Graphic Design students attend Meet the Pros Conference

 Students Brandon Allen, Debra Hellerich, Kelsey Hinesley, Amanda Lewin, and Michelle Vorderstrasse, along with instructor Mary Donahue, "took their careers into the future" by gaining knowledge for the job world. The 2-day conference is sponsored by the American Advertising Federation/Omaha as a chance for students to meet with professionals in the field of design and advertising and learn how to present themselves and their portfolios. Sessions included "What Creative Directors are Looking for in a 2010 Portfolio" given by Mark Carpenter, Partner,VP of Creative Strategy for SKAR Advertising, Omaha. (The answer? Solution-based thinking; solve a marketing problem using old, new and emerging media; BIG IDEAs) There were virtual tours and inside looks at top firms such as Archrival, Bailey Lauerman, Swanson Russell, First National Bank, BrightMix, and What•Cheer. Students learned about using social media to network for jobs and taking their social media skills to a more professional level with LinkedIn. They heard firsthand from creative directors, freelancers, and from young professionals on how they landed their first job (internships!) The two days of intense, back-to-back sessions ended with a review of student portfolios by ad and design professionals.