What’s it like to start working at BRP as a young designer?
As young designers come in, they’re fresh out of school with very few paradigms, so we like our young designers to provide some insight as to what they see at BRP. As they provide many of these insights, then they move on to more specific programmes.
Some may be assigned to advanced concepts. In advanced concepts it’s pretty free. Anything can be an opportunity for us to explore. We have some specific assignments for them, however we also allow for them to investigate projects they feel could be an opportunity for BRP. Some are given programmes but some are encouraged to provide what they feel would be the next big thing for us and influence our future direction. They do ideations, they’re encouraged to work in teams, they often work individually. Sometimes they’re given assignments on the bigger programmes influencing overall direction, or we might ask them to work on a very specific accessory.
It depends on their skill level, their interests, but at BRP we have this principle that we much prefer using people’s natural strengths. We will challenge them, however if something is not their forte, we don’t try to stretch them in an area where it’s really not natural for them.
No doubt many young designers dream of working for BRP. How cool is it in real life? What’s the best part about it?
We have a state-of-the-art working environment. It’s also a multi-cultural environment with people from all over the place with all kinds of experiences, and with whom you can exchange and work as teammates.
There are very interesting projects to work on; everybody will be given the opportunity to work on things that are far-fetched, and people are encouraged to ride the vehicles and try out their ideas. We even accept for people to work on their own personal projects. For example, one of our designers is a surfer. He designed his own surfboard on the premises and was able to build it. If you’re building a motorcycle of your own, this may force you to discover new things. So all of this is encouraged.
What is the best advice you would give designers starting out their careers today?
Don’t give up. We’ve had a few great individuals who when they first knocked at our door, their portfolio was not up to par. We were very honest and gave them constructive feedback, and I’m proud to say that many of these individuals came back to us. They didn’t make it through the first time, but they kept on persevering and resubmitted new, fresh ideas. They worked on their portfolio and eventually made it. Quite honestly we’re extremely happy with all the individuals that at first didn’t make it through.
So, I say, never give up. If as a young designer you have a passion for a company, if you don’t make it through the first time, don’t necessarily give up. Just continue, and the hard work will eventually lead you to where you want to be.