Alumni Profiles December 2013

&Michigan State University | COLLEGE OF Arts LETTERS ALUMNI AT WORKPicture Your Next DestinationMichigan State UniversityCOLLEGE OF Arts & LETTERS

“Since each student’s experiencesand aspirations are unique, wecustomize a plan to clarify your goalsand interests, explore internshipopportunities, or begin thejob-search process.” — Becky Brewer, MSU College of Arts & Letters Career Consultant BeCLtAteIMrA Future

Michigan State University COLLEGE OF Arts & LETTERSA degree from the College of Arts & Lettersprepares students to find a career upon graduation.The College of Arts & Letters…• Consistently boasts a career placement rate of more than 90% for our graduates• Provides unparalleled opportunities in Study Abroad with more than 80 programs in nearly 40 countries• Is a leading college on MSU’s campus in International Internships, in more than 14 countries• Offers small classes, individualized attention, and unique personalized programs of study• Has a dedicated career consultant for the “next step” in your career• Has a track record of student scholarship winners from major international and national awards including the Rhodes Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, and many more• Provides students access to world-class and nationally recognized faculty throughout their education• Offers innovative and diverse programs in Study Away to cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago 1

Maria Adams Studio Art, 2009 Art Education, 2009 Maria Adams Time spent teaching in the Saturday Morning Art (SMART) BFA – Studio Art/Painting, 2009 program and participating in art department exhibitions helped me BFA – Art Education, 2009 gain practical knowledge that would prove invaluable after graduation. MFA in Visual Arts Candidate, I took advantage of a variety of employment opportunities on Teaching Assistant campus that helped me to stay focused, pay for art supplies, and University of Washington refine a variety of important skills. I was able to have a very well- Seattle, Washington rounded experience. With a dual degree from the For others considering a similar College of Arts and Letters, I felt path, inquisitiveness is your best extremely prepared to engage in friend. Ask a lot of questions. The both of my fields after graduation. shared passion for art means that others are more than willing to After three years of teaching help, and one day, you can return art in Michigan public schools, I the favor for someone else. Take am currently pursuing my MFA advantage of all the incredible in painting at the University of resources, including professors, Washington. your classmates, the library, job opportunities, college-sponsored I was very interested in pushing the events, community events, etc. boundaries of my learning while at There is truly an incredible array MSU, and there was an abundance of resources at your fingertips. of opportunities to do just that. Also, I cannot overstate how Even in a creative field it is 99.9% knowledgeable and supportive hard work and dedication, so find the professors are. that within yourself and you will be just fine.2

Sarah Aldrich Professional Writing, 2010Sarah Aldrich I was lucky to know some pretty great people within the CollegeBA – Professional Writing, 2010 and took full advantage of it. My jobs and internships during schoolCommunications Manager got me my job at Founders. I had interviewed one of the founders forFounders Brewing Co. a class project; when this position opened, he called and asked me toGrand Rapids, Michigan apply. And I had the experience to make an effective case for myselfThe professional writing program during the interview.focused on applying everything welearned to a professional context. My advice to students is to doWe learned how to be effective internships, study abroad, take risks,communicators in every sense of take classes that interest you andthe word. dedicate yourself to them. Have fun. Get to know your classmates andI write and/or oversee the creation professors, because they will be theand execution of all the company’s base of your professional network.external communications–includingprint, online presence and media Don’t follow in my footsteps—docampaigns. I also act as webmaster, your own thing. I didn’t see myself inwriting all website copy and creating this position when I was a student.or overseeing the creation of That’s what’s cool about it. As longall content. as you dedicate yourself to what you’re doing, doors will openAt CAL, we learned how to write for you.for an audience, and to createdocuments that were informative, 3useful and looked good—threethings that are impossibleto separate.

Jeff Blandford Studio Art, 2007 Jeff Blandford of my collegiate days. This allowed me to work extensively outside of BFA – Studio Art/Ceramics, 2007 course requirements. I would not Owner/Artist be where I am today without those Jeff Blandford Gallery experiences. Saugatuck, Michigan To any student who is seriously There are so many different ways of considering making a living as an selling artwork, I strongly believe a artist, I would say, “An artist will person can make it, if they are fully only sell a fraction of the work they committed and determined. make. If you make an absurd amount of work, that percentage will get I am an artist who works in clay larger.” It takes hours and hours in and glass. As a one-man band, I the studio–when you want to be make the artwork, market myself, there, and when you do NOT want to and run my gallery. be there. One must take risks, work when they don’t want to, and find a My experience at MSU was fantastic. way to create art even if it is not in Looking back, no other school–even their budget. “art schools”–could have given me the opportunities I had at MSU. I had My best advice is to work hard, the chance to do anything I put my and be open-minded enough to try mind to, and an abundance of space, things over and over, embracing any equipment, and materials at my and all experiences; failures included. disposal. I worked as an assistant ceramics technician at MSU for the entirety4

Buddy Boor Studio Art, 2011Buddy Boor Internships were crucial in teaching me that effective design can’t beBFA – Studio Art/ made in a vacuum. My classes taught me theory and methodology,Graphic Design, 2011 while jobs forced me to learn software. Too many students wereDesigner sitting around waiting to learn programs in school when that’sMightybytes really not what it’s for.Chicago, Illinois Students, I definitely suggest getting an internship or college job to grabIt’s the CAL faculty that really did experience outside of the classroom.it for me. In the Art Department, I’ve worked some pretty greatalmost all my instructors were internships, but some pretty crapreceptive to my ideas, but went the ones, too, so just make sure thatextra mile to push me out of my a job really aligns with what youcomfort zone. want to do.I’m currently half the design team Just don’t be so scared, and do whatat Mightybytes, a small sustainable you want. I was shaking in my bootsweb design firm in Chicago. I spend when I graduated, but just put yourmost of my time focusing on nailing mind to where you want to be andthe right user experience and visual you’ll be fine. And experiment! Notdesign for our clients’ websites. doing so will ruin you.We consider sustainability in everydesign decision we make in orderto reduce server emissions. I’malso kicking off a creative studio,Other Things, with a CAL colleague. 5

