Why networking is more important than your bachelors degree or diploma

I congratulate you for being armed with a shiny, new arsenal of skills that you’re ready to put to use. Yes, completing University or College is indeed a huge achievement (assuming you actually attended) but is only really the beginning. Have you ever asked yourself what it takes to get your dream job as a designer straight out of school? That piece of paper is a fundamental step on the journey and will certainly be an asset you can leverage. However, even more important are the people you know and the experience you gain while you’re already studying. The sooner you start building industry relevant relationships, the better your chances are of being considered when a role is open.

What am I worth? Salaries and negotiation explained

I recently gave a talk to a group of design students on negotiating their first salaries. "How much money should I get?" was very much on their minds. Three of them were in the process of bargaining:

Top 20 must see digital design web resources

Whether you're a digital designer or not, here is a list of 20 must see digital design resource websites you'll appreciate. Check these out right now and store it as ammunition against the battles of Web Design, User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design briefs. If you didn't need it then, you'll surely need it now. A massive thanks to Digital Design guru Lee Nguyen who carefully compiled this powerful list for all to enjoy and share.

An intimate interview with Matt Eastwood, Chief Creative Officer, DDB New York

Described by Britain’s Campaign magazine as a “unicorn” in the communications industry, Matt has overseen some of the most innovative and recognizable creative projects in advertising today. His career has spanned numerous agencies, specialties and countries, including Australia, the UK and US. Having spent three years at DDB earlier in his career, Matt rejoined DDB Australia in 2006 as National Creative Director and Vice Chairman. He then joined DDB New York in 2010 as Chief Creative Officer. 

During his seven-year career with DDB, the agency has been named Campaign Brief Agency of the Year, Australian Creative Hotshop, Adnews Agency of the Year, B&T Agency of the Year, Spikes Network of the Year, and Campaign magazine Network of the Year. DDB New York is currently Creativity magazine's "2013 Agency to Watch".

What a two year old taught me about interviews

Secretly trapped in a 2-year-old's body is an expert interviewer. If you don't believe me, find one (preferably from parents you know) and smile at it. Did it smile back or did it not make eye contact with you at all? Try again, perhaps stand right in front of it. Careful! you might scare it. Maybe smile and say hello in a calm voice. Better? or did you make it cry? You see 2 year old's are smart creatures, c'mon we've all been there. They need to be engaged. It's not enough to grin or nod. You've even tried to dance, make absurd noises and play hide and seek with your own palms to win it's attention. This is exactly like an interview situation but there are ways to communicate without looking like a desperate clown.