Making an Honest Living in Graphic Design
If one is talking in purely philosophical terms, the best way to choose a job is to go for the one that brings the most enjoyment to the individual. For some people graphic design represents a freedom to achieve their artistic dreams.
They are able to express thoughts and concepts in a modern setting. This can be the foundation for a fulfilling life.
At the same time there is the urgent need to put food on the table. The practicability of life does not end when the person finds their calling. Rather it is the beginning of a journey that will involve many disappointments and promotions. Therefore one has to give some thought to the commercial value of graphic design.
Logic would suggest that one would be looking to select a job that pays well. The problem with this logic is that there are far too many competitors for the limited jobs on the market. This means that the person has to come up with a competitive advantage that makes them jump the employment queue when they are going for the interview. There are many legitimate competitive advantages that are balanced out by the illegitimate means.
Ideally one would like to have the satisfaction of knowing that they have received their graphic design job on merit rather than influence peddling. It shows a lack of drive and acumen to have to rely on nepotism in order to secure a good graphic design job. These kinds of jobs can be difficult to find in the first place. So when you find job opportunities in the UK, it is worth researching the company, the position and why you feel that you are best suited to the job available.
The Competitive Advantages within Graphic Design
In an effort to distinguish oneself from the bog standard list of candidates, it is important that the successful candidate can call on a number of competitive advantages. 
The first advantage will be the education and training. It is not enough to just have the degrees. The person has to ensure that the quality of the degree is sufficient to attract a good salary. The qualifications must also be relevant to graphic design or else there will remain a lingering suspicion that the person is not committed to the profession.
The personality of the applicant can also have an impact on the amount of money that they will earn at the end of the day. The graphic design business can involve interaction with people and therefore if the student is one of those stereotypical computer nerds, their application might be seen in a different light. Ideally the company will be looking for a personality that will enhance rather than depress the business as a whole. The personality comes with the attitude.
People with a bad attitude will not get along with their managers and will therefore not obtain promotions within the graphic design business. It is impossible to put an accurate price on the value of being good with people. Many applications will not specify that this is a requirement but it might always crop up in the final selection process. The organization will be looking for someone who can fit in quite easily.