Josh D. Compton Professional Writing, 2012 Josh D. Compton In my professional writing classes, I worked on actual projects with BA – Professional Writing, 2012 deliverables similar to what you’d expect from a real job scenario. At UX Developer/UX Designer, the CE, it was a similar story: I was tasked with the usability testing Primary Developer and crafting the experience of actual products—not hypothetical Internap/Tiny Couch projects or speculative papers— while simultaneously working on the New York, New York development for these apps. I had a unique experience learning I want to emphasize that last about the web through the lens of point: I was both designing the my professional writing coursework experience behind and building and working with the Creativity these apps and sites. There aren’t Exploratory (CE). many places—anywhere—that afford students the opportunity to work I do front-end development and in two such intimately related (but user experience at an ISP called conventionally separate) arenas. Internap. I’m also one-third of a small design firm called Tiny Couch, The best advice I can give to current doing UX and development for small students is to seek out opportunities businesses and startups. where you’re building something. Don’t just learn the theory, build stuff. Get your hands dirty. While you’re building, read everything you can about the industry. And after you’ve read some, write about it. It doesn’t have to be much, but if reading is like feeding your brain, writing is exercise. You need both to keep your mind fit.6

Amanda Dalaba German, 2011 Linguistics, 2011Amanda Dalaba come up with your own conclusions or solutions. In my role at Jackson, IBA – German, 2011 constantly have to ask the questions, “Why is this being done?” or “WhatBA – Linguistics, 2011 effect will this change have on users across the company?” This helps meWeb Content Writer decide what information is necessary to effectively communicate aJackson National Life concept to the target audience.Insurance Company If you have a passion for writing, I’d recommend getting an internshipLansing, Michigan that will allow you to hone your skills. It doesn’t need to be for your dreamStudying in the College of Arts and company — you can learn valuableLetters gave me the opportunity to skills anywhere. Gaining professionalwork with people with backgrounds, experience is what’s most important.mindsets and personalities verydifferent from my own. My studies at Take advantage of the opportunitiesMSU really broadened my world and MSU offers. Get involved as muchprepared me for my professional life. as possible and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. TheI am part of Jackson’s technical college years come and go so fast,communications team. Basically, my so it’s important to be intentionalrole is taking technical information during your studies. Always beand translating it into user-friendly thinking about how the decisionscopy that is accurate but also you make can impact your futureengaging. career. And, of course, have fun.My linguistics studies provided me 7with the analytical and researchskills that are essential to my job.As a linguistics student, you areencouraged to think outside of thebox, analyze complex concepts and

Shawn Dhanak Humanities Pre-Law, 2010 Shawn Dhanak overperformed in some of the most conservative counties in this region. BA – Humanities Pre-Law, 2010 In politics you must be able to relate Regional Director to a wide variety of perspectives and views. I take pride in the fact that I Stabenow for U.S. Senate can, even though I may not always agree with someone, connect and Independent political contractor begin to build mutual trust in an often trust-void industry. Lansing/Grand Rapids/Flint, I advise students to get active in Michigan the community. Not only because I highly value community service and The well-rounded education one so do prospective employers, but receives from the College of Arts it’s also a great way to network and and Letters prepared me for meet people. It helps to broaden two very difficult and draining your perspective. professional assignments. If you want to pursue a career After returning from teaching in politics, make sure you are English in France in 2011, I was asked passionate about creating change. to step into politics for a cause Politics and issue advocacy can celebre. The progressive community often be frustrating. But if you are had targeted several Republican truly passionate about pushing for seats for recall, and I managed what you believe, it’s a ton of fun the first successful recall of a and very fulfilling. sitting member of the legislature in 28 years. Shortly thereafter, I was recruited to be regional field director for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow’s re-election campaign. On election night, Senator Stabenow8

Jena Donlin Professional Writing, 2009Jena Donlin Each “job” that I’ve had has helped me develop into the employee I amBA – Professional Writing, 2009 today—from an internship at MSU to a job as a barista to participationSenior Manager of Business in student groups like Writers’ Bloc. Each one has taught me lessons andOperations skills I employ today—even if I didn’t think of them as jobs at the time.Reddit, Inc. I’d advise CAL students to meet aSan Francisco, California variety of people. Ask them a ton of questions. Explore topics and ideasThe College of Arts and Letters you’re unfamiliar with. Join a studentshowed me a new way to approach group. Constantly stretch yourself totechnology and platforms in a take on new tasks and work on newcreative and informed way. problems, as the work environment and your job will shift and your workAt Reddit, I work on the operations will be better informed and moreof revenue-generating products to inventive.ensure that they work and delivervalue to us and our customers.This includes coordinating andcollaborating with our sales teamand customer service for ad sales,managing licensing for merchandise,assisting with the development ofour subscriber service, and exploringother revenue areas with ourbusiness development team.CAL prepared me for this role byexposing me to digital rhetoric—most obviously in a coursecalled (aptly) “Digital Rhetoric.”It introduced me to a lot ofprogramming concepts and differentways to consider digital writing. 9

