Personal Professional Development (PPD)

All FDA students have to take part in a ten day work experience placement at the end of this year and so as part of PPD we have to create a portfolio in the form of a PDF, as Graphic Designers commonly email PDF portfolios to people who they want to work on projects with and its the same with work placements. The challenge is to appear as competent as possible so we can stand out the crowd of design students competing for placements!

Todays session Josh went through ways to write the cover letter that you would attach your PDF to as it will be the first thing that the recipricant reads and therefore there first impression of you before they even see your work. Here are some examples of cover letter Josh said he has genuinely received before but has obviously changed the name and place they are writing too:

EXAMPLE ONE:

Mates

I'm a student at LCC. I'm interested in doing work placement with you. I really really really respect the work you create because it is such good work.

I was hoping you could check my portfolio. My dream is to work for you.

I understand that you are busy, but it would be much appreciated if I got a response.

Peace, Nigel

Nigel Carrington

birdslovenigel@gamil.com

EXAMPLE TWO:

To Whom it may concern:

I'm a fist year student on the FDA Design for Graphic Communication Programme at LCC.

Attached please find my CV and Portfolio for your perusal and consideration. 

Regards

Nigel

Nigel Carrington

www.nigelcarrington.com

+440776543 2345

EXAMPLE THREE:

Dear Carrina Peipon,

I'm a first year student on the FDA for Graphic Communication programme at the London College of Communication.

I've been following the work of Nick Bell Studio for some time now, and would be keen to discuss the prospect of working with you on a short term work placement or internship.

I am particularly interested in your studios diversity of output, from identity systems and interiors for Busaba Thai to large scale exhibition design for the Science Museum.

Though I have little experience with three-dimensional projects, retail environments are an area that I'd like to learn more about. I have attached a portfolio highlighting my skills and thinking. 

I'd be happy to meet and show you more.

Kind regards

Nigel

Nigel Carrington

www.nigelcarrington.com

+4407 6543 2345

Josh said that there wasn't a right or wrong answer but I think writing an email to a perspective employer or placement headed with 'mates' is just so funny and probably not the best way of introducing yourself! Another thing our class picked up on was, 'I'd be happy to meet and show you more.' which could be perceived as an innuendo. One thing I definitely realised in todays session is that writing a cover letter is like a grammatical and communication minefield!