Q: I’m a graphic designer in the communications department of a large corporation. I would like to move to an entrepreneurial Internet company and work on its website. How do I do this?
A: The entrepreneurial wave is rolling across the country. It’s no surprise you would like to give it a ride. But, before you head for uncharted, possibly treacherous waters, prepare yourself by:
- Learning about web design so you will be productive the moment you begin your new position
- Researching Internet companies to find the ones with potential for longevity
- Attracting the attention of entrepreneurial decision makers
Designing for the web is not the same as putting together brochures and PowerPoint presentations. There is more animation and interaction with the reader. Designers are often required to know coding languages and advanced software. Even the graphics package may be different from the one you currently use. To be sure you are qualified to do web design, check with a local community college to ascertain what software web designers prefer. If you aren’t familiar with it, take a continuing ed course. Then put together a portfolio of websites you’ve created. Internet companies work at lightning speed. They don’t have the time or personnel to train people. If you want to be on their team, you’ll need to prepare yourself to make an immediate contribution.
While we continually hear about the money pouring into Internet startups, not all of these investments are based on sound business reasoning. Some of the ideas for new sites are inspired; others aren’t. Some companies are awash in venture capital; others operate on a shoestring. Some will have the staying power to keep growing or be acquired; others will fall by the wayside. To determine those most likely to survive and thrive, talk to people involved in the industry. Read your local business journal to identify the players with the best chance for success. When you are networking and interviewing with Internet companies, ask about their funding. Most take years to turn a profit. Without an ongoing source of capital, they have no future.
Put yourself in front of the people who can hire you. Ask your friends, acquaintances, fellow college alums or church members who they know in the business. Attend professional organization meetings, seminars and social functions where these folks tend to hang out. Set up information-gathering appointments with some of them to find out what they look for when they hire graphic designers. Build rapport and keep in touch, even if there isn’t an apparent opening. This sector has long been in growth mode. Finding good employees is tough. If you take the initiative to learn the ropes and build relationships, you’ll soon be a part of their team.
Taunee Besson, CMF, is president of Career Dimensions, Inc., a consulting firm founded in 1979, which works with individual and corporate clients in career change; job search; executive, small business and life coaching; college major selection and talent management.
“One of the smartest minds in the career field,” according to Tony Lee (VP of CareerCast Operations at Adicio and former publisher of the Wall Street Journal’s Online Vertical Network), Besson began writing for the Dallas Times Herald in the early 80s. Having read several of her columns, Lee asked her to contribute regular articles to the Journal’s National Business Employment Weekly (NBEW) as well. Since then, she has been a triple award-winning columnist for CareerJournal.com and Senior Columnist for CareerCast.com, as well as WorkingWoman.com and Oxygen.com. At Lee’s request, Besson authored five editions of NBEW’s Premier Guide to Resumes and three of its Premier Guide to Cover Letters. She has also written articles and/or been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Dallas Morning News, Business Week, Time, Smart Money and Yahoo among others.
Taunee has worked on community nonprofit boards and committees for over 30 years including Girls Inc., Women’s Center of Dallas, Girl Scouts and Dallas Women’s Foundation, The Volunteers of America and Mortarboard, among others. She was a member of the Leadership Dallas in 1987 and Leadership America in 2003.
In 1994, the Dallas Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development chose her as its “Professional of the Year”. Her NBEW columns were selected for the “Ten Best Article Award” in 1990, 1994 and 1997. In 1999, Alpha Gamma Delta, a 200,000 member fraternal organization, named her as one of three “Distinguished Citizens” at its biannual international convention.
Published by Conselium Executive Search, the global leader in compliance search.