Emma Enness Studio Art, 2012 Emma Enness the foundation for the growth of my career. MSU is an extraordinary BFA – Studio Art/ institution, and the Department of Art, Art History, and Design faculty Graphic Design, 2012 are some of the most insightful in the field. Between a graphic design Art Director and Marketing and internship on campus and the wide range of classes I was exposed to, Communications Coordinator my time at MSU has proved to be invaluable. New York State Dental Association My humble advice to every Spartan Albany, New York is to make the very most of your time in East Lansing. Your years There are so many resources at MSU are a chance to explore offered through the College of and take chances. Make mistakes Arts and Letters, my degree felt and pick yourself back up. Study very tailored to my personal goals. abroad, take a class in something out of your comfort zone, join a In my position, I function as a great organization, and own your graphic designer, photographer, education. Your degree from MSU and social media manager. My job is an open door to your future. is to bring our association’s brand and identity to all of our different access points. As a member of our public relations team, my goal is to enhance our member engagement through media, art, and design. The College of Arts and Letters greatly prepared me for my current job, and my education has been10

Forey Erickson Interdisciplinary Humanities, 2012Forey Erickson CAL taught me how to be confident in my skills. I was praisedBA – Interdisciplinary during the interview process for my preparedness and ability toHumanities, 2012 talk about my strengths; skills I developed in courses like theOffice Manager/Social Media; Professional Writing Portfolio Seminar. I also learned how to workDigital Strategy Team collaboratively and learn from my peers, which now serves me well inBlue Sky Agency my day-to-day work life.Atlanta, Georgia My internship taught me the fast pace of the advertising world andI spend my days working with and the importance of the agency/learning from some of the most client relationship. It also taught metalented and creative people in a lot about time management andadvertising. I’m one of those lucky prioritizing.ones who are excited to go to workevery morning. Students, take full advantage of the plethora of resources at yourIf there is a concrete definition of disposal. Never again will you havewhat I do at Blue Sky, I haven’t so many knowledgeable folks willingfound it yet. I do everything from and eager to help you find your way.researching and implementingnew search engine optimization Don’t pigeon-hole yourself. Expandstrategies to planning office events. your skill set and try new things.I manage schedules, work on And find a mentor, someone whobilling and payroll, manage social is willing and happy to teach you.media accounts, and basically do I had a couple very special ones ineverything in my power to keep the PW department at MSU. Thosethe office running smoothly relationships are indispensable.and efficiently. 11

Cara Gonzalez Interdisciplinary Humanities, 2012 Cara Gonzalez the department of Writing, Rhetoric & American Cultures at MSU. BA – Interdisciplinary Keeping to a production schedule, working with stakeholder-approved Humanities, 2012 materials, and managing different kinds of communication channels Communications Coordinator were all key to interviewing and performing well. The World Bank Group If I could give advice to students Washington, DC in the College of Arts and Letters, today, I would recommend finding Professional writing courses gave me respected advisors, professors, all the creative “professional tools” and mentors with whom you really I needed to do well in my position. connect and feel comfortable. They More importantly, they taught me are valuable mentors and will be how to learn and research on my your consultants when you begin own, which helps me adapt more applying and preparing for that first quickly to fields that are job. Meet with them often and new to me. ask questions! I wear a few different “hats” in my Also, build your networks through job. I coordinate language courses LinkedIn, friends, and family. You and workshops for World Bank never know where an opportunity Group staff, and also design print might appear. If there is a particular and web-based communication city you’re interested in, you can materials. My latest projects are also make connections by finding involved with developing eLearning Spartan alumni groups in the area. products for clients. The internship that turned out to be most relevant to my current job was my communications internship for12

Aubrey Ling Hang Studio Art, 2008 Art Education, 2008Aubrey Ling Hang While at MSU I studied abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy,BA – Studio Art/Graphic Design & which opened the door to teaching abroad. After I graduated, I movedArt Education, 2008 to Bangkok, Thailand for two years. While there, I entered (and won) aSocial Media Team social media competition, and met a finalist who worked for Walt DisneyWalt Disney World Resort World Resort. When I moved back to the States, he helped me set upOrlando, Florida meetings in Orlando to learn about different departments in Disney.I’ve been in two different roles at From there I networked vigorouslyDisney so far, and I can credit both until I landed my current role.to the skill set I acquired as a studentin the College of Arts and Letters. I would encourage students to take advantage of opportunitiesI work on the social media team at and internships. It’s a great wayWalt Disney World Resort, where I to get your foot in the door andhelp develop engaging content to make valuable connections that willpromote its brand, products and benefit you as you pursue a career.services. I’ve had the opportunity While I did not do the Disney collegeto co-produce and co-host Disney program, I quickly learned how vitalonline feature videos; I also create networking within one’s company is.original graphic illustrations foruse on Disney Parks’ socialmedia channels.My graphic design backgroundat Michigan State gave methe necessary tools to create aportfolio that I used to impressthe Disney leaders who conductedmy interviews. 13

Jennifer Henry Apparel and Textile Design, 2011 Jennifer Henry Knowing Photoshop and Illustrator are very important for my job. These BFA – Apparel and Textile were both classes that I took at MSU. Design, 2011 Learning time management and knowing how to prioritize are very Graphic Designer important for any job. Interning in New York City helped me learn my JLM Couture way around and also showed me what resources were available to me. New York, New York My advice to students? It is Having experience and work very important to have the right examples to show from a good internship. Find an internship that is internship will make getting a job going to stand out on your resume, a lot easier. Most companies want even if it means having to do one someone who has experience unpaid. Also make sure you have already. an amazing portfolio to show to potential employers. In my current position, I design various selling tools for several high-end bridal and bridesmaid dress lines. Some of these selling tools include lookbooks, catalogues, eblasts and advertisements. I also work on photo retouching and editing our lookbook images.14

