We the Makers

Career Development

Expand your Skillset

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4 hours

Class:

Introduction

Overview

Ready to take your career to the next level? Expanding your skillset is key to unlocking new opportunities and staying ahead in this competitive creative industry🔥.

This module will guide you through identifying skill gaps, exploring diverse learning opportunities, and applying these new skills creatively to advance your career and potentially open up new income streams.

Lesson 01

Identify Skill Gaps & Explore new Interests

Let's dive in. First things first, let's figure out where you can beef up your skills and start exploring new areas that spark your interest.

❶ Skills Assessment: You might find yourself in a trap doing the same type of work over and over. You are not being challenged. But this way you won't really progress. Do a sanity check. ✔ Explore new directions, evaluate your work, challenge yourself and see where you can take it next. It's always helpful to chat with a mentor to pinpoint areas where you can improve or new skills that could propel your career forward. 👉 A fresh perspective can reveal opportunities you might not have considered.

❷ Update Your Career Vision Board: 👀 Remember that vision board we talked about in our early lessons? Time to give it a refresh. Write down any new skills or interests that have caught your eye—whether it's AI, business strategies, or even something out of the box like podcasting. Do it now. 💪‍

❸ Exploring Beyond Your Comfort Zone: 📦 Don’t box yourself in. If something outside your main field intrigues you, why not explore it? This could lead to exciting and unexpected career paths.

Lesson 02

Dive into Learning

It's time to dive into learning new skills — both formally and informally. Let’s make sure you’re soaking up knowledge that will push your career forward. ➡

❶ Formal Courses and Informal Learning: 📚 While you’re tackling courses on platforms like We the Makers or Udemy, don’t forget the informal learning avenues. Follow leading designers on social media, study their work or participate in design challenges. 👀 Especially as a visual designer you need to stay on top of trends and constantly seek inspiration and study other creatives.
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❷ Learning Inside Your Company: 🖥️ Look for opportunities to learn within your current job. Can you take on a new project that stretches your skills? Maybe there’s a cross-departmental initiative you can join. These experiences are gold for practical learning & career growth.

❸ Learning by doing: 💪 Even outside of the company there are great opportunities to learn. Test new tools, like 🎨 Figma, Krea.ai, Cinema4D, you name it. Experiment and learn! Also We the Makers design briefs are a good chance to test your skills.

❹ Practical Application Through Side Projects: 👉 Nothing beats hands-on practice. Start a side project that allows you to apply new skills in a real-world setting. This could be designing a website for a friend or starting your own small e-commerce shop. Need more idea? What about creating and selling website templates or Mockups, starting a youtube channel on a specific design niche or starting a podcast. 🎙️

Lesson 03

Monetize Your Skills Through Side Projects

Transform your skills into additional income streams by initiating side projects that can monetize your expertise. (Check with your employer first)

❶ Selling Digital Products: 💰 Create and sell digital products such as templates for Webflow, graphic design mockups, or even educational materials based on your expertise.

❷ Freelance Projects: 🧑💻 If your employment agreement permits, take on freelance projects that align with your skills. Platforms like Upwork or Freelancer can be good places to start.
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❸ Content Creation: ▶️ Consider starting a YouTube channel, podcast, or Instagram account focused on a niche area of design. Share your knowledge and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or subscriber donations.
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❹ Product Design and Sales: 💲Design and sell physical products, such as fashion items or prints. Use platforms like Etsy or Shopify to reach a wider audience.

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Your Deepdive:

Your Homework:

Homework

Research New Skills

Identify at least two new skills outside your main area of focus. 👀 Research online courses or resources that can help you start learning these skills.

Start homework

Homework

Participate in a Public Design Brief

Find and participate in a design challenge or public brief. ✏️ Document your process and outcomes to discuss in future learning or networking opportunities.

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Start homework

Homework

Start your Side Gig

We don't care what. It has to excite you! 💥 Whatever you like, whether its freelancing, a youtube channel or selling your own merch.

Start homework

Discuss:

Discussion

Start your Side Gig

We don't care what. It has to excite you! 💥 Whatever you like, whether its freelancing, a youtube channel or selling your own merch.

Chat in the Accelerator Group

💬 ACCELERATOR CHAT

Ask for help, share your progress! You're not alone in this.

Connect with hundreds of Makers + Mentors to chat

Open Accelerator Chat

Overview

Ready to take your career to the next level? Expanding your skillset is key to unlocking new opportunities and staying ahead in this competitive creative industry🔥.

This module will guide you through identifying skill gaps, exploring diverse learning opportunities, and applying these new skills creatively to advance your career and potentially open up new income streams.

Identify Skill Gaps & Explore new Interests

Let's dive in. First things first, let's figure out where you can beef up your skills and start exploring new areas that spark your interest.

❸ Exploring Beyond Your Comfort Zone: 📦 Don’t box yourself in. If something outside your main field intrigues you, why not explore it? This could lead to exciting and unexpected career paths.

Dive into Learning

It's time to dive into learning new skills — both formally and informally. Let’s make sure you’re soaking up knowledge that will push your career forward. ➡

❸ Learning by doing: 💪 Even outside of the company there are great opportunities to learn. Test new tools, like 🎨 Figma, Krea.ai, Cinema4D, you name it. Experiment and learn! Also We the Makers design briefs are a good chance to test your skills.

Monetize Your Skills Through Side Projects

Transform your skills into additional income streams by initiating side projects that can monetize your expertise. (Check with your employer first)

❶ Selling Digital Products: 💰 Create and sell digital products such as templates for Webflow, graphic design mockups, or even educational materials based on your expertise.

‍

Your Deepdive:

Your Homework:

Research New Skills

Participate in a Public Design Brief

Start your Side Gig

Discuss:

Start your Side Gig

Ask for help, share your progress! You're not alone in this.

Connect with hundreds of Makers + Mentors to chat

Company

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