Call to students to do their own legwork

I have just replaced the receiver after the latest “help” call from a second year design student working on a project.

Quite honestly I’ve had enough. All I seem to get are letters and phone calls every time a lecturer sets a project; or the degree show is looming; or there is an essay to be written. Everyone is wanting information – constant, endless supplies of information; answers to questions, opinions and so on. Students want to know about everything – from packaging ethics to whether or not we use recycled loo roll and what colour it is.

It seems to me that this is taking the easy way out. Why do it yourself when you can get some other mug to do it for you? The only way you students will appreciate the answers to your never- ending questions is to do the leg- work and find out for yourselves – use your time at work placements to ask as many questions as possible on the industry in every aspect you feel may be relevant.

Be like a sponge – at least for two weeks – absorb as much information as possible and write it down. You’d be surprised at what might come in useful. Otherwise read books, magazines, articles and consultancy surveys and don’t just flick straight to the jobs section!

Better still, be assertive and form your own opinions rather than relying on others to have a voice – you may surprise yourself!

Lynn McKenna

Greenwich Design

London SE10