Kelsey Holsinger Spanish, 2011Kelsey Holsinger In my current position, I plan, implement and evaluate parentBA – Spanish, 2011 engagement, family and communityState Family Services Coordinator partnerships, and volunteer programTelamon Corporation activities for 18 migrant HeadLansing, Michigan Start and Early Head Start centers throughout Michigan. I establishedDo what you love! My passions a process that includes parent, staff,are speaking Spanish and helping and community involvement inthose in need, so I chose my major program planning.accordingly. The College of Arts and Letters helped prepare me for my current role by exposing me to a variety of opportunities. Not only did that give me a well-rounded experience, I gained a deeper understanding of my major and how it applies to the professional world. In combination with my previous experience, the College of Arts and Letters helped me develop an understanding of who I am professionally and where I would like my career path to take me. 15

Michael Hosler French, 2010 Michael Hosler customer and Dow. I also work closely with marketing and supply BA – French, 2010 chain, forecasting customer demand. Customer Interface Specialist The most important preparation I had for this role was my internship The Dow Chemical Company in Paris, France, organized by the College of Arts and Letters. Midland, Michigan My internship prepared me to work efficiently in a fast-paced The College of Arts and Letters environment so I could manage prepared me well. The ability to client accounts as well as internal write efficiently and appropriately responsibilities. The French language is very important for my daily work, skills I gained are also vital to my and fluency in a second language current role. sets me apart. I’d highly recommend that current I work closely with several major students take a second language customer accounts, including some and participate in a Study Abroad in French-speaking Canada. I am program. Both are highly regarded responsible for order processing, by employers and can give an edge customer relationships, inventory over other applicants. Also, be sure management, system upkeep, and to take advantage of internship acting as a liaison between the programs through MSU that are aimed toward your areas of interest. Having relevant work experience will always be an advantage. Developing relationships and developing a career go hand in hand. Act professionally but still be personable. Remember that it’s not just who you know; it’s who you impress.16

Danny Kish English, 2011Danny Kish The analytical foundation provided by my degree is essential to myBA – English, 2011 work. Understanding the principles of an engaging, cohesive story, andDevelopment and Production how it connects to society through history, literature, and film, is ofAssistant paramount importance. I also use my writing training countless timesQED International every day. Whether I’m drafting e-mails to producers or scriptLos Angeles, California coverage for the CEO, it is essential to have a command of grammarCAL was infinitely helpful in and style.preparing me to be successful, inways both specific and general. Students, explore your interests! When I first started school, I hadAs an assistant in the entertainment no idea a job like this even existed.industry, I have to wear a bunch of Doing internships, joining clubs, anddifferent hats. On a typical day you taking classes that interest you arewill find me doing assistant tasks important steps in shaping wherelike answering phones, managing my you will go and who you will beboss’ schedule, and booking travel. professionally.Yet I also have the opportunity todo more development/production- Meeting people and makingspecific tasks, like generating talent connections early on is also anlists and acquiring new material. essential piece of the puzzle. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I met at MSU who were already working in the industry. 17

J.R. Mankoff Studio Art, 2004 J.R. Mankoff artists, anyone of interest. I am often hired by editorial magazines like BFA – Studio Art, 2004 Vanity Fair or Harpers Bazaar UK Photographer as well as advertising clients like J.R. Mankoff BMW or NBC. I shoot for them and I Los Angeles, California shoot for myself, but I am constantly creating art in many forms. The College of Arts and Letters trained me how to see. I learned I started as a photographer’s technical skills on the job, but I assistant out of school. I learned all was able to learn how to really the technical knowledge there, but see in school. making a transition to become a full-time photographer is a different I am an artist and I make my beast. It requires relentless drive. living taking pictures. Portraits of celebrities (Ben Affleck to Judi Students who want to prepare for Dench), iconic individuals (Frank this career should study art history, Gehry to Buzz Aldrin), musicians, take all forms of art – painting, drawing, sculpture – anything that ISN’T photography – to learn how to see things. If I could advise students who want to pursue this career, I would say, “Don’t become an editorial photographer in this market; it is extremely difficult to make a living and you will fail at it.” If that doesn’t deter you, then you might have a chance.18

Lauren Merriam Professional Writing, 2010 English, 2010Lauren Merriam My internship provided a great introduction to what a creativeBA – Professional Writing, 2010 workplace is really like: meetings, the review/revision process, and projectBA – English, 2010 collaboration in the real world.Communications Specialist I’d advise students to learn to be versatile. Absorb all the genres,Security Inspection, Inc. styles, and formats you are exposed to and learn to effectivelyRochester Hills, Michigan communicate with them. Also, save all of your work! The more writingI was encouraged to create an samples you have to choose fromonline portfolio of my work, which and the more you can showcase in amy interviewer for my current job portfolio, the better.read before meeting me! Keep putting yourself out there andI write and edit marketing and keep working, even if you have totechnical material for an IT and do some jobs for free. Right afternetwork security company, and will graduating I moved to a place thatsoon expand my role to include didn’t have many of the publishingmanaging our social media presence. and communications jobs I was hoping for, but I continued editingThe Professional Writing coursework and tutoring to keep my resumewas a perfect balance between the current. When I found a full-timediversity of genres/formats and position that allowed me to growa focus on rhetoric and style. The and adapt my role to my skills, IPW faculty are incredibly helpful continued to edit in my free timein teaching rhetorical skills and to help diversify my resume, whichproviding professional advice helped my job search when Iand leads. returned to Michigan. 19

