from a skill set and towards a problem solving mindset or world view. Individual skill sets (JavaScript, design, coding) are becoming commoditized. A generalist with shallow understanding of design, code, wireframing, usability, coupled with the normal people skills and organizational skills are becoming the desired candidate.

  In this talk, you will learn how to position yourself to get hired for your next design gig and learn what hiring managers want and need. You will get your competitive edge to stand out from the crowd.

  • Careers

  At 10:00am to 11:00am, Friday 15th July

  Coverage slide deck

Saturday 16th July 2011

• Your Story, Your Brand, Your Success

  by Lee Andrese

  How confident are you in asking for a raise, or getting $100+/hour contracts? Your success and choice of portfolio building gigs, greatly depends on how well you can tell your story. Stories about how you've helped a company or customer achieve business goals. Storytelling is simple, but it's not easy. In Lee's session, you'll learn the recipe that gets design talent top pay, great gigs, and makes hiring managers heroes. You'll have practical experience crafting your story, and you may even have a chance to share it!

  • Careers

  At 10:00am to 11:00am, Saturday 16th July

• Playing Games with Your Career

  by Stephen Anderson

  We love playing games. Yet, when it comes to work, most of us view work and play as polar opposites. Internationally recognized speaker and author Stephen P. Anderson will show you how to find the joy in whatever task is thrown your way-- and how to find your own way in the process.

  Whether you're a freelancer or full-time employee, Stephen has something to offer anyone who's looking for more from their career. Following a gameplay analogy, Stephen will help you:

  • Discover what motivates you as we discuss "player types"
  • Find out what skills you need to play the "career game"
  • Learn how to craft well-formed goals and quests
  • Pick up a few new tools to help you along the way

  Tips, anecdotes and examples, plus a healthy dose of interactivity can of course be expected!

  • Careers

  At 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Saturday 16th July

  Coverage slide deck