Preperation.

1. What is professional / industrial experience?
- A way to gain experience in the 'real world'.
- An insight in to how I can use my skills to earn money.
- See how other people work; what works and what doesn't.
- See how others present themselves; portfolios, websites etc.
- 'The opportunity to work in real-life, business-critical roles which relate to the programme of study'

(http://www.cs.kent.ac.uk/students/careers/YearInIndustry/)

2. Why is professional / industrial experience important as part of PPD?
- Experience and knowledge of the industry that I want to work in when I have finished my degree.

- Develop your professional skills.

- 'Provides you with valuable industry contacts for your future career.'

- Builds confidence.

- Gives you a 'competitive advantage' when going into employment.

(http://blog.studylink.com/)
- Gives me a clearer insight into what is a successful way of working for others.

3. How do you gain professional / industrial experience and what form does it take?
- Have contact with a variety of people in the industry; networking.

- Studio visits, work placements etc.
- Ask questions i.e. interviews.

(http://www.internshipinstitute.org/)

- Live briefs/competitions, see what needs to be done.
- Get feedback from professionals on your portfolio.

4. What should you aim to gain from professional / industrial experience?
- An insight into how the industry 'works'.
- Direction - of how you want to work after the degree.
- Contacts.
- A better portfolio.
- An idea of what audiences you should be targeting.
- Confidence as an independent designer.