Students graduating with a degree in Visual Communications have the opportunity to transfer their degree or go straight into the workforce in marketing, advertising, design, printing or entrepreneurship.
For 2007 graduate Shannon Thomas, this is just what he did.
While attending Sinclair Community College for Printing Technologies, he started working for Oregon Printing.
For the next six years, he moved up in the company to eventually become the bindery and logistics manager. However, he left the company three years ago to open his own business called Four Ambition.
He said his business focuses on design and embroidery, as well as poster screen and apparel printing.
Thomas Kettlehake, a 2002 Visual Communications graduate, decided to continue his education at the University of Dayton, where he is currently earning his bachelors degree and is working as a digital imaging specialist. He said he is planning to teach part-time at Sinclair next fall, but hopes to eventually teach full time.
Kettlehake said he was not the traditional student because in 2000, he earned his GED.
He said he had a total career change at 38 years old, as he went from filling jets with fuel to graphic design.
He said while in school, it’s important not to get discouraged and to find your flow and rhythm.
In addition, Kettlehake said it’s important to get a job in your desired career field — even if it means taking a pay cut.
He said when he started working as a digital imaging specialist, he took a $4 hourly pay cut.
Although he said he has earned raises and has collected back what he lost with the pay cut, it’s important to go into a field that you love because if you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
“[Design] teaches students how to think about problem solving, the research that you do before problem solving; it’s a specific way of thinking, critical thinking,” Sheri Rethman, Visual Communications Department chair said. “There’s a design process and professionalism. Even if they don’t end up in design, they do end up with a lot of transferable skills to other occupations.”
She said it’s important to network while attending classes — even if it means volunteering or interning.
“Just work hard,” she said. “It’s a competitive field and the economy’s not great, but if you really love it, it won’t seem like work — but it does take dedication and commitment.”
In addition, Thomas said to go the extra mile with your work and to make connections and form relationships with individuals who are in the field.
“Portfolio is everything when going for a job, so give everything you have to it and be as well rounded as you can be,” Thomas said.