I am currently in graduate school for my MA in Art and Technology, and I’m due to graduate in spring 2026. I also have my BFA in graphic design and have over 15 years experience in design and freelance. My concern is I will be 61 when I will be receiving my master’s and concerned that I won’t be able to find a job in my field. It’s been 10 years since I worked as a designer. Any thoughts and/or advice? Thank you.

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Off the top of my mind, I would be concerned that the 10-year gap will be the biggest issue. Something you can definitely address and have a conversation about. Focus on education and whatever you are doing to be current and updated in the field. Wishing you the best of luck and congratulations on the upcoming graduation!

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Thank you so much. You’re right, the 10 year gap would definitely be an issue. I guess I really worry about my age and being that it’s such a youthful industry, would I even be considered.

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Do a small project for free or cheap for a company. Explain you need a testimonial. Your college projects count as experience. Check out that marketerhire site, I haven’t looked but it sounds like it might be helpful. If you’re applying for a company or project, I’ve had luck showing up with design ideas already created to show. The time spent sucks but generally pays off. Maybe position yourself as a consultant. Just some ideas. Oh and if you have LinkedIn don’t put the “open to work” banner on your picture, it reduces your chance of being hired (last I checked it was by 30%).

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Thank you for your suggestion. My problem definitely isn’t my portfolio. I do have some 3D work and game designs/development that I’ve done in Unity and Maya from graduate school, but 90% of my portfolio is from years of being a designer and doing freelance. It’s just over 10 years old. But I’d definitely be open to doing a project for a non-profit to get things current.

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I would highly suggest networking. Getting referrals can sometimes give you a leg up against other candidates. Best of luck to you in the search.

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Thank you, very good advice! 👍🏻 Do you honestly think my age will be a factor being in such a youthful industry?

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