From Getting Started to Applying for Jobs: How to Kickstart Your Career in Industrial Design

Starting a career in Industrial Design (ID) is about more than just "making things look cool" It is a discipline that combines art, engineering, and human behavior. Whether you are a student or a career-changer, I thought I would put together some information based on my journey and years in the field.

1. Finding the "Spark": It’s More Than Just Aesthetics

Many designers, myself included, don't start out knowing ID exists. I originally pivoted from Graphic Design during an art foundation year. It took one enthusiastic lecturer to show me that my love for drawing could be used to create tangible, exciting objects (thanks Matt!).

The Product Design Mindset: Unlike other design roles, an Industrial Designer must juggle multiple truths at once. You aren't just solving for the user’s needs or the product's beauty; you are solving for materials, weight, cost, and manufacturing constraints. Whether it’s a high-end chair or a medical device, the "design" is only finished when it can actually be built.

2. The Essential Toolkit: Skills You Actually Need

While the world is increasingly digital, Industrial Design remains a tactile, technical craft. If you are looking to enter the field in 2026, here are some pillars to focus on:

• Communicative Sketching: You don't need to be a fine artist. You need to be able to communicate an idea visually and iterate fast. If you can’t explain a mechanism with a pen and paper in thirty seconds, you’ll struggle in a fast-paced brainstorm.

• Parametric CAD (The Industry Standard): While programs like Blender are great for visuals, Solidworks remains the king of the industry. You must understand how to build models that are ready for manufacturing.

• Manufacturing Knowledge: You don't need to be an expert on day one, but understanding the fundamentals of injection moulding and material properties is a massive advantage. A design that can’t be manufactured is just a drawing.

• Outside-the-Box Problem Solving: Every new product is a puzzle. Your value lies in finding a "third way" to solve a problem that others haven't seen.

3. Building a Portfolio That Gets You Hired

When I look at junior portfolios, I’m not just looking for pretty renders. I’m looking for the story of a product.

What to include:

• The Full Arc: Show the journey from initial concept generation through to a finalised piece.

• Evidence of Prototyping: Show me the messy cardboard models and the failed 3D prints. I want to see how you tested your ideas.

• Manufacturability: If you’re coming from a university setting, show me you’ve thought about how it’s manufactured and assembled. If you’re moving from another industry role, this is non-negotiable.

The "Culture Fit" Factor

Especially in design consultancies, you are joining a small, tight-knit team. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your portfolio. While corporate roles might focus more on the "output," consultancies want to know who you are and how you think. Make sure to tailor your portfolio for the role that you are applying for.

4. Networking and Your First 90 Days

The design community is smaller than you think. Getting noticed requires a mix of digital and physical presence:

• Visual Socials: Use Instagram to showcase your sketches and renders.

• LinkedIn: Don't fear the cold message. Most designers are happy to connect if you are genuine (me included so send me a link request!).

• Trade Shows: Go to industry events. There is no substitute for meeting a design director in person and talking.

The Junior Reality: Expect your first few months to be about absorption. You likely won't be designing a flagship product in week one. Instead, you'll be making small changes to existing products and learning the company’s internal systems. This is the best time to learn.

My Advice to My Younger Self

If I could go back to my first day, I would say: Stop worrying that you don't know everything. You aren't supposed to have all the answers on day one. Enjoy being a junior. Ask the "dumb" questions, watch the senior designers work, and soak up every bit of technical knowledge you can. The "not knowing" is where the most growth happens.