Market Yourself

Assessment 1
Part 1

Supervised By: Eman AlShamlawi

Kawthar Jassim Ali Hassan
ID: 201000123

Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

Content

1. Introduction

2. Research

2.1. Interview

2.2. Independent research

2.2.1. Education

2.2.2. Competencies required

3. Analysis

4. Conclusion

5. References

6. Bibliography

7. Appendix

Word count: 1400

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Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

1. Introduction
Graphic design is a very important way of communication nowadays. Which is all
about sending messages and solving problems in a creative way. Being a graphic design
student gave me a chance to make a difference to this society. As a result, I chose being a
teacher in this field as my future job. This report will discuss the job I am interested in
supported with an interview with a person in this position and some additional research. It
will include the analysis of the findings. Concluding it with understanding the further steps I
need to take to cover the qualifications needed for this job.

Word count: 1400

Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

2. Research
2.1 Interview
This section is about interviewing someone works at the same field of my interests.
Mr. Warren McLaughlin was interviewed as a Graphic Design tutor at Bahrain Polytechnic
on 6th of November 2014. The interview questions were about the work nature, the required
competencies, the needed qualifications and skills. It included some of the difficulties
concluding it with some recommendations to get a similar job.
Mrs. McLaughlin answered the first question about the work nature in details. His
answer was undertaking student centered learning teaching, course coordinating, seminars
and workshops in Visual Design for the Bachelor of Arts Visual Design program within the
EDICT faculty. Developing theoretical and practical learning situations appropriate to
curriculum documentation. Identifying learning needs of students and implementing
appropriate teaching skills and methodology. Assisting in the review and evaluation of
course modules. Maintaining student academic attendance records. And finally, assisting
with student application and selection process.
Furthermore, he said that the required competencies of the industry are very
important where his answer categorized them. The first point was Teaching & learning:
subject knowledge, English language teaching experience, course and sessions preparation
and planning, classroom management, promoting learner autonomy, assessment &
evaluation of learning, learning interface, student motivation. The second pint was
Technical: learning technologies, technical capability and administration. Another point
was Professional development: extensive studio and industry experience, scholarship. And
Contribution to Polytechnic & Community: leadership & service, service to society,
sustainability and environment.
According to the question if there was any additional courses were needed. He
answered yes, were he had to get BA (Hons) 2:1 Graphic Communication and Certificate in
Tertiary Teaching and Learning (CTTL).
Skills are very important for each job, and being a Design teacher needs many
different skills he said. Warren added the skills needed to get the job which are,
experienced user of the full Adobe CS/CC suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign,
After Effects, Dreamweaver, Premiere, Flash), Microsoft Office, Apple Mac platforms, timebased media, web design, Background in theory-based Design, extensive knowledge of
Design, previous-teaching experience within Visual Design disciplines, Knowledge of
current trends in design. Furthermore, ability to stimulate an understanding and
appreciation of all aspects of design, ability to communicate effectively with a high level of
interpersonal skills, ability to plan and organize curriculum content, and enhancing the
programs objectives.
Answering the question of the qualifications for graphic design teacher, his answer
was the minimum of masters degree in communication degree
Another question was about the difficulties of being in this position. He answered
that there are many difficulties especially not having enough time, where where usually
having only after work/weekends to plan courses, class sessions and focus. Another
difficulty was working with many students and getting to gauge students individually, their
capabilities, strengths and weaknesses in order to foster positive learner autonomy.
Moreover, he mentioned that being an expat sometimes makes him feel like an outsider.

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Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

Being unable to understand Arabic to communicate with students on another level

effectively. Furthermore, being unable to plan and organize things well due to constant
shifts, changes and hierarchies of difference within the system. Lack of control or possible
influence on certain situations or decisions made from other areas within the Polytechnic.
McLaughlin ended the interview with some recommendation to get a similar job.
He advised to acquire as much extensive work history as possible; in a range of locations
and mediums, which proves that, you are an adaptable person and an appreciated designer
in other places (travel to other cities/countries is highly recommended for any designer to
do to broaden their worldly horizons).

