My school recently hosted a Myth-Busters session regarding find a job, or an internship. Student services invited many professionals in all aspects of the design industry form an expert panel. There was a lot of information given, much of which is a little common sense, but is still worth being emphasized.

The first topic discussed was networking, and Kim Scott, who is a Director of Human Resources from Gemmy Industries offered a lot of advice from the perspective of an employer looking for an employee. She first suggests a few sites:

www.gain.net
www.dsvc.org
www.linkedin.com

She suggests to do everything you can to get "face time". Go to events, be willing to give up your time, and on these network sites you should get involved in discussion, but always remain professional. Because these discussions are like interviewing without actually being on an interview. And getting yourself noticed is definitely going to get you hired.

Many experts on the panel agreed that networking is the best way to get exposure, and in your quest be sure to look at the "best in the business" because it will help you become professional faster.

A senior graphic designer on the panel suggested we find a mentor, someone with a work ethic that we want to emulate. And the true secret is to be sure you dress the part, so even if you don't have the position your looking for, behave as you do, and be grateful for what you do have. Because, as he explained, we aren't looking for a JOB but BUILDING our CAREER.

Mr. Dave Powyszynski, AIA, a senior vice president at Aguirre Roden, Inc. explained what he is looking for in an intern, or assistant, or in any position for that matter is ATTITUDE. Remember that your potential employer is going to know a lot about you before you even walk in, thanks to Google, MySpace, FaceBook and other networks. And if there is anything that they find that doesn't reflect what their company is or stands for, you already lost the position before you even walked in the door.

A question was asked in regards to our portfolio's coming out of graduation. As he explained "quantity does not equal quality" so don't show every piece of work you have done since you started school, only show those relevant to the position available, and be prepared to show your thought process.

But the most important thing is to be honest. Don't say that you are proficient in something you are just learning, because in these times we can't afford to "fake it" until we "make it".