A Little Too Junior

Question

I am looking to move up in my career, from a graphic designer to a senior designer, but I keep getting the feedback that I am a little to junior. I am not really sure what this means. I had some very good paid internships, which is the main work experience on my resume and I learned a lot from those experiences. Then I have my current position on my resume which I have been at for almost 3 years. in total I have about 5 years of work experience which is when others normally start looking to move up in their careers. I am not sure why I keep getting this same feedback of being a little too junior for what they are looking for.

Anonymous · Answer

What skills are required for a senior designer?  Junior isn't always measured in time, and it may be that you lack, or are perceived to lack, a separate skill set to move up.

Paula Conkey · Answer

Hello - Growth is key for enhancing our careers.  Ask for specifics around what they mean by 'junior'.  Also, ask for projects or assignments that will help you learn as well as allow them to see you shine.  On the job experience/training.  A win/win for you and them.

scorpio229 · Answer

I have been unemployed for awhile, so I do not have a 'pulse' on what the atmosphere is like in today's modern-day workforce. Perhaps many employers may feel that employees these days may desire impressive titles, but do not desire to put in the necessary time needed to really get a feel for the position. It could be that besides the intelligence level needed for the job (e.g. skills , knowledge bases, and wisdom required) there may be a level of emotional intelligence and social intelligence called for.  When I was younger, a director of a department was usually someone in his/her 40s...now I have been hearing that some of these individuals are in their late 20s or early 30s. What a change! There must be a lot of 'whiz kids' out here these days! Perhaps you should give yourself more time for professional/personal development so that you may become that lower, mid-level , or upper level graphic designer or director you want to eventually become. Good blessings to you!

AnnetteW · Answer

Sometimes its tough to make that move up. The graphic design industry has many variations. Is your experience in agency, publishing, corporate web, print etc? 
1. I suggest being sure you are applying for jobs at companies that are a natural progression from your current role. Meaning, if you are in publishing, move up in publishing.  
2. 'Junior' often implies you haven't worked on projects that show a higher level of design acumen. A senior designer will be responsible for working from concept to finish. For example-Taking the project brief, finding a creative solution and direction, then designing variations for client approval, including font/photo selection and layout, as opposed to working within an already established design. This is a very brief explanation.
3. Find a volunteer opportunity where you can drive the project from beginning to end, then put it in your portfolio. There are many non-profits that would LOVE to have a designer work on their project. 
I have been a graphic designer/art and creative director for 35+ years.  Keep going! The right person will see you are a diamond in the rough!

Barb Hansen · Answer

Other than the suggestions above (which are all good), you could look for work in with startup companies.

People can move up the ranks quickly in startup companies - as the company grows, careers can grow. Not all startups are great places to work, so do your due diligence, but if you are looking to expand your skill set, work on different projects and grow up the ladder, startups are worth looking at.

The only caveat is, the industry you are in really depends on your job title. I can be a VP of Product in a medium sized startup (just as a very personal example), and the next position I have is Senior Manager of Product at a Fortune 1000 company.
 
If you are looking to grow a career in a Fortune 1000 company (or similar), there are no shortcuts (other than the suggestions - some listed above - volunteer for larger projects, get a mentor, take management courses etc) to moving up the corporate ladder, but if you are looking to get more skills, work on different projects and get a higher title that could leap frog you to continued growth, take a look at startup land.

Anonymous · Answer

I think a tip that I learned from a previous job was to act and behave like the role you want to be promoted into. I'm not familiar with the graphic design world, but perhaps the a non-junior graphic designer takes more ownership over projects, leads junior graphic designers, etc. These are just examples.

I'd try to find your company's job description for the role you want to be promoted into and go from there!

Amy Dalton · Answer

Melinda Gates tells a story in her book about how she was interviewing at IBM after college and the woman she was interviewing with asked if she had other opportunities. She said, 'Yes, this little startup in Seattle called Microsoft.' The woman suggested she go there as she would have more opportunity. Well, we all know how that story ended.  I have 23+ years experience and work in the design field and can't get promoted but juniors around me are. I'm meet the requirements for advancement and it just is not happening. I quite gave up on chasing the title and just worked on me. Focus on your skill set, networking internally and in time you will choose to leave, get the promotion you want or be snagged internally by another person who recognizes your value.

A Little Too Junior

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