Skip to Main Content

Product Designers

Employment Prospects

Employers

Product designers are employed by any organization (such as an automotive manufacturer, software company, or retailer) that wants to create or improve a product. Some designers work as freelancers, providing contract services to companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Starting Out

Some people enter this profession after working in the related field of user experience design. Others have backgrounds in industrial design or engineering. Companies will hire recent college graduates for entry-level product design positions. It’s a good idea to develop a portfolio of your college or professional or design work to demonstrate your talent and experience in the field.

Job leads can be obtained by using the resources of college career services offices (which are typically available to current students and alumni), attending career fairs and other networking events, using the resources of recruiting firms (for higher-level positions), and contacting employers directly regarding employment opportunities. Additionally, many college students land their first jobs in the field after making contacts during internship, cooperative education, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Related Professions