If anyone replies/comments, I'm looking for thoughts on the following:
- First of all, it seems that there are relatively few jobs in the Chicago area- but I hope that I am wrong. In my job search, I've found that graduate school experience does not seem to be enough to crack the industry. Are there just not enough jobs to get something full time without real world experience?
- What are the job titles that Interaction Designers might look for? I have seen the following: UI Designer, Usability Specialist, User Researcher, Information Architechts and some other similar variations.
- Are there any DePaul employees who are dedicated to helping students get real world experience (i.e. pro bono work, side jobs for non-profits, etc)? It would make sense if the university employed just one person who brought together students on pro bono projects (i.e. one HCI student, one software engineer, one database programmer, etc). In this way, students who are willing to give up their time could get real world experience.
- Is it possible in HCI 454 to design (or redesign) some facet of course online, MyCTI, Campus Connection, or some other site? This would be a way for everyone to put something on their resume?
Good luck to everyone who is looking for a job! From my limited experience, you're gonna need it! ...and for those who are already employed in a job in this field, you are very lucky! Please share the secrets of your success.
