Staying Classy

By: Justin Villa

I am currently writing this during what it is perhaps the busiest week I have had at college in 8 semesters. This is due to school, curricular activities, and most importantly our Career Week. It has been a chaotic week, but also the most helpful in terms of career development. All of the speakers have done an excellent job portraying the work world and how to find your place within this. What I am most excited for this week is our Career Expo, where over 35 companies will be attending; giving Liberal Arts students an opportunity to put everything Career Week offers to practice.


One of the events that I am proud to be working with is our Suit Up: The Challenge. It gives students the chance to find out what is and isn't acceptable to wear in the professional world, and we are having someone teach how to tie bowties!! This event is a great way to learn how to look classy in the work world. And here are some tips to further this classy attitude gentlemen:


A Versatile Suit

Whether you suit up for work every day, or only on special occasions, you need a suit that exudes sophistication. A timeless two-button, notch lapel gray, black, or navy suit looks refined and will continue to for years to come. And please, don’t skimp on the tailoring. You can look like you inherited your dad’s suit if it doesn’t fit properly.

Basic Button-Up

Don’t get us wrong, we love dress shirts in bold hues, but a white button-up is a classic that belongs in everyman’s closet. Sure, you probably already have one—but since they don’t look fresh forever, you should have at least a few at your disposal. Your boss can spot the difference.

No White T-shirts under light-colored dress shirts

Let’s assume you’re a sweaty dude who wears undershirts because you worry about sweating through your button-up. Your best bet is a heather gray v-neck shirt. A close runner-up would be a heather gray a-shirt. Why? Both options are closer to your natural skin tone, and won’t show as clearly through a white or light-colored dress shirt… Basically, gray blends better with your skin, whereas white stands out, even underneath.

V-necks are better than the standard crewneck in case you plan on loosening your tie and unbuttoning that top button. You don’t want the ribbed collar of your crewneck poking through; that just screams “sloppy”. Make sure to buy undershirts that are fitted and form to your body so you don’t have excess fabric bunching and billowing when you tuck in your dress shirt.


Cut the Hair

Talk to a professional you trust. Most humans don't have a clear concept of their head shape. Find a stylist with a cut you admire (or ask a friend whose hair you like). They will be able to give you realistic suggestions about length, texture, and product options. When in doubt, ask a female friend with good taste. She has noticed your hair and has ideas about where you should go, I promise you.

 

Presenting

By Sarah-Jean Murray

The first day of Career Week is today and let me tell you, it's been crazy. I was forced out of my comfort zone this morning when I gave a presentation on Liberal Arts careers and specifically the question, "Do Liberal Arts even have career paths?". Public speaking has never been my strong point and I've constantly struggled with it over the course of my college career. I don't like it and it makes me nervous, however I know that presenting skills are something I need in my future career.
So today I sucked it up and gave a speech. Nothing bad happened. I gave my presentation and I didn't faint or throw up. I feel like this marks a change from the nervous wreck I used to be to the slightly more confident figure I was today. Here are some tips on how I organized my presentation and how you can make that next speech go smoothly!

1. Structure your presentation: Give a brief overview of what you'll be talking about and then hit each main point. Expand on each main point and give examples that make your audience understand your topic more. Conclude by giving two or three main points you want your audience to remember when the presentation is over. Give them something that will stick in their minds.

2. Practice...but don't memorize: You want your presentation to have flow instead of making you sound like a parrot. Rehearsing your speech may involve pitching to friends, going through your speech to see if you remember your main point or making sure your timing is on key. Remember this for the next time you present, "When an individual is too polished, it makes them relatively inaccessible in the mind of the audience." You want to know your stuff but you still want to be relatable to the audience.

3. Body language: Don't roam the room with your eyes but rather make eye contact with one person at a time. Take a confident stance, don't slump or look at the ceiling to avoid eye contact with the audience.

So next time you're giving a presentation, think about me. I overcame my fears and presented to a room full of strangers. If I can do it, you can too.

Source: http://www.inc.com/guides/how-to-improve-your-presentation-skills.html

A Simple Hello: Networking Your Way to a Job

By Katy Claucherty

Networking can be very intimidating, especially if you haven’t done it very often. I’m guilty of avoiding networking myself - I can’t tell you how many career fairs I’ve skipped, claiming false excuses of “I’m not looking for a job yet,” or “I don’t have a perfect resume.” Well, making excuses on why you shouldn’t go isn’t going to get you that internship or job. Instead, be proactive. Practice your elevator speech, both by yourself and with your friends. Also prepare your resume and business card in time for our Career Expo on February 28^th. Get yourself ready to network, no matter where you are. Here are some tips on how to easily network without the stress.

