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Rethinking Design Careers: Beyond the Portfolio and Into the Real World

We spoke with Nick Stübe on how designers can thrive by shifting perspectives—from self-promotion to systemic thinking, from design events to real-world collaboration.

Topic:

The evolving role of designers in today's workforce, why traditional career advice falls short, and how to unlock growth through systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurial curiosity.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why design portfolios and perfect CVs aren’t enough—and what really matters to employers.

  • How thinking systemically can help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career in design.

  • Where to look for inspiration and clients outside the design world.

  • Alternative paths to traditional employment—like collectives, agencies, and building your own product.

  • The importance of failure, curiosity, and learning from business to grow as a creative.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mindset matters more than aesthetics—your ability to ask good questions, communicate clearly, and collaborate is key.

  • Be curious about other systems—understand how politics, business, and institutions work to design with real-world impact.

  • Go where the clients are—attend industry-specific events, not just design conferences.

  • Explore new models—not everyone needs to freelance or take a job; you can build products or join/start collectives.

  • Failure is part of the journey—you’ll learn more from building (and failing) than from staying in the comfort zone.

    ……

    Berlin Design E.V | Website Berlin Design E.V Linkedin | Berlin Design Network

    and you can follow Nick here

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