How to Prepare for a Career as a Desktop Publisher
March 1st, 2010 in Jobs
Computers have produced an array of new occupational possibilities. Career opportunities which once did not exist are some of today’s hottest jobs. And occupations which once required extensive hours of tedious labor are now quickly and efficiently completed entirely with advanced computer technology. One such profession is Desktop Publishing. Publishing used to be accomplished solely through mechanical giants known as presses. And though there remain a mass of publishing companies which still utilize presses, and do so successfully, the relatively new field of desktop publishing has rapidly become the central publishing method. Desktop publishers use computers and specialized computer software to create brochures, newsletters, and various other publications. The desktop publishing process requires professionals with knowledge and skills in traditional and contemporary publishing methods.
The desktop publishing professional is responsible for assembling digital files into an aesthetically attractive and appropriate format for printing. The individual must incorporate text and graphics in a meaningful and effective layout. Some graphic design knowledge is helpful to the desktop publishing professional. The desktop publisher may need to edit and/or manipulate photographs, text and images to create an easily navigated and visually pleasing document, publication, book, newspaper or other publication. The desktop publishing field differs from graphic design in that the graphic design field creates the design for the purpose of visual communication while desktop publishers produce the actual documents. The two fields are closely related and knowledge of the skills necessary to fulfill the tasks of the one profession is advantageous to the success of the other.
According to the statistics provided by the United States Department of Labor, employment openings within the desktop publishing field are expected to decline significantly. Individuals seeking employment in the field will need to provide superior qualifications and display stellar capabilities. The majority of openings in the desktop publishing field will be within the printing industry or the various publishing organizations such as newspapers, periodicals and books. Individuals seeking employment will need to prove they are capable of working with the latest software and technology tools, are proficient in writing and editing and are skilled with producing aesthetically pleasing and effective designs and layouts. Desktop publishers may work at small firms, be contracted to work for several larger firms or work within a publishing department at a large organization.
High School
During high school, students will need to complete the general college preparatory curriculum. The curriculum includes three or more years in mathematics, science and English; two or more years of social studies, language and technology. Completion of health and gym courses is also required. This schedule prepares students for the rigors of college work. Students learn the basic foundational knowledge of each of these subject areas; ensuring they are prepared for the more advanced academic knowledge which will be taught in college courses. Additionally, students learn essential problem solving, oral and written communication and analytical and critical thinking skills and the practical skills required to become proficient in using computer, software and technology. Elective courses in art and music are left up to the student to select. Students interested in pursuing a career in desktop publishing should elect art courses to develop an aptitude in the necessary skills in art, design and color.
Technical high schools offer specialized curriculum which incorporates traditional academic coursework into a practical trade oriented program. Students intending to pursue a career in desktop publishing may consider completing a program offered at a technical high school. It is important to first verify that the academic curriculum provided will include the college preparatory courses required for college admission. If the program doesn’t include all of the requisite courses, attending the technical school shouldn’t be considered. Once it is determined that the program will incorporate the college preparatory curriculum, review the programs offered at the technical high school. Students will benefit from graphic design or web design programs, programs in publishing or desktop publishing or programs in general design. Computer program tracks would also be appropriate choices. Completing any of these programs will teach and enhance the technical skills of the student, providing an early opportunity for exposure and to attain practical experience. Students who begin early are more likely to develop an inherent understanding and ability in the field.
High school offers substantial opportunities to participate in career relevant activities. Students interested in the desktop publishing field will benefit from the club and organization activities. Students should consider becoming part of the school newspaper to develop effective writing and editing skills. The yearbook committee provides opportunities to develop design skills, work with photographs and images, and to select and arrange appropriate text. Formatting, colors and arrangement are essential to the desktop publishing discipline all of which are an integral aspect of creating a yearbook. Photography clubs can also develop certain skills which will be helpful; formatting, design, digital imaging and manipulation. Computer clubs generally have the opportunity to try out various software programs and tools and to learn new skills. Students in the club may have learn where and how to discover the latest updates and the opportunity to network with computer professionals.