Claudia Molter German, 2010 Claudia Molter The experience was invaluable to me for many reasons. My German BA – German, 2010 skills improved dramatically, and I German Teacher gained treasured experiences that Manchester Community Schools I will remember forever. I often Manchester, Michigan share stories from this year with To me, the best way to become my students and my friends. This a good teacher is to get into the experience ignited my passion for classroom and dive into teaching. travel and also brought to life what I learned in my German courses at I teach German levels 1-4 at the high the CAL. school and an 8th grade exploratory German class at the middle school. While studying at MSU, I was an undergraduate assistant through My studies in the College of the Honors College. This gave Arts and Letters gave me many me the opportunity to learn from valuable personal and professional distinguished professors and experiences. Through the CAL, I practice my teaching firsthand. I also studied abroad in Freiburg, Germany volunteered with the German For for an academic year. Kids program through the Center for Language Teaching Advancement20 (CeLTA). This was a great way to practice my language teaching skills while making friends and professional connections that I am still in contact with today. To prepare for a career in education, college students should seek out as many opportunities as possible to get authentic teaching experience. Spartans who are interested in following in my footsteps should be persistent, take every opportunity available to them at MSU, and “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams” (Henry David Thoreau). People may tell you achieving your career aspirations will be impossible, but I am proof that it is indeed possible!



Erika C. Moul Theatre, 2012 Erika C. Moul My professors taught me everything I know. They helped me hone my BFA – Theatre/Acting, 2012 skills as an artist. In every class I learned something that I’ve never Owner/Producer/Creative Director forgotten. Erika Entertainment & Productions My advice to students: College can be fun and games or it can Las Vegas, Nevada be WORTH IT! Take every class as seriously as your dreams, and When you feel you’ve reached when you don’t think you can, try your limit, push harder—and one harder. Many nights I didn’t go out day you’ll realize you don’t have or even sleep, working on my inner any limits. monologue or those last few tricky dance steps. But the work ethic I I am a self-employed performer, was building on made me a monster working for several companies for success when I graduated. as well as running my own entertainment business. Don’t let others hinder your work and don’t ever give up on As a Lady Gaga tribute artist yourself. Trust your instincts. When (impersonator) at Planet Hollywood something feels right, go with it. on the Las Vegas Strip, I portray Know who are and be proud of it. Lady Gaga’s abilities as a singer, dancer, actress, and playing piano. I also have a principal role in a new Broadway musical, “Beautiful the Musical,” and sing in a cover band called “Zowie Bowie.”22

Cassie Nealis Studio Art, 2012Cassie Nealis I left the College of Arts and Letters with a good understanding of artBA – Studio Art/ history, fine art skills, and the ability to present and critique work. MyGraphic Design, 2012 CAL internship taught me how to work and communicate withJunior Graphic Designer, Schawk! a variety of people on projects— web developers, user experienceBattle Creek, Michigan designers, and professional writing majors—to create a finished project.The College of Arts and Letters I learned how to take direction fromprepared me for my career with many people throughout manya varied education. Having that departments, which comes in handyallowed me to develop a diverse every day.portfolio and apply for manydifferent jobs. Students, remember: EVERY project or assignment has the possibilitySchawk is a global company, but of resulting in a job offer someday.its main client in Battle Creek is Always have your portfolio inKellogg’s and Kellogg’s-owned mind, and think about what lookscompanies. As the junior designer valuable to an employer. Being ableon the snacking team, I design to produce a range of work andpackaging and materials for multiple showcasing solid skills will set youbrands. I get to concept alongside apart.designers and senior designers, andI present work, brainstorm, mock Lastly, surround yourself with goodup, and attend photo shoots. I also people. Life and creative work aream responsible for the bimonthly easier with great company.corporate newsletter that goesout to 3000+ employees acrossthe world. 23

Dan Nufer Professional Writing, 2012 Dan Nufer able to expand my knowledge. But the parts of my degree that will BA – Professional Writing, 2012 stay with me are those, in a sense, “unteachable” lessons that much User Experience Design of the Professional Writing faculty imparted to me. Razorfish My advice to college students? Do Chicago, Illinois things. Do more than you want to do. Work harder than you think you As a user experience designer, should, because it’ll be worth it in my role is to meet creativity and the end. Figure out what you are technology at their intersection, good at, what you love; learn how to and rely on user insight to expose learn; learn how to understand; and brilliant user interfaces. My specialty, the rest will eventually follow. however, is understanding the needs and conventions of users with The difference between good disabilities (hearing, vision, cognitive, and great work is the exact same motor, and epileptic), and relying difference between the work you’re on that knowledge to produce doing because you have to, and the interfaces that are not only usable, work you’re doing because you but also accessible to all users, want to. regardless of ability. The groundwork that my Professional Writing degree laid in problem-solving, communication, and general audience empathy has been the base upon which I’ve been24

Tracey Parker Studio Art, 2011Tracey Parker Because of the way MSU’s painting program is structured, I had alreadyBFA – Studio Art, 2011 been working independently for much of my undergraduate career,MFA Candidate at the Leroy E. which prepared me well for grad school. MSU’s studio art professorsHoffberger School of Painting act as mentors and try to allow as much freedom as possible. I hadMaryland Institute College of Art to learn how to create my own schedule outside of classes, manageBaltimore, Maryland time effectively, and develop my own conceptual framework.I quickly felt at home in front ofmy first class, and the students If you are planning to get your MFA,seemed to respond well to the ideas remember that you only get one,I shared and the class discussions and you have your entire life to doI prompted, many of which were it. The worst thing you can do isinspired by my classes at MSU. choose a school simply because you were accepted. If you think anotherAs an MFA candidate, my first year of portfolio development couldpriority is working independently get you into a higher tier of schools,in my studio. take the time, and never apply anywhere that you don’t want toThere is no set amount of work go. Your criteria are your own, butwe need to complete, but the don’t compromise on such a seriousidea is to make as much work as investment.possible. We’re also expected totake regular trips to New Yorkto engage with contemporarypainting as we prepare to enter theconversation ourselves. I also teachundergraduate classes in painting,drawing, and foundations. 25

