Design Graduates unable to find work

[Emil]

Through the years of running a studio I have been responsible for recruiting new designers and conducted many interviews. I have found that the market is oversaturated with graduates looking for employment, and although clearly have talent are always let down by their portfolios. The portfolios don't show enough commerical design that employers can relate to. I have found this increasingly frustrating and have offered advice to graduates to create 'mock products' and design logos/stationary, brochures etc, so that can showcase their talent to prospective employers. I blame the colleges for sending out graduates with little or no experience in working to real projects.

I have a good friend who completed his degree in graphic design 6 months ago and has been looking for employment ever since. He was misled by tutors into thinking that apon gaining his degree that he would get a job, but as so often is the case employers want experience, and arn't willing to take the risk on someone that has just qualified. It is a vicious circle. I have emplyed a few graduates on a short term basis to help them get their foot on the ladder and add viable work to their portfolio, which has helped them to get into a job.

I am considering starting another business to help students/graduates work on live projects with real deadlines, to help them build portfolios and get into employment. I would appreciate posts from anyone who is having or had similar problems getting a job upon gaining their degree.

[CareerCreature]

yea i am having a hard time finding work in Orlando