Career Architecture & Visual Communication Design

How will you use Career Architecture as a Visual Communication Design major at SU? Here are some suggestions from our Visual Communication Design faculty:

SELF DISCOVERY

  • Examine your own values and aspirations: personal, creative, moral, professional.
  • Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses in the fields of design, technology, writing, and business.
  • Analyze your own style of communication.
  • Rank areas of art or design of most interest to you.
  • Ask your teachers, especially those in art and design, to discuss your talents with them.
  • Compare your preferences as to working in a team and working independently.
  • Compile examples of design you like and assess what makes them successful.
  • Analyze the types of activities you enjoy.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATIONS
  • Read design journals.
  • Attend Visiting Designers lecture series.
  • Visit Career HQ to inquire about jobs in the field of VCD.
  • Create a Career Strategic Plan.
  • Use electives wisely to help develop specific design focuses.
  • Try to find part-time and summer jobs related to design.
  • Look for a mentor in the design field who would be willing to help you explore job possibilities.
CAREER EXPLORATION

  • Search for an Internship experience in the field of design.
  • Explore possible career paths on the web.
  • Talk with your design teachers about their own professional experiences outside of teaching.
  • Attend Career Fairs where there will be information about design opportunities.
  • Investigate job websites, newspapers, and journal classifieds for information about qualifications, salaries, and career opportunities.
CAREER PREPARATION

  • Look for a Co-op position that allows you to focus on design.
  • Talk to friends and former graduates who can give you advice.
  • Refine your portfolio.
  • Refine your resume with the help of faculty and Career HQ.
   
 

What is Career ArchitectureSM?

Career ArchitectureSM is a unique process that enables each Stevenson student to create a successful and rewarding career path. Starting in the freshman year, students begin working with faculty and staff to design a strategic career plan based on their personal interests, values, strengths, and abilities. Career Architecture includes four elements: Self-Discovery, Career Development Foundations, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation. Not only does the knowledge gathered during the Career Architecture process help SU students land their first jobs; it serves for the lifetime of their careers.