Kirti P. Sarkar Humanities-Prelaw, 2009 Kirti P. Sarkar environmental law, but I’m glad I took the time to explore that field. BA – Humanities-Prelaw, 2009 Students, now is the time to explore JD – University of Pennsylvania your options. In the real world, you need practical skills in addition to Law School, 2012 a great education. That doesn’t mean that everyone needs to be an Associate Attorney engineering major, but it does mean that you should be thinking about Miller Canfield your career from day one. So, take the time to explore, but try to have Troy, Michigan a decided focus both in and out of the classroom. It’s fine if that focus One of the great pluses of the changes over time, but you’ll do College of Arts and Letters is the better if you have something flexibility to forge your own path, you’re headed toward. but that also means you’re responsible for yourself. I’m an attorney, representing lenders making large loans secured by commercial real estate properties. My work includes structuring loans, drafting and negotiating loan documents, and conducting due diligence. The College of Arts and Letters provides great skills in critical and analytical thinking, which are very useful in law school and as an attorney. My flexible major allowed me to take classes in all the fields I was interested in and create my own internships. While at MSU, I interned with a local law firm and with an environmental non-profit. It was helpful to gain exposure to the fields I was considering. It also helped me figure out what I wasn’t interested in. I didn’t end up practicing26

Rosetta Sloan Art History, 2011 Spanish, 2011Rosetta Sloan My degree in Art History prepared me for a great deal of criticalBA – Art History, 2011 thinking that’s necessary in myBA – Spanish, 2011 role. When faced with a problem orBusiness Development issue, I feel more prepared and I amOperations Manager better able to come up with creativeCoyote Logistics solutions. My ability to articulate andChicago, Illinois defend an argument is also a very helpful tool when negotiating orStudents with an arts and letters selling an idea to a customer.background bring a great skill setto the business world. My internships—at MSU Greenline in particular—helped me becomeIn my position, I maintain a general comfortable speaking/selling on theoverview of all accounts on my team, phone to all types of people, whichwhile working specifically with team I do on a daily basis. It also helpedmembers to grow existing accounts me deal with being turned down andand ensure quality service for our to keep going afterwards, which iscustomers. I also train and supervise helpful in any business environment.the other operations representativeson the team. I believe students should try to have as many internships and similar opportunities as possible. My internships and study abroad program weren’t directly related to my current position, but they made me more confident in my ability to learn quickly and work under stress. Any type of sales experience is useful, too, where you learn to easily interact with different types of people. 27

Jameyla Troy Linguistics, 2012 Jameyla Troy I originally planned to move to Argentina and teach English. But B.A. – Linguistics, 2012 I ended up applying for a few openings, and was offered a position Legal Administrative Assistant on my first job interview with Spivak Lipton LLP, which specializes in Spivak Lipton LLP labor and employment law. We handle cases involving New York, New York employees who feel they were unjustly fired, union issues, etc. There are situations working with It’s very interesting. I work as a documents where linguistics has legal administrative assistant and definitely served me well ... where occasionally have responsibility for my knowledge of linguistics and interpreting. Spanish allows me to correct translations and head off problems. My Study Abroad at MSU was in Ecuador. I learned Ecuadorian Languages were always interesting Spanish, and the difference in how to me: English, Latin and Spanish. well I could speak the language But I didn’t want to major in just before and after was amazing. I one, so I put down Linguistics as my could already speak pretty well; I major. As it turned out, I liked it, and began taking Spanish in sixth grade continued with it. in the New York City school system. But now I am very fluent; I can understand the language. I remember that day when it all clicked for me. It was like a light switch had been turned on, and Spanish became second nature. It was a very rewarding feeling.28

Melissa Viloria Vongpunsawad Apparel & Textile Design, 2010Melissa Viloria Vongpunsawad celebrities in getting their ideas from concept to actual product.BA – Apparel and Textile It is my responsibility to take the pieces from being drawings on aDesign, 2010 piece of paper, communicating them to factories, and getting the actualProduct Development and piece of jewelry made.Design Coordinator Previous jobs and internships—and I tried a lot of them!—helped prepareGlamhouse me for this position by giving me an idea of what I liked and what ILos Angeles, California didn’t like in the fashion industry. Finally I came upon an internshipThe College of Arts and Letters at Glamhouse, which was a creativeprepared me for this role by giving environment filled with really chillme the motivation and undying people who made jewelry for athirst for knowledge of the industry. living. It was the perfect combinationThe professors really changed my of career life and creativeness.perspective of the fashion industryand helped paint a more realistic My advice to students? Get outsideview of it. of your comfort zone. Put more importance on what happensGlamhouse is a celebrity licensing after college than the GPA you’refashion jewelry company, working graduating with, because quitewith celebrities in launching their frankly in fashion no one cares thatown jewelry lines. As the main you graduated with a 4.0. Also, learncoordinator for these lines, I work Photoshop! I know so many peopledirectly with the designers and who were the stars of Apparel and Textile Design (ATD) and are still working at Buffalo Wild Wings. Try something. Take a chance. Remember what’s important. 29

