51-374 Preparing for Design Practice
4.5 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Before entering the professional world, every design student must understand who they are as designers, what drives them, and how they want to contribute through their practice. What excites them about design? What kind of work feels meaningful? Where might their creative path lead? This course is designed to help students answer these questions with clarity and confidence. Throughout the semester, the focus will be on developing essential tools to represent themselves and their work—refining portfolios, resumes, reels, and personal identity packages. But beyond the tangible deliverables, this course is about building the ability to present work authentically, communicate ideas effectively, and shape a story that resonates with others. By the end of the course, students will leave with more than polished materials. They will leave with a strategic plan aligned with their ambitions and a clearer sense of direction. More importantly, they will gain confidence in who they are as designers and the impact they wish to make through their practice.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Fall 2026, Fall 2025
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