"Design Career Handbook" to Guide Designers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College Professor Co-Authors "Design Career Handbook" to Guide Aspiring Designers. Jeanine Flores, a tenured professor at Mission College, has co-authored a new book, "Design Career Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Get a Job and Be Successful," alongside her husband, Kevin Flores. With decades of experience in the design field, Jeanine and Kevin have crafted a practical guide aimed at helping aspiring designers navigate their careers from education to professional success.

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Inspiration and Goals for the Book

Jeanine Flores, who has been teaching design at Mission College since 2016, explains the inspiration behind the book.

"Kevin and I have worked together for more than half of our careers as professional designers. We talk about design (of some kind) every day and have for a long time. Over the years, we've curated guidance and advice that have been most impactful for students and advancing designers, and we decided to present that in an accessible format—a 'handbook.'"

The "Design Career Handbook" is not intended to be read from cover to cover in one sitting but as a resource that aspiring designers can refer to throughout their careers. The book provides an overview of the design field, details various job roles, and outlines the skills needed to launch a successful career. It also covers job search tactics, strategies for succeeding in a first job, and tips for advancing one’s career in design.

Authors' Backgrounds and Career Paths

Jeanine and Kevin Flores met as design undergraduates at the University of Illinois and went on to co-found an interactive agency in Silicon Valley in the 1990s. Their work, which ranged from branding and social media marketing to consumer hardware and mobile apps, was recognized in industry awards and published in two books on interface design.

Jeanine holds a Master of Science degree in Online Education with a focus on instructional design, which she leverages to bring industry-relevant challenges to her students. Meanwhile, Kevin has led product and design teams at leading companies like Verizon, 23andMe, and LinkedIn. He continues to serve as a consultant, mentor, and coach within the design community.

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Influence of Mission College on the Handbook

Jeanine’s experience at Mission College has deeply influenced the content of the "Design Career Handbook." She reflects on the diversity of her students and how she strives to meet them where they are, emphasizing real-world connections to the content explored. The book includes interviews with 17 designers, five of whom are former students, representing a wide array of perspectives and experiences.

"We encourage readers to explore additional resources provided on the book’s website, which includes books, videos, organizations, communities, and thought leaders to follow," Jeanine adds.

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Career Advice for Aspiring Designers

Jeanine stresses that aspiring designers must be curious, self-motivated, and willing to step out of their comfort zones, particularly in communication and confidence. She emphasizes that students’ unique experiences before joining Mission College contribute significantly to their overall narrative and success in a highly competitive field.

"Besides a solid foundation in design fundamentals and the tools of the trade, I stress the importance of soft skills such as communication, presenting, storytelling, and collaboration in becoming a professional designer," she says.

Purchase the "Design Career Handbook" on Amazon.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]