College
Though the skills required to be a successful desktop publisher do not necessarily require a degree, a college degree is usually preferred by the majority of businesses and organizations interested in obtaining the services of the desktop publishing professional. The skills required of the desktop publishing professionals are generally learned on the job. However, obtaining a college degree increases an individual’s viability in the job market. The college degree is an indication of the person’s motivation, ambition and dedication to their own success and their commitment to the profession in which they work. The degree further serves as evidence of the individual’s ability to complete long term goals and balance multiple tasks and assignments during the same period of time. A college degree should always be a priority, even when the career choice doesn’t necessarily require it and/or colleges don’t offer a major in the specific discipline.
A range of relevant degree options are available for students intending to pursue careers in desktop publishing. Students should choose a college which offers programs in graphic or web design with an option for specialization. Other degrees in the computer science major, publishing, advertising, marketing or certain design majors will also provide valuable practical and academic training. Choose a major in which you have a substantial interest, but will alsohave some relevance to the desktop publishing field. Once you have decided which major course of study you wish to pursue, the next step is to decide whether to obtain an associate or bachelor degree in the field. Since the job market has become increasingly competitive, with a majority of job candidates possessing college degrees, it is recommended to obtain a bachelor degree. A bachelor degree will increase the competitiveness of a job candidates status with other qualified individuals who are vying for the same position.
Both traditional brick and mortar colleges and online colleges offer degree programs relevant to the field. Students have the option of electing to complete the entire degree program through either type of institution of higher learning. The important factors to consider when choosing which college to attend for a major in a technology reliant professional discipline are the type of technology with which the school teaches and the frequency with which the school reviews and updates the curriculum for updates in the field. Graduates of these types of degree programs will need to be knowledgeable about the latest trends in the profession and proficient in the use of the latest tools and technologies. Other factors to consider would be the type of job placement assistance offered and the success of such a program, the professional experience of the faculty members, the length of time necessary to complete the degree program and the rigor of the curriculum.
Professional Portfolio
Since the desktop publishing profession will only grow increasingly more competitive in terms of job openings and advancement, only the most experienced or educated individuals will likely have offers for employment or contractual jobs. The professional portfolio serves as a visual resume of the individual’s capabilities and accomplishments. It is crucial to provide the best evidence of your abilities within the portfolio. The professional portfolio needs to demonstrate the scope of your abilities as well as the level of your capabilities. Include an array of projects so prospective employers will be able to discern from the portfolio that you are capable of successfully completing any task required of you. Employers want to be confident the individual hired for the job will be capable of handling any assignment required of them.
Professional portfolios can be created as hard copies or as virtual editions. A desktop publisher may benefit from offering prospective employers the opportunity to view the professional portfolio both ways. Creating an electronic portfolio on the internet provides an easier and more efficient means of delivering a copy to a potential employer or client. Maintaining an electronic portfolio on the internet can be beneficial to an individual who works on a contractual basis as it allows prospective customers to view the work prior to contacting the individual. This generally means that when the person is contacted, the customer has viewed their work, is confident they can provide the quality of work being sought and is reasonably certain they want to hire the individual to provide services. The hard copy can then be provided as evidence that the professional is just as capable of producing quality physical publications as they are of producing electronic versions.
Continuing Education
Many colleges offer certificate programs and courses in subjects relevant to the desktop publishing field. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the trends in publishing can change quickly. Completing courses regularly will ensure professionals in the field stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements. This will ensure the individual doesn’t become obsolete along with the earlier technologies. Attend events, lectures and seminars when presented with the opportunities. This will allow you to network with other professionals and to learn of changes which may occur in the near future. Dedication to lifelong learning opportunities will lessen the likelihood that the evolution in the field will outpace you. As the field evolves, whether it becomes more advanced or becomes a different profession all together, a professional who continues to take advantage of learning opportunities will be prepared and remain trained to provide services relevant to a range of positions within the profession.
