I was recently offered the opportunity to work with students at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland. During December 2022 I planned a series of lectures and in January 2023 delivered a two week Business and Entrepreneurship module for UX / UI Designer students in their third year of education. Assignments, lectures and discussion were designed to ensure the students were prepared for industrial and commercial roles when they graduate. These included the following:
- Examination of the current creative sector in Ireland including UX / UI design roles offered by companies and organisations
- A brief overview of the legal and practical challenges when setting up a freelance business within Ireland
- Development of verbal and written presentation skills including distillation and conveyance of detailed information in a concise manner
- Practical projects including the productions of a 1 minute ‘elevator pitch’ for a freelance company, CV development and portfolio improvements
- Discussion of hot topics the students are likely to encounter in the work place including carbon neutrality, agile working, inclusivity and safety
Feedback: Colleague
“Peter’s contribution to the third-year Interaction + User Experience Design students during the January 2023 Business and Entrepreneurship module was a great addition to their learning experience. Through his real world teaching approach, he was able to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the challenges they may face in their future careers. His sharing of personal triumphs, adventures, and challenges provided valuable insights for students. Peter’s creative assignments, ranging from gaining an understanding of the day-to-day activities of a freelancer to the importance of clear and concise communication with potential and existing clients, helped bridge the gap between the educational experience and the realities of professional life.”
– Denise McEvoy, Lecturer at IADT
Feedback: Student
“This module has been incredibly insightful as it painted a realistic picture of what running a business looks like as well as starting a freelance career. Some of the things we explored was how to build a personal brand, write a business plan, create a professional online presence and promote our work more clearly by refining the language we use. Peter had a lot of honest conversations with our class and his down-to-earth approach was great to see and helped me understand some of the challenges I am likely to face when I finish my studies. He used his own experience to illustrate many of the topics which was helpful. Looking back, I know that if I ever need to start my own business, I can do it. I would recommend taking part in Peter’s module to any student or young creative!”
– Kacper Jaroszyński, UX/UI student at IADT
The Experience
Taking on this 2 week teaching assignment in Ireland provided an opportunity to focus upon business activity from an entirely different perspective. My university days to research at Loughborough University to the 22 years of freelancing as a designer, photographer and video producer provided a rich source of stories to illustrate many of the principles and ideas discussed. Feedback received from both staff and students highlight that the module was a success. During post project hand-in tutorial sessions one student reported back to me that the activities and discussion during the Business and Entrepreneurship module had already significantly influenced and helped the way they approached a recent business agreement. Positive feedback indeed.
