College Experiences That Helped a Graphic Designer at an Architecture Firm Succeed
Delaney, a graphic designer, learned that "your worth...you define," meaning that underpaid, overworked, or disrespected positions do not reflect inherent value. This lesson, particularly relevant to freelancing where one sets their rates, empowers professionals to determine their own value and advocate for it, even if some clients disagree.
Career Development, Negotiation, Compensation, Workplace Challenges, Self-Worth
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Delaney Wells
Graphic Designer
Multidisciplinary Architecture Company
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
N/A
Political Science, American Studies
Architecture, Construction & Design, Government & Public Sector
Creative
Disabled, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Delaney defines her self-worth as a professional and encourages others to do the same, advocating for fair compensation and working conditions.
2. She emphasizes that an employer's treatment or industry standards do not define a professional's value.
3. Delaney highlights the power of freelancing in allowing professionals to set their own rates and define their work's worth, demonstrating control over their careers
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I'd say this isn't unique to graphic design, but I learned that you, as a worker, as a professional, have a worth that you define. If you're being paid minimally, overworked, and disrespected in the office, that doesn't mean you have to settle for that kind of work, or that it reflects your value as a professional.
You could just as easily be in a position where you're paid adequately or overpaid, and working less. So, it's not a reflection of you as a professional, your industry, or your employer.
You can kind of define that yourself. Although it's very hard and a lot of things do have to line up for you, you get to define what you're worth. This is especially true in freelancing, where you define your own pay schedule and your rates.
Literally, that's what your work is worth. Some people won't pay that, but that doesn't mean that's not what you want and deserve.