Ryan Elizabeth Waldron French, 2012 English, 2012 Ryan Elizabeth Waldron The College of Arts and Letters helped me develop the BA – French, 2012 communication skills—in French and English, written and oral—that BA – English, 2012 are required in my current position. My internships in Paris and New Office Manager York City prepared me to work in a French, non-profit organization such French-American Chamber of as the FACC-Chicago. Commerce of Chicago My advice to students is this: Prepare for a career by pursuing Chicago, Illinois professional experiences outside of the classroom. Internships, volunteer Never let anyone tell you that your experiences, part-time jobs, and passion for language and culture has leadership positions within student to become a hobby after graduation. organizations give you skills that If you are serious about using your employers recognize and value. You language skills in your career, you should also develop a relationship can make it happen! with your career advisor early on and take advantage of this In my current role, I am responsible important resource throughout your for membership, accounts time at State. receivable, the creation of three monthly newsletters in French Throw yourself into your passions and English. I also handle our and pursue experiences that excite organization’s social media and challenge you. I was terrified to presence, public relations efforts, intern in Paris and New York City, event planning support, and daily but those two summers gave me the administrative duties. skills and experiences that helped me obtain my current position.30

Alex B. West Theatre, 2010 English, 2010Alex B. West Circle Theatre productions, which prepared me for the professionalBFA – Theatre/Acting, 2010 world. I gained enough experience in my field to prepare me for jobsBA – English, 2010 after graduation.Actor I believe the best thing for students to do is to take action first andAurora Theatre ask questions after. Many times in the creative field, people don’tLawrenceville, GA take chances. At MSU, I decided to produce my new play. While itMy education in MSU’s Theatre was scary to share what I believedDepartment was vital in preparing to be my incomplete work with anme for auditions and booking jobs. audience, I took the first steps into taking ownership of my career, andI make my living singing, acting, and received feedback that helped medancing in cities and theaters across become better.the USA. I am currently workingprofessionally at Aurora Theatre in The best time to make mistakes isAtlanta, Georgia, where I am in a while you are in school, becauseproduction of “Les Miserables.” employers are looking for experience and results, not first attempts. YourAt MSU, I learned acting techniques twenties are the time to begin ato help me connect to unfamiliar career for yourself. Be fearless, bematerial, and the main component confident, be yourself. If you’veto be successful – listening and decided to become an actor that isresponding. I found surprising all you will need to be memorable.success even though I had littleexperience with theatre beforeentering the program.Although I never had an internship, Iwas able to perform in four Summer 31

Alexandra White Professional Writing, 2011 Alexandra White external communications. I brought all of these skill sets to my career. My BA – Professional Writing, 2011 coursework prepared me to thrive in any environment in which writing Digital Marketing Associate is key; my professional experience deepened my understanding of how Jewish Community Centers to be part of a team. Association of North America Students, take as many opportunities as possible to gain New York, New York experience—jobs, internships, student organizations—and take A well-rounded education and classes that will challenge you and robust skill set is essential. That is develop relevant skill sets. Push exactly what the College of Arts yourself. Seek internships in new and Letters provided. cities and accept unpaid positions, if you feel you’ll learn. Most important, As a digital marketing associate, my make connections with faculty responsibilities include building/ and classmates; they will not only maintaining 10 websites, social be crucial in job-seeking, but also media marketing, analytics reports, for your growth in your field. It’s and numerous professional activities. essential to have a portfolio of work I can say with confidence that my that parades your abilities. This will degree in Professional Writing is speak far louder than just a resume what gave me the skills to succeed and cover letter. in my job. Though I’d consider myself a developer, at my core I’m a writer. Each of my internships had a different focus: video production, social media marketing, and internal/32

Arts & Letters Alumni Work to Help You! looking for student interns or full- time entry-level hires, plan career events and workshops, and present on career topics. If you want to know what to do with your major, how to make yourself competitive in the workforce, or which companies are doing interesting work, I can help.Becky Brewer Arts and Letters Alumni Work to Help You!College of Arts & Letters Because I’m positioned betweenCareer Consultant the academic experience and the world of work, I’m able to helpMany College of Arts & Letters students connect with alumni andgraduates, including me, have other professionals who can providegone on to work at Michigan State insight into what it’s like to work in aUniversity. I assist students in turning particular field.their experiences at MSU into plansafter college! Since each student’s I’m proud of the wide-ranging pathsexperiences and aspirations are our alumni have followed. I’d like tounique, we customize a plan to help you make the most of your MSUclarify your goals and interests, experience and form connectionsexplore internship opportunities, or that will last a lifetime.begin the job-search process. Ideally,I serve as a resource and make theprocess smoother. As part of MSU’sCareer Services Network, I alsodevelop connections with employers 33