Word count: 1400

Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

2.2 Independent research

2.2.1Education:
Graphic design teachers need to have an education that combines artistic and
technical skills. They must have a minimum of bachelors degree in art or graphic design
filed to be able to teach in the secondary level. On the other hand, a masters degree is
required to be a graphic design professor at the university and collage levels (Design arts
teacher, 2003). Furthermore, there are five famous undergraduate degrees, which are,
Graphic design, illustration, communications, web design, and packaging. However, being
Graphic Design teacher need knowledge from all of these fields to deliver accurate and
professional information to the students (How to become, 2014)

2.2.2Competencies required

To be a graphic design teacher, many skills are required to be professional.

Communication is the most important skill for the teacher that allows him to communicate
visually and verbally with the students. Another skill is to be well organized with good time
management. Because it is important to make a good schedule for all the briefs and
deadlines since the projects are very similar to the design agency. Another reason is to
organize the lectures to provide clear timeline for them. In addition, Technology plays a big
role in being a design teacher. Advanced knowledge in Adobe CS is important because it is
needed program for designing (Job Overview, 2014), and the knowledge of how to use
technology as an educational tool. Moreover, the ability to teach different learning styles is
important. The reason of that is because students are different and each one of them has
different way of learning. (Art/Graphic Design Teacher, (n.d.))
There are two important characteristics of a graphic design teacher. Which are
demonstrating creativity and attention to details. (Design arts teacher, 2003) Knowledge of
standard industry soft- and hardware is required, in addition to keeping up with
advancement and upgrades. In order that every student comes to the class with her or his
own suggestions and ideas, teachers should allow a certain amount of creativity without
enforce their ideas onto students. (Design arts teacher, 2003)

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Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

3. Analysis
The interview findings and the independent research have many similar points,
however, there are some additional information from each. The similar areas were the skills
needed for this certain job and having work experience to enhance teaching skills. For
example, time and project management, technology, and the ability to communicate and
deal with different type of student and use different types of learning. Another point was
educational requirements. Where Mrs. McLaughlin and the research both agreed that the
Masters degree is required to teach in the collage.
The interview findings provided more details about the qualifications and
requirements because they were more specific about Bahrain needs while the research was
very general. The work nature and required competencies, which was categorized to
teaching and learning, technically, professional development, and Contribution to
Polytechnic & Community. In addition, It included the difficulties that the teacher can face
by teaching in a globalized environment such as polytechnic by dealing with different
people from different backgrounds including students and the facilities.

Word count: 1400

Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

4. Conclusion
In conclusion, being a Visual Design student at Bahrain polytechnic and learning
most of the design techniques and principles allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge and
provided me with most of the important qualifications and skills in design field. In addition,
working on the projects individually or groups with clients increased my communication
skills and project managements, especially when I had to present my ideas and share it with
the clients. Another example is by pitching the concepts and convincing the client earned
me with self-confidence. For my future job time management is very important because
everything works on the schedule. In my studies time management is necessary skill, which
I have to manage all the projects I am working on and meeting the deadlines. Moreover,
leadership skill is very needed to the job and I gained it by leading most of the group works
and managing the team. Furthermore, being responsible of my choices and decisions shows
my responsibility skills that is necessary for the job to be more professional.
I believe this job suits me since I like it, because the important thing in working
somewhere is to love what you are doing. I need to develop my self in some areas to reach
all of the qualifications such as having masters and gaining experience by working is design
agencies.

