There are many ways to get product design work experience. You may, for example, choose to take on an internship while you are in college or soon after graduation. A cooperative education opportunity might also provide the experience you need. Taking an entry-level job may prove helpful as well. Additionally, you could consider working on a project for a family member or a friend to gain experience.
Internships are a common way to get product design work experience. Often, this type of opportunity involves providing design support and other types of assistance to professionals in the product design field. Some of these opportunities provide wages while others "pay" interns in terms of increased know-how and experience. You can learn a good deal through this type of opportunity and also develop contacts with people who can provide references for you. If you perform particularly well, the company for which you intern may even offer you a job.
Opting for cooperative education is another way to get product design work experience. With this type of opportunity, you attend a school that has a co-op program and learn for part of the year, leaving the rest of the year for working in product design. For example, some colleges have a setup that involves learning for a couple of semesters of each year and working a co-op job for the other two semesters of the year. Often, cooperative education models give you the chance to learn a good deal and gain hands-on experience that most new college graduates won't have. Additionally, many co-op jobs provide attractive wages and offer some of the best students jobs upon graduation.
You can also get product design work experience in an entry-level job. These are usually the jobs that require a person to have little-to-no experience and, in turn, offer the lowest pay. While many new graduates want to start out with the higher paying jobs, more exciting projects, and more responsibility, starting in an entry-level job may give you the chance to gradually grow as a product designer and move up into a better position.
If you know someone who owns a business and is in need of product design work, this could prove an excellent opportunity to gain some experience. For example, a friend or family member may need this kind of help, or a friend of a friend might hear about your background and seek your help. You can offer your assistance as a volunteer or ask for payment on a contract basis. Sometimes these types of projects also develop into job offers.