MSU Arts & Letters Alumni Employers Business & Industry Job Title Company Name Location Account Associate Google Ann Arbor, MI Administrative Intern Quicken Loans Detroit, MI Analyst J.P. Morgan Chase New York, NY Assistant Account Executive The Quell Group Troy, MI Assistant Marketing Manager CIO Talk Radio - Global CIO Media Romeoville, IL Brand Licensing Analyst Chrysler Corporation Auburn Hills, MI Communication Specialist Austin Financial Group Bloomfield Hills, MI Consultant IBM Chicago, IL Corporate Support Services Intern Jackson National Life Lansing, MI F&B Management Waldorf-Astoria New York, NY HR Trainee ALPS Electric Tokyo, Japan Human Capital Analyst Deloitte Detroit, MI Human Resource Assistant Amazon.com Middletown, DE Intern Pfizer Kalamazoo, MI Lab Assistant Pathology Associates of St. Thomas Nashville, TN Law Clerk Nichols Law Firm Lansing, MI Legal Assistant Spivak Lipton LLP New York, NY Management/Sales Trainee Sherwin-Williams Paints Detroit, MI Medical Assistant for OBGYN and Pediatrics Arthur Vernes Paris, France Multimedia Production Specialist Knowhow Productions Lansing, MI National Sales Account Executive Command Transportation Skokie, IL Operations Manager Rolls-Royce North America, Inc. Reston, VA Patient Services Representative MedDirect Grand Rapids, MI Portfolio Analyst PPM America Chicago, IL Producers Assistant Kindle Communications Chicago, IL Program Coordinator Playworks Detroit Detroit, MI Public Relations Intern 21C Media Group, Inc. New York, NY RAM Advertising Intern Chrysler Corporation Auburn Hills, MI Sales Coordinator Ncc Media Chicago, IL Sales Support Coordinator Nagase America Corporation Novi, MI Search Optimizer www.ShopAtHome.com Greenwood Village, CO Soft Trim Engineer Toyota Motor Novi, MI Software Graphics Designer Altair/HiQube Troy, MI Supply Chain Management Leadership Development Program Eaton Corporation Pittsburgh, PA Tax Assistant Robert Half International Hoffman Estates, IL User Experience Associate Razorfish Chicago, IL Web Production Analyst Techsmith Corporation Okemos, MI Education, Service & NGOs Job Title Company Name Location Assistant Language Teacher Japanese Exchange and Japan Champaign Urbana, IL Teaching Program (JET) Atlanta, MI Campus Minister Campus Crusade for Christ Corps Member Teach For America 34

MSU Arts & Letters Alumni EmployersEnglish Language Assistant The Ministry of Education - France Blois, FranceEnglish Teacher and IB Coordinator Michigan State University Dakar, SenegalEnglish Teacher South Korea AST Association of School Teachers Busan, South Korea English Teaching Assistant Teaching English as a Foreign Language Abbeville, SC Epic EMR Credentialed Trainer Sparrow Health Systems Lansing, MI ESL Teacher Taipei, TaiwanESL Teacher Chungdahm School KoreaESL Teacher American English Center Dnipropetrovsk, UkraineFulbright English Teaching Assistant Fulbright Taiwan Kaohsiung, TaiwanGirls Village Director YMCA Camp Nissokone Oscoda, MI Lead PreSchool Teacher at Resurrection Church Resurrection Catholic Schools Lansing, MI Marketing Project Manager Redemption World Outreach Center Greenville, SC MIddle School Art Teacher Henry County Schools Martinsville, VA Program Assistant The World Bank Washington, DC Program Coordinator Future Founders Foundation Chicago, IL Project YES! Member AmeriCorps Chicago, IL Secondary English and Social Studies Teacher Teach For America Detroit, MI Student Teacher Utica Public Schools Utica, MITeach for America Corps Member Teach For America Detroit, MI Teacher Education Achievement Authority of Michigan Detroit, MI Teacher Jackson School of the Arts Jackson, MI Teacher Assistant Alternative Education Clinton Township, MITeaching Assistant Austrian American Fulbright Commission AustriaYouth Assets Builder: Youth Development Peace Corps East Lansing, MI GovernmentJob Title Company Name Location 2d Lt, Officer United States Air Force Ramstein, GermanyAmeriCorps*VISTA AmeriCorps Jackson, MI Animation Designer University Center for Regional Economic Innovation Lansing, MI Community Development Block Michigan Economic Development Grant Program Analyst Corporation Lansing, MIIntern Congressman Jim McDermott Washington, DC Legislative Assistant Congressman Daniel Kildee Flint, MI Neighborhood Center Manager AmeriCorps Muskegon, MI Peace Corps Volunteer Peace Corps EcuadorPR Intern French Institute Alliance Française New York City, NY 35

MSU Arts & Letters Alumni Employers Visual & Performing Arts Job Title Company Name Location Art Director Team Detroit Dearborn, MI Assistant Designer Puma Clothing New York, NY Ballroom/Latin Dance Instructor Chassé Fenton, MI Graphic Designer AdBoom Advertising Inc. San Diego, CA Graphic Designer Plum Market Farmington Hills, MI Graphic Designer Moosejaw Mountaineering Madison Heights, MI Junior Graphic Designer Schawk Battle Creek, MI Lady Gaga Impersonator Planet Hollywood Resorts Las Vegas, NV Lighting Technician Utah Shakespeare Festival Cedar City, UT Office Manager Blue Sky Agency Atlanta, GA Stage Manager Lorain Community Musical Theater Michigan Visual Communications Coordinator Adrian College Adrian, MI Visual Display Intern Anthropologie Birmingham, MI Visual Intern Alice + Olivia New York, NY Writing Job Title Company Name Location Breaking News Reporter Gannett Indianapolis, IN Copywriter Kelly Services Troy, MI Digital Content Strategist Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Editorial Assistant Penguin Group, USA New York, NY Editorial Intern and Writer Luxury Home Quarterly/ Luxury Home Canada Chicago, IL Editorial Marketing Specialist Interly Grand Rapids, MI Free Lance Author Whole Foods Market Lansing, MI Freelance Designer + Photographer Freelance Lansing, MI Freelance Proofreader Open Road Integrated Media New York, NY Graphic/Book Designer and Author Liaison The Troy Book Makers Troy, NY Lead Ebook Designer Pure Author Lexington, KY Proofreader Open Road Integrated Media New York, NY Technical Writer Sunguard Financial Systems Lansing, MI Web Content Specialist Archdiocese of Detroit Detroit, MI Website Content Proofreader WyzAnt Tutoring Chicago, IL Writing Staff Intern NBC Chicago , IL36

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Picture Your Next Destination College of Arts & LettersUndergraduate Student Affairs Phone: 517-355-0366Michigan State University [email protected] Linton HallE. Lansing MI 48824-1044 cal.msu.edu