Multi-skilling is getting me nowhere

I was interested in the question raised by Tony Huggett of Quarto Design (Letters, DW 1 May) regarding cross-over and specialisation, particularly in regard to young/graduate designers.

I have a first-class degree in Design and Technology plus a masters in Industrial Design from Central St Martins. The MA allowed me to undertake generative and analytical approaches to design, from research and theory through to conceptualisation and realisation across a range of project types. I graduated as a skilled and multidisciplinary designer, to battle for work within a short-sighted profession.

I specialised at BA and sought the opportunity re-evaluate and immerse myself in further study, and to approach design with a more considered methodology – hence the MA.

Post MA (which was a marvellous course) I find myself in the situation of applying for “junior” positions, but failing to get an interview since I am more than just a Mac Monkey, but apparently less than an experienced (specialised) designer.

I thank Tony Huggett for raising this matter in the pages of Design Week, but I don’t feel that employers are likely to change their expectations of young designers and graduates. With the degree and masters, combined with many skills, I would have thought I might stand a chance of finding full-time employment.

Nigel Plested

London N11