Starting my DPS year

Starting the DPS courses I learned about the design industry outside university by listening to talks from professionals. As I'm not sure about what I want to do in my future, I learned that I'm not the only one and that even people who are already working, still explore the world of design seeking out for opportunities constantly. Additionally, it showed me how privileged I am as I can use UAL's facilities to learn new skill. A key reason that persuaded me to attend a year in industry is, that it offers the opportunity for students to get out in the working world, gathering new skills, learning from and networking with professionals before graduation.
Before the outbreak of COVID-19 I imagined a year full of different practices in places around the world. I wanted to explore a variety of subjects within design and was planning on getting to know the marketing and management side of a business. During my degree I realised the huge amount of techniques which I'm not familiar with yet and would like to explore. Because of that, I tried to gather as many skills as possible when working on course projects, learning new software, when I needed it to implement concepts. However, I felt like I wanted to expand my horizon, getting out in the working world, experiencing design from a different perspective. I was intrigued to apply for a variety of placements, also to understand what I would like the most or even dislike. Additionally, I hoped that would help me in my final year and after my degree.

Then the outbreak of coronavirus happened. Suddenly nobody knew what the future would bring for us. The classes were moved online and I wasn't sure if I would be able to find any placements, as the job market change drastically. For a short time I didn't know if I should proceed with the DPS year or if I should rather finish my bachelor degree first. Nevertheless, I still attended classes, looked for potential internships and hoped for the best. The fact that I had to prepare my portfolio, learned how to sell my work and myself, built a website and an instagram taught me a lot already. First, I was insecure about my work until I started to present it professionally, feeling proud and confident in what I've produced so far. That persuaded me to start applying for internships. I am still looking for placements across the world but I'm more open to spontaneous opportunities.
Fortunately, I received an email about the Mercato Metropolitano "DreaMM pitch" competition which a peer and I attended presenting our "coMMunity app" concept. We made the top 10 and got an internship offered until the end of this year. This competition taught me how to sell my concept professionally and showed me how dedicated and focused we can work together, considering that we had to communicate exclusively online. Because of the internship offer, we started dealing with formalities such as negotiations and setting up contracts. I feel relieve that we have help from LCC's alumni and lucky that I take part in a DPS year as I would have to deal with all those formalities after university alone. This internship assured me that I'm attending DPS.