Design Graduates Need to Impress in Competitive Industry

If you’re a design graduate entering today’s job market, talent alone won’t guarantee success. While having creative flair and technical skills is essential, standing out in the design industry requires much more—especially with hundreds of graduates competing for a limited number of roles each year.

From portfolio polish to personal branding, this article explores what leading employers really look for in a junior designer and how to boost your chances of landing your dream role in design.

Design Is Competitive—Here’s How to Cut Through

“Basic credentials and skills won’t set graduates apart,” says Simon Pemberton, Head of CATC Design School. “The industry is looking for designers who bring a fresh perspective, creative confidence, and craftsmanship to their work.”

James De Vries, Director of visual communications agency de Luxe, agrees: “It’s a tough market. Good all-rounders are common—but graduates who can demonstrate intelligence and strong conceptual thinking have a clear advantage.”

Portfolio First, Personality Second

Your portfolio is your calling card. Darran Franks, a design graduate who landed a creative director role at agency One%, attributes his success to having a standout portfolio and a distinct style.

“Design is competitive. Anyone with basic skills and access to software can create decent work. But developing your personal style and crafting designs that evoke emotion—that’s what sets you apart,” says Franks.

And it’s not just about the work. “A great portfolio gets you in the door,” he adds, “but personality and confidence get you over the line.”

What Agencies Are Really Looking For

Jon Christensen, co-founder of Sydney-based agency Mentally Friendly, says it’s common to receive over 100 applications for a single junior design role. So what makes one application stand out?

“Being an amazing designer is a given,” Christensen says. “What cuts through is the extra effort—great presentation skills, a sharp eye for detail, conceptual thinking, and passion.”

Top Traits Agencies Look For:

• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to articulate your design process and ideas clearly
• Mastery of relevant software (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud)
• Versatility across styles and platforms
• A portfolio that shows individuality, not just school assignments
• Cultural fit and collaboration skills—especially in small studios

“For us, it’s about attitude as much as ability,” says Christensen. “We’re a small team, so we look for people who are not only talented but who also fit into our studio culture.”

How to Build Your Competitive Edge

So how do you develop the skillset and mindset that top employers are looking for? For Franks, enrolling in a hands-on design qualification made all the difference.

“I was self-taught in design software, but I needed a challenge and like-minded peers to grow,” he explains. “Studying at CATC allowed me to sharpen my technical skills and develop my personal style in a meaningful way.”

Institutions like CATC Design School focus on building strong portfolios, technical fluency, and creative thinking. Their online design courses offer flexibility for students to study at their own pace, with online lecturer support, interactive modules, and a community of design peers.

Design Education That Sets You Apart

Whether you’re starting fresh or levelling up, the right course can help you unlock your potential. A design qualification gives you more than skills—it helps you develop your voice, showcase your talent, and build a portfolio that speaks for itself.

Explore Online Design Courses:

• Graphic Design
• UI/UX Design
• Visual Communication

Browse our full range of online design courses to find one that fits your goals and study preferences.