Comments on: What the Industry Expects from Graduates http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/ at Valencia Community College, Orlando, Florida Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:37:37 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Thomas Cunningham http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18807 Thomas Cunningham Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:16:40 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18807 [edit] I was not surprised to see that communication is the number one thing that the industry expects from graduates. I know that from my own work, through freelancing that it is the most important thing for me to keep in contact with my clients throughout the entire process, and I stress communication to my colleagues whom are just starting out in the web design industry. Communication is vital to the design process by both the client, and the designer. If the client doesn't tell the designer what they want, they won't be satisfied with the results. If the designer can't communicate with the client, they will not meet the expectations of the client, and risk being re-hired in the future. [edit]

I was not surprised to see that communication is the number one thing that the industry expects from graduates. I know that from my own work, through freelancing that it is the most important thing for me to keep in contact with my clients throughout the entire process, and I stress communication to my colleagues whom are just starting out in the web design industry. Communication is vital to the design process by both the client, and the designer. If the client doesn’t tell the designer what they want, they won’t be satisfied with the results. If the designer can’t communicate with the client, they will not meet the expectations of the client, and risk being re-hired in the future.

]]> By: Thomas Cunningham http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18806 Thomas Cunningham Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:12:42 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18806 I found it surprising, and interesting that the industry does not expect their applicants to have done any type of internship or have any work experience. Granted, classes can give you about as much knowledge as an internship. However, the only way that the student is going to learn how to "do" in the industry is to actually work on projects, meet deadlines, and work with clients. Without the skills beforehand, it would be taking a gigantic risk on the graduate. I am eager to see how the TVCA is implemented throughout the entire degree program, rather than just the introductory classes to expect their students to follow with the ideology themselves. I found it surprising, and interesting that the industry does not expect their applicants to have done any type of internship or have any work experience. Granted, classes can give you about as much knowledge as an internship. However, the only way that the student is going to learn how to “do” in the industry is to actually work on projects, meet deadlines, and work with clients. Without the skills beforehand, it would be taking a gigantic risk on the graduate.

I am eager to see how the TVCA is implemented throughout the entire degree program, rather than just the introductory classes to expect their students to follow with the ideology themselves.

]]> By: Agusto Arvelo http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18803 Agusto Arvelo Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:10:07 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18803 Meeting deadlines is something I agree with as well. When the client is happy with your progress thats just as important as the quality of work you do. I am actually currently working with someone who does good quality work but fails in communication and deadlines. So out of expirience I understand as the client this is very frustrating. I defintely know what people want in this world and that is successfulness. I plan to be a good graphic designer who understands these terms and deadlines. Meeting deadlines is something I agree with as well. When the client is happy with your progress thats just as important as the quality of work you do. I am actually currently working with someone who does good quality work but fails in communication and deadlines. So out of expirience I understand as the client this is very frustrating. I defintely know what people want in this world and that is successfulness. I plan to be a good graphic designer who understands these terms and deadlines.

]]> By: Nicky Beal http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18802 Nicky Beal Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:13:32 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18802 I am glad that the program that I have chosen has incorporated these things into a part of their graduation requirements. I have already been in the work force and their were a multitude of employees that did not have these qualities. These things are needed in order to have harmony in the workplace. The Graphics Design field is already competitive. In order to be successful you have to know how to do a variety of things. These things are now being taught here at Valencia. I am glad that Valencia method of teaching is changing with the times. What good is an education if you can not attain a job when you are finished. It just makes no sense and you feels like you have wasted your time. Personality is one of the main parts of a job, without it you will not survive in this type of industry. I have just started in this field, however I am confident that by the time I am finished I will have attained all the skills that I need. I can not wait to learn more & a department with a blog. This field is so going to Rock. I am glad that the program that I have chosen has incorporated these things into a part of their graduation requirements. I have already been in the work force and their were a multitude of employees that did not have these qualities. These things are needed in order to have harmony in the workplace.
The Graphics Design field is already competitive. In order to be successful you have to know how to do a variety of things. These things are now being taught here at Valencia. I am glad that Valencia method of teaching is changing with the times.
What good is an education if you can not attain a job when you are finished. It just makes no sense and you feels like you have wasted your time. Personality is one of the main parts of a job, without it you will not survive in this type of industry.
I have just started in this field, however I am confident that by the time I am finished I will have attained all the skills that I need. I can not wait to learn more & a department with a blog. This field is so going to Rock.

]]> By: Amy Wong http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18801 Amy Wong Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:03:07 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18801 I agree with this article well said. Because there is so much people in this industry of graphic design you must meet the criteria of businesses that will provide you that job you need or someone will sweep that right under you. But that's is in any type of high corporate office if you want the job you would do your best to get it. So taking the experience you have from school and putting it in your own idea may sound easy but there's probably much more to it, having skills are very important as it says. Also getting ideas from other professionals in that field can help you have more success in learning what is needed. I look forward learning more I can before I enter that field. I agree with this article well said. Because there is so much people in this industry of graphic design you must meet the criteria of businesses that will provide you that job you need or someone will sweep that right under you. But that’s is in any type of high corporate office if you want the job you would do your best to get it. So taking the experience you have from school and putting it in your own idea may sound easy but there’s probably much more to it, having skills are very important as it says. Also getting ideas from other professionals in that field can help you have more success in learning what is needed. I look forward learning more I can before I enter that field.

]]> By: Hymon, