If I were new in design, I would follow one basic rule: "Build the thing." Do not only make the concept or the research or the design. Put the thing into the world. Simple as that! This will teach you more than any school, agency, or tech job.

No one Said it had to be perfect or that you should not get guidance. A wobbly app or a basic product. Its all about learning What goes in to creating something. To me learning early that you Can build stuff on your own is super empowering.

Building stuff != Learning to build stuff effectively. You have a good point, I have learned so many things by figuring my way out. But I wouldn’t just tell a young designer to go figure things out. Cubs first learn to hunt with elders.

Guidance is good :)

I agree, if they decide to build something big. Beginners could gain huge knowledge by building something tiny.

It's always a struggle. But struggle early and learn from it. There is no big or small, but first nothing and then something. And then you look back.