Creative opportunities at DJCAD

When deciding which university to study at, one of my top priorities was making sure that I would be supported and have opportunities to find practical work experience in my creative field. It’s for that reason that I chose Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD). From my very first year of studying, the opportunities at Dundee have exceeded my expectations, and they have played a huge role in shaping my confidence as a designer.

Gaining practical experience from day one

I worried that during my first year as a student, finding relevant work opportunities would be challenging but thanks to DJCAD Careers support and help from my tutors, I secured my first work experience as an Art Night Guide for Art Night Dundee. I came to realise that this project is legendary in Dundee, and I felt so proud to be a part of something so exciting. This experience allowed me to meet and collaborate with talented individuals from the organisation as well as work with the wider Dundee community, expanding both my professional network and my social circle early on.

Having this work experience under my belt gave me the confidence to take on more opportunities as I progressed. In my second year, I volunteered as a DJCAD Student Ambassador, became a Student Assistant for the Access to Creative Education in Scotland (ACES) initiative, and landed a job as a Student Content Creator for the University. Each role pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially when it came to creating vlogs and blogs for the University – something I had never imagined doing before. These experiences taught me valuable communication and organisational skills, while connecting me with people across different departments.

Real-world projects meet creative collaboration

What makes studying at DJCAD so special is how our subject projects often blend real-world experience with academic learning. A standout project for me was collaborating with the Illustration Department to create and sell handmade zines at the Bookmarks Fair in Edinburgh. It was a fantastic way to merge our classroom skills with practical business experience. We learned not just about design, but also about selling and promoting our work, giving us a taste of what it’s like to work in the creative industry.

Building the foundation for a creative career

The diverse range of experiences I’ve had at DJCAD, and the University, have helped me build a solid foundation as I enter my third year. I’ve gained skills that go beyond my studies, such as event management skills, teaching experience, and hands-on design and sales experience – all of which are important skills for students to build alongside their craft.

These experiences have led to other opportunities including my current role as a Student Marketing and Design Officer at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, and a curator for the Student Curatorial Team. None of this would have been possible without the practical, hands-on approach that DJCAD offers.

Why Dundee?

Dundee’s status as a UNESCO City of Design adds an extra layer of excitement for creative students. The city is buzzing with opportunities and events in the arts and design fields, allowing students to connect with industry professionals even before graduating. I’ve had the chance to meet figures like Jane Petrie, a renowned costume designer for films and series like The Crown, and Dr Stacey Hunter, the curator of the Dundee Design Festival 2024.

With all the skills and experiences I’ve gained so far while studying at DJCAD, I feel more confident than ever about stepping into the creative industry after graduation.