Word count: 1400

Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

5. References
1. Art/Graphic Design Teacher. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://denver.jobing.com/art-graphic-design-teacher/job/2656501
2. Design arts teacher. (2003, January 1). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://educationportal.com/articles/Graphic_Arts_Teacher_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirem
ents.html
3. Job Overview. (2014, January 1). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://www.theloop.com.au/jobs/Graphic-Design-Teacher/Sydney/14856

6. Bibliography
1. Art/Graphic Design Teacher. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://denver.jobing.com/art-graphic-design-teacher/job/2656501
2. Design arts teacher. (2003, January 1). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://educationportal.com/articles/Graphic_Arts_Teacher_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirem
ents.html
3. Graphic Designer Education Requirements. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2014,
from http://www.citytowninfo.com/education-articles/careerrequirements/graphic-designer-education-requirements
4. How to Become a Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Schools and Degree Programs.
(2014, January 1). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/graphic-designer/
5. Job Overview. (2014, January 1). Retrieved November 7, 2014, from
http://www.theloop.com.au/jobs/Graphic-Design-Teacher/Sydney/14856

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Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

7. Appendix
The appendix will include the interview questions and the answers.

Job: Graphic design teacher - response (Warren McLaughlin)

1. What is the nature of your work?

Undertaking student centered learning teaching, course coordinating, seminars and
workshops in Visual Design for the Bachelor of Arts Visual Design program within
the EDICT faculty. Developing theoretical and practical learning situations
appropriate to curriculum documentation. Identifying learning needs of students
and implementing appropriate teaching skills and methodology. Assisting in the
review and evaluation of course modules. Maintaining student academic
attendance records. Assisting with student application and selection process.
2. What are the required competencies of the industry you are working in?
Teaching & learning: subject knowledge, English language teaching experience,
course and sessions preparation and planning, classroom management, promoting
learner autonomy, assessment & evaluation of learning, learning interface, student
motivation.
Technical: learning technologies, technical capability and administration
Professional development: extensive studio and industry experience, scholarship
Contribution to Polytechnic & Community: leadership & service, service to society,
sustainability and environment
3. What are the Qualifications to get the job?
Masters degree in Communication Degree (minimum)
4. Any additional courses were needed?
BA (Hons) 2:1 Graphic Communication
Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning (CTTL)
5. What are the skills needed to get the job?
Experienced user of the full Adobe CS/CC suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator,
InDesign, After Effects, Dreamweaver, Premiere, Flash, Acrobat Professional,
Bridge), Microsoft Office, Apple Mac platforms, time-based media, HTML and web
design
Background in theory-based Design
Extensive knowledge of Design
Previous teaching experience within Visual Design disciplines
Knowledge of current trends in design
Ability to stimulate an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of design
Ability to communicate effectively with a high level of interpersonal skills
Ability to plan and organize curriculum content, enhancing the programs
objectives

Word count: 1400

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Market Yourself Assessment 1 Part 1 Kawthar Hassan 201000123

6. Is any work experience was needed?

Definitely!! Prior extensive work history within the design industry is a must,
especially when done within a diverse range of environments and use of mediums.
7. Any recommendations to get a similar job?
As the earlier response, acquire as much extensive work history as possible, in a
range of locations and mediums which proves that you are an adaptable person and
an appreciated Designer in other places (travel to other cities/countries is highly
recommended for any Designer to do to broaden their worldly horizons).

8. Are there any difficulties of being a Graphic Design teacher?

General: Always kept on your toes! Working with many students and getting to
gauge students individually, their capabilities, strengths and weaknesses in order to
foster positive learner autonomy. Being time poor all the time, where usually having
only after work/weekends to plan courses, class sessions and focus. Keeping pace
with constant changes to the education curriculum, review and evaluation
processes. Lack of updated technology and software within workshop classes.
Within the polytechnic itself: adapting to the new environment, culture and
lifestyle. Being an expat sometimes makes you feel like an outsider. Being unable to
understand Arabic to communicate to students on another level effectively. Unable
to plan and organize things well due to constant shifts, changes and hierarchies of
difference within the system. Lack of control or possible influence on certain
situations or decisions made from other areas within the Polytechnic. The much
underrated value and appreciation of design education from others, especially
when applied and compared to other higher educational institutions on a
competitive global scale.

Word count: 1400

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