Start with “Hello”

Walk up to that Career Booth or even just a new contact and start by saying “Hello” with a smile. Smiling will give you confidence and put the professional at ease. Even if you’re nervous, a genuine smile will help calm you down so you can focus on winning that job or internship.

Try a New Elevator Pitch

Preparing an elevator pitch is a great way to practice perfecting what information you want the recruiter to remember about you. However, I propose that we throw out the elevator pitch and go back to conversations. It’s like giving a speech extemporaneously. Know the main points you want to get across, but loosen up – your story won’t be exactly the same every time you tell it. This is what I’m getting ready to say “Hello (SMILE) I’m Katy Claucherty. I’m artistic, faithful, and detailed, and this is why I want to work for your company (insert reason).” Afterwards, we’ll probably talk about my 3 descriptive words that describe my personal brand, more about the company, and about our passions – at least, that’s what I’m planning on. It’ll probably change from recruiter to recruiter. But instead of giving them a normal 30 second elevator pitch about who I am, what year I am in school, etc. etc., I’ll stand out in their minds because I started a conversation.

Be Memorable

Professionals meet a ton of new people every day, whether it’s through business, friends, or at career fairs. If you don’t stand out, there’s a good chance they won’t remember you. Start by smiling, introducing yourself, and let them introduce themselves. Ask them questions they might not hear very much – why do they love working for their company, what sort of activities they like to do in their spare time, even how they got connected to their company.

Keep your personal brand at the forefront of their minds with a unique business card and resume. Brand yourself the same way you do your cards – (if I know about an opportunity ahead of time) I always wear a purple shirt and paint my nails purple because my personal brand includes the color purple in my business card. When I hand them a purple card with my purple-painted nails while wearing my purple shirt, it automatically clicks in their minds that I’m working overtime to make an impression. I kid you not, this works. Brand yourself and live your brand.

Ask for an Introduction

Did your friend intern at an awesome company? Does your professor have connections with former students who are doing great? Ask them to introduce you! Having someone that knows you personally and professionally is a great in-person reference that’s sure to get the conversation started. After that, it’s up to you to wow them. 

Network Everywhere

Everyone you meet is a potential connection. If you’re having a lot of trouble getting the courage to network in a more professional setting, go somewhere else. Find new connections through volunteering, hanging out at the local favorite spot, or even pick up a new hobby. No matter where you are, stay professional and genuine. Face-to-face networking is the best way to find a new opportunity.

End with “Thank You”

Always remember to say thank you at the end of your conversation! If you’re interested in a job or internship with them, ask for their contact information so you can follow up later. If you really want to impress them, send a handwritten thank you card, expressing how much you enjoyed your talk (includes specific details!) and that you’d like to stay in touch regarding any opening positions. If you make plans to follow up, do it in a timely fashion so they’ll be sure to remember the conversation you had.

Bottom line: See you at our free Career Expo on February 28^th from 11-3 in the PMU North Ballroom. If you’re having trouble networking, find a LACD intern. We’ll introduce you and help you find the right words to get your personal brand across - and that job or internship secured! The only way to get better at networking is to practice. So whether you’re an underclassman or about to graduate, come to our Career Expo to find opportunities and to polish your networking skills.

Check out the full list of companies coming to our Career Expo here: http://www.cla.purdue.edu/careers/lacd_events/career_week/Career%20Expo.html

Last 8 Myths of Design

By: Samantha Werry

As promised, I have returned with the four other graphic design myths! If you haven’t yet read the first four myths, scroll down to my blog post right before this one and you will find all the information you need. These final myths are just as important as the first four, so make sure you read both posts!

Myth #5: Clients Realize that the Designer Knows Best, and will Give them Freedom to Design

I know what your all thinking, people hire designers for a reason so they have to trust what you do. NOT true! Yea they will trust you to show them what they are wanting, but they will always think that they can do just as good as you can even though they are not trained to. They think they have the same amount of skill set as you and know what they want. They think it will turn out just perfect if they have their way. They will direct every detail and revise your designs into the ground. There is only so much advice you can give to someone who is stubborn with what they want.

Once you are working with a paying client, you need to do anything you can to make them happy in order to get paid. You need to figure out ways to make the impossible work and make them happy even if you hate the end product. It is not your job to create something you love; it’s your job to create something your client loves. The client will always have revisions, believe me. And when that happens, use it as a test to see how talented you really are. Make it work. Take it as learning how to further yourself based on testing what you can do for your client.

Myth #6: Designers Can Easily Start their own Company right out of School

From what I have seen, students in VCD tend to double major in VCD and entrepreneurship. Yes, this can help students start their own company, but not right away. I’m not saying it can happen, it is just highly unlikely. Most students haven’t taken any classes about finances, how to keep the company afloat, and more. They only have the design classes. People should have some experience dealing with companies.

We learn a lot in school, but not everything we need to understand that you learn on the job. You’re not going to learn how to deal with clients, how to handle contracts, estimates, and billing, or how to hire illustrators and printers at school. You are also not going to have a reliable network of people right out of school. You are not going to know how to run a meeting, how to set up a conference call, or how to keep track of hundreds of open jobs. It is important to build a foundation for yourself with professional experience before you venture off on your own. The best thing for someone who wants to own their own business is to start off somewhere small where you can get a lot of hands on experience in all the departments of the company. You will learn a lot that way.

Myth #7: Anyone Can Do It

As I have said it before, I will say it again; clients think they can do just as good of work as you can. As designers, we get a lot of “Oh, my cousin is a designer,” or “My friend is a designer,” just to find out that these people know a little Photoshop, or create invitations with Word. People think they are designers because they can remove red-eye or add a sepia-tone to photos. Let me tell you, design is a lot more than just that. These are the people who are on their way to a second career in Graphic Design with no degree. These are the people I am up against when a client says, “ I have a neighbor who will design my website for $50.00.”

Do not let these individuals affect you. Do not drop your prices to meet theirs or become overly competitive with them. People can enjoy design as a hobby, but they will have to go through all the work you have to be able to obtain a full time career. Do not let it frustrate you. You will hear it all the time. Just let your client know that your work comes with a degree and the skills of someone who knows what they are doing. Stay professional and offer them a quality job.

Myth #8: There are Plenty of Dream Jobs to Go Around

I know in my classes, a lot of us share the same dreams. We want to work at a design company doing print design anywhere in the world. Your dreams may be different, and that’s probably good. The problem is, some of us are so set on these dream jobs that they forget to make themselves marketable just in case they cannot land their dream jobs. Try to be realistic and expand your skill set just in case. Do not close your mind to other possibilities. Who knows, maybe your will end up loving doing something totally different like Website coding or package design. Try everything out at least once so you know what you want to do for sure.

information from http://www.creativeopera.com/2009/8-common-graphic-design-myths/

Food, Glorious Food...

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By: Janna Parke

I don’t know about you, but food is constantly on my mind! I am always thinking of what would be good to eat at my next meal. I always love eating cookies, bread, and other yummy treats, but that never gives me the energy I need to get through the day. It may seem really silly and insignificant, but the food you eat does affect the way you think and work throughout the day. If you are starting a new job, internship, or school in general and you are having trouble getting into the groove, look into these tips to boost your energy, health, and stamina. It seems that most people know to eat a fully balanced meal with fruits, vegetables, protein, and a few sweets here and there, but these specific tips will help you feel energized and ready for the work day!

1.     Get a good night’s sleep. When you are overtired, it is easy to reach for more food and coffee to keep your energy up. Getting a good sleep also helps you to be alert and more likely to make good decisions.

2.     Eat breakfast. People who eat breakfast are more likely to eat better throughout the rest of the day. Try to eat more protein for breakfast! You can get your brain working right when you wake up so you are ready for the challenges of the day ahead.

3.     Drinks count! Don’t let your calories from the day come from extra drinks such as soft drinks, juices, and coffee with creamer. Drinking 8 cups a day helps you stay full, hydrated, and ready for anything work will throw your way! Take a refillable water bottle to work and make sure to keep drinking water throughout the day.

Taking these small steps and also researching more ways to improve your diet can do more for your mental and physical health then you can imagine. It is important to treat your body with respect, so you can be more productive and successful in the long run. They may seem like common sense, but every once in a while it is good to sit back and really think about how you are keeping a healthy lifestyle. Take the time to reflect on your good and bad habits and think of how these things effect your day-to-day productivity.

Learn that the primary keys to health are good nutrition, pure water, adequate sleep, routine exercise, and happiness. 

For more great tips, check out the full article

http://www.dietriffic.com/2011/03/14/eating-healthy-at-work/

How Music Can Boost Productivity

By: Maureen Corbett

When I was younger, my mother always made me sit quietly at the kitchen table and work on my homework. Her justification for this was that I needed as little noise distractions as possible in order to properly focus on my work. While I had always assumed this to be true, the other day I read an interesting article in the New York Times that contradicted what she had taught me, especially in regards to music.

This article talked about the benefits of listening to music while one works, as well as several ways music can increase your productivity. Here are some interesting findings discussed in the article:

Music is Healthy for Your Brain 
Studies have proven that listening to music causes your brain to release more dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your attention, cognition, and feelings of happiness. This will put you in an overall better mood and allows your brain to operate more efficiently. Music therapist Theresa Lesiuk also performed studies that found that listening to music keeps your mind from wandering, helps you complete tasks quicker, and stimulates more creative thought.

Genre of Music is Important
Pick music that you like! Studies suggest that as long as you are moderately skilled at your job and like what you are listening to, chances are you will become a more efficient worker. Lyric-less music may be slightly more effective, so perhaps you should try breaking away from your typical music preferences and listen to instrumental music, such as classical or jazz tunes.

Respect Workplace Etiquette 
The article touched on the fact that while music does bring many benefits to your work performance, in many cases there may be some negative consequences as well. Some co-workers find it distracting to have a loud radio playing while they are trying to focus and would prefer to work in a quiet environment. Others might perceive headphones as a rude way to block out the noises your coworkers make throughout the day. So before you start jamming out to your favorite songs at work, check to make sure you have to approval of everyone in the office.


Still interested and want to read the whole article? Follow the link below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/jobs/how-music-can-improve-worker-productivity-workstation.html?_r=0

Tricks of the Trade

By Corinne Feight

I spoke with a working professional last week with over 30 years in the business. She is currently working at one of Condé Nast’s many magazines in New York. Thus, you may think that her advice might not be relevant to you. However, she is someone who has been at the bottom and has worked her way up almost all the way to the top. Her career span is really impressive and her advice to me can apply to any field or profession. As I found her advice to be beneficial, I thought I’d share some of her most important tips.

1. Nothing is below you. Don’t underestimate the power of positivity and loyalty. When you start working for a company, no matter the size, you will start on the bottom in an entry-level position, most likely. This means that you will have to do the menial tasks like filing and running errands. Don’t discredit this work. Everyone works through this at some point. Keep smiling. People will notice your good attitude and appreciate the work that you do. It will pay off in the long run. You could sink the promotion based on your work ethic even if there are people in the same position as you that are more skilled.


2. Don’t be in such a hurry. Many times, especially in Liberal Arts positions, you can move up the corporate ladder more quickly. However, don’t be so eager. My mentor said that you should stay in your job position at least three to six months. This allows you to really get a handle on how to perform the tasks not only well, but also better than anyone before. If you show your commitment to even the busywork, you will become a valuable part of the company. You may, in fact, become so invaluable that when you finally ask for that promotion, the company will do anything just to ensure you’ll stay. For those who work hard and put in their time, you will be rewarded in the long run. Don’t be in such a rush to get there. The relationships you build along the way are important. In the end, you don’t want to be standing on a deck of cards. Take time to build your foundation within the company.


3. Start small. Many times students want to come out of college and sink those job positions at the huge companies. Don’t get me wrong, if you can do it, by all means go right ahead. However, it’s harder to be considered if you don’t have the experience to back it up. Don’t be discouraged. My mentor says you should start small. Start in a place that has a bunch of employees your age. Bounce ideas off each other. Thrive in this dynamic environment. These smaller companies will be hard work…a lot of hard work, but in the end, it’s worth it. It is in these places that you can wear many hats and develop many different skill sets. These will become invaluable to you later when you move into a higher position. Many larger companies also really respect these smaller companies for the work that they do and will see the credibility in a candidate that started at those businesses. Don’t be afraid of a stepping-stone (or a couple!) on the way to your dream job.

These are just small tips, but they can make all the difference when your boss is looking to promote someone from your intern class or entry-level position. Positivity and a work ethic can go a long way. Certain skills and business programming can be taught, but your ability to persevere and self-inspire is rare and valuable. Be modest and people will notice your hard work.

Presenting You

Nothing is more important in career development, internships, and the workplace than knowing who you are and presenting that image. This includes talking about strengths and weaknesses, experiences, achievements, and yes even connections.  Anyone trying to achieve anything in life needs to have these tricks tucked in your mind ready to be used on the spot. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Talk the Talk - Knowing what words to say for listing strengths and weaknesses is important, but so is knowing how to sell it. Simply saying I am a good leader but I have a tendency to be overbearing is not a good indication of your qualities nor does it reflect knowing who you truly are. Elaborate on strengths with positive reinforcement to show how you excel at that trait and use it to your advantage. Pointing out your weakness and areas of improvement shows that you acknowledge you aren't perfect. But take it a step further and express how you plan to work on transforming your weaknesses into strengths. This shows that you are adaptable and willing to work hard to better yourself.

2. STAR - this acronym is your new best friend during interviews and when dealing with reflection. This helps provide quick answers that are thought out dealing with behavioral questions or an experience. It is also a good tool to reflect on your own qualities and see how you handle situations at work.

• Situation: The interviewer wants you to present a recent challenge and situation in which you found yourself.
• Task: What did you have to achieve? The interviewer will be looking to see what you were trying to achieve from the situation.
• Action: What did you do? The interviewer will be looking for information on what you did, why you did it and what were the alternatives.
• Results: What was the outcome of your actions? What did you achieve through your actions and did you meet your objectives. What did you learn from this experience and have you used this learning since?

3. Know Yourself - Ever walked into a class where a teacher asks what your goals are in 5 years or plans for the future? Chances are if you are like me then most of the time you came up with a confused look wondering why you need to worry about that right now. But now it is crunch time, time finally answer those questions. Set up goals that are achievable and realistic. Interviewers and employers don't want to hear about unreachable fantasies. Be respectful of their time and know where you want to go. Having clear goals will help your interviewer or boss know how to place you best within the organization. Knowing what you want out of your future will help improve chances to reach these goals.

Tips to Organize

By Sarah-Jean Murray

I admit that I am not a naturally organized person. I have to conscientiously make a decision to be organized and stick to that plan. If I don't, I'll end up with my entire closet on my floor and unable to find my planner and notebooks the next morning. If this sounds like you, never fear! There are a couple of easy things you can do to become a more organized you.

Keep a planner - Of course we all have smartphones which can hold our calendars and tell us when we have to be at class. However, having an actual planner can make it much simpler. The Purdue mortarboard for example has a week by week layout as well as the overall month calendar. This is great for looking ahead to make sure you're not forgetting due dates for projects or papers and you're staying on top of homework. You can also highlight important events coming up that you don't want to forget and also enables you to scribble down reminders for things you don't want to forget later. If you have an app on your phone or you prefer using a giant wall calendar that's okay too, as long as you have a place to keep track of your day.

De-clutter - We all have it. That junk you've kept since freshman year. Clothes that don't fit but you keep in your closet anyway. Having a mess around you can distract from studying or homework and make you feel overwhelmed. The time has come to streamline your belongings. One of the rules of Zen monks is to think about what is necessary in your life. Zen monks only have the basics; shelter, food, basic clothing etc. Now I'm not saying you have to get rid of your belongings and live like a monk, but take an afternoon to evaluate what you own. Decide what you need and what doesn't serve a purpose anymore. Donate those old clothes to goodwill and go through your papers to decide what's important. Your living space will feel much better afterwards.

So clean! So neat!

Store things you can't part with - If you've come across some things you don't want to throw out but don't have the space for either, consider storing them. Containers for under bed storage are great for getting winter clothes out of the way. There are many organization systems you can buy that will make your life easier and simpler. Or you could just take those things to your parent's house right?

Everything in its place.

One thing at a time - Trying to tackle everything on your to-do list at the same time is not going to be beneficial to your or your stress level. Make a list of things you have to do in order of importance. Work on these list items one at a time and don't try switching between tasks. If you focus yourself on one task at a time you'll be more productive and effective.

Organize papers - Many people have stacks of paper in their lives. These may be syllabi from class, project papers, papers you've written etc. It's time to organize them so they don't lie around and cause a mess. Usually when I go through my papers I put them into two piles, keep and throw away. The keep pile is then organized into different sections depending on what the subject is. I have a folder for my art project papers, syllabi for class and homework to turn in. That way I know where everything is and I can get to it easily. Keep the folders near your computer or in your desk draw for easy access.

Serious paper storage. And it looks good!

These are just a few tips to get you on your way to a more organized life. Remember this quote by Confucius, "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated".

How to be a SUPER INTERN!

By: Katy Claucherty

Awesome! You landed that internship you worked so hard to get. Now what? How are you going to set yourself apart from the other interns? Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to become a SUPER INTERN at your company!

Dress for success: Make sure that you are following the dress code for the company. If you’re not sure what to wear, go business professional for the first few days and watch what the employees wear. Another good option is to directly ask an employee what the office style is.

Be on time: Always, always, always be on time – or better yet, be early. Showing up on time proves to your boss that you’re committed to this internship and that you’re ready for a full day of work. Remember you’re on time when you’re 15 minutes early, you’re late when you’re on time.

Find a mentor: At some internships, a mentor has already been decided for you. You’ll work one-on-one with them for the most part, and also shadow other employees and helping out with their tasks. If you don’t get a mentor assigned to you, go find one! Your mentor will be able to vouch for how hard you’ve been working throughout your internship.

Ask questions: Make sure you’re asking questions to the right people at the right times. Seek help from your mentor or ask around the office when you need it. It’s much easier to ask questions and get the job done right the first time, rather than having to redo it because you were too shy to ask for help.

Take notes: Keep a pen and paper handy with you at your desk. When you’re given a list of tasks for the day, write them all down with details on how to do each one. Write down advice other employees give you and use it while you work.

Say thank you: When someone takes time out of their busy workday to help you out, say thank you. Take them out for coffee later and tell them how much you appreciate their help.

Impress them:
• Every job will ask you to do something you don’t really want to – it’s inevitable. If you’re having problems completing that report or writing that press release, ask for a fresh opinion.
• Make sure you are doing every task you’re given, without complaining. A good attitude is important.
• If you’re given a list of tasks to do each day, prioritize the list and try to accomplish everything on it – and then ask for more work. If you’re working on a long-term project, keep everyone involved updated on how you’re doing and if you need any help.

SUPER INTERN Tip: Keep track of everything you’ve accomplished. Bookmark website pages that your blogs have been posted on, cut out newspaper articles that you wrote, or save the magazine advertisements you helped create. Keeping it all in one place will help you build your resume after your internship is completed.


Intern Kryptonite

Superheroes might only have one weakness, but interns can mess up in multiple ways. Knowing what to avoid can help keep your internship safe.

Smartphones: Playing Fruit Ninja on your smartphone all day is one of the quickest ways to show your employer that you don’t care about your internship. Keep your phone with you if you want, but only answer important text messages and if you really need to answer a call, excuse yourself to the hallway and keep it brief. Stay off of Facebook and Twitter as well, you can always update your status after work.

Swearing: Don’t use profanity in the office. Even if your co-workers are swearing, keep it professional. It won’t go unnoticed.

Absences: Missing work or showing up late constantly shows your employers that you are unreliable. If they can’t count on you to show up for an internship, how can they be sure you’d be on time for a client meeting or take your job seriously?

Disinterest: Ask about other aspects of the company. Yes, you have set responsibilities for the internship and you should take care of those. But if you only do those tasks, you are an average intern, not a SUPER INTERN. Ask to sit in on client calls, ask relevant questions, and find out as much as you can about the company.

Whether you’re earning money, receiving school credit or none of the above, you need to always give it your all. Don’t underestimate the value of any internship. You gain invaluable experience, great networking connections, and – if you do a good job – awesome job references. Those things will help you find a job after the internship, maybe even at the company you intern at!

Have any more SUPER INTERN tips? Let us know in the comments below!

8 Common Graphic Design Myths Revealed

By: Samantha Werry

Ever since I decided to go into the wonderful field of Graphic Design, I have heard so many people say things like “Oh anyone can do that” or “People don’t really need to go to school for that. They can just learn it on their own.” Well I am here to set the story straight from all the myths out their about Graphic Design careers. I am not sure where the rumors started, or how they continue to grow, but now it is time to set the record straight.

Myth #1: All Graphic Designers are Rich

All designers have the dream of being an amazingly rich, wonderfully famous designer who everyone in the world knows with the work of a genius. But this is typically just a dream, a wonderful, never-want-to-wake-up dream. Design is an extremely competitive field, and therefore, companies don’t need to go broke to keep their design departments staffed. There is always someone out there willing to work for less, and unfortunately, that keeps our salary rate pretty low right out of school. But that does not mean that if you are talented, put the time and effort in, you won’t make a lot of money. You just have to be realistic about it.

Myth #2: It’s an Easy Job

Like many of my friends who are Graphic Designers, we have all ran into people who tend to think our major is a “fun” major and that we get to do all the “easy” classes. Well I am here to tell you that is not true. Most people do around 15 to 18 credits a semester to graduate on time. I know I cannot stand it when people in other majors complain about have ONE, 3 hr long class a week and think that our classes are so much easier than theirs. Well, I have 2, 3-hour classes twice a week. So put that together, that’s 12 hours of class per week. Technically, that should be enough credit hours to be a full time student, but it is only 6 credits. Just like the actual job, people tend to think it is easy and fun. Well here it is. It is NOT easy. Designers can’t simply design anything they want for “fun,” they have to listen to their clients, respect restrictions and much more. For freelance designers, they have to work during the day to meet with the clients, see what they want, make sure they have everything right, and then at night actually sit down and design something, then redesign something because it was not up to par according to the client. That’s more like a 50+ workweek. People design because they love what they do. It is hard work, but it makes them feel good about designing wonderful pieces.

Myth #3: The Studying Ends After College

Graphic design is constantly changing from the programs being used to the style of design being desired. Designers need to keep up with the new times of the day by buying new books, learning from new designers, and realize that our world is constantly changing medias. Designers need to stay on top of the latest programs, the newest trends, and to continually expand your skill set. If your not constantly learning, you are going to get passed up by the next big thing that is constantly learning.

Myth #4: Designers Don’t Have to Deal with People

I know I would love to just sit at my desk with a dual wide-screen Apple display, play my favorite music designing what I want to design in peace, but this just isn’t always true. There are some jobs out there like this, but typically we will have to deal with clients on a daily basis. You need to be ready for anything. There will be constant interruptions, changing from one project to the next. There will be meetings, phone calls, phone conferences, and a hundred emails a day. You will be busy doing other designs while dealing with new clients each day. People want to communicate with their designer. And, in order to create a successful end product, it is your best interest to form a relationship with your clients.

Now most of you are thinking, my title says “8 Common Graphic Design Myths Revealed,” but there are only 4 myths. Where are the rest? If you become a loyal reader to my wonderful blog posts, you will get to see the rest of my blog! Please keep reading my posts for more information! I will be posting the rest again soon so stay in touch!

information from http://www.creativeopera.com/2009/8-common-graphic-design-myths/

1,2,3... TEAMWORK

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By: Janna Parke

When it comes to teamwork, there are many trials and struggles that can and will occur. Sometimes it’s a team member who is slacking, sometimes it is a leader who is overpowering, but no matter what the issues is, it is important to stop and reflect on how effectively and efficiently your team is working as a whole. In my entrepreneurship 310 class, my professor, Stroh Brann, gave us tips on how to get your team back on track when things are getting chaotic. Even if things appear to be going well, it is very possible that a problem will come up in the future, and your team needs to be ready to handle any situation. Take the time to reflect on the questions below, no matter what your team situation, because you always be more effective and efficient.

Ask your team if you are being:

Effective   = Doing the right things.

Efficient    = Doing the things right.

Ask yourselves questions in these three areas:

Start -- What do we need to begin doing in our team meetings, communication, etc.?

Stop – What should we stop doing?   What is not working well, or getting in our way?

Continue -- What is working well, helping us reach our goals?

Once your team has gone through these questions, it should be clear what needs to change and needs to stay the same. Being here at school, juggling classes, extra activities, and other social events can be time consuming and stressful. It is hard to collaborate on many different class projects and be a confident group member in each situation. After looking over these short questions with your group, it will be easier to handle group meetings, productivity, and overall ideas! If you have a group project and things are falling apart before your eyes, try taking this activity to the group meeting and see what happens once you take the time to reflect!