Emerging raw talent needs to be primed for business

I have read with interest the debate over the value of design courses.

I agree that design courses ‘potentially’ provide far more worldly benefits to students than merely a route to employment. However, students emerge from college with debt pressures and most don’t have the luxury to pursue a purely creative career path. They need employment and most want to gain a job in one of the creative industries.

The commercial design world should take this opportunity to stand up and play a more active role in the education system.

Having just completed a tour of UK universities to advise students preparing for graduation, it is evident that the raw talent is impressive, but naturally some are a little green when it comes to the commercial realities of the business.

Many design schools have been outstanding in their approach to basic creative education to ensure that their students are given insight into how their skills are of value to a design business. The challenge is to combine that knowledge with ‘commercialism’ and a clear understanding of what will be expected by most employers.

To assist this, Attik is giving students an opportunity to redress that ‘creative -vscommercial’ balance with its MA course launching in conjunction with Huddersfield University.

By providing post-graduate training that gives students the real, commercial experience they need to be design-effective on day one to an employer, means they will become noticeably more employable than their peers.

James Sommerville

Co-founder and chief executive officer

Attik

JamesS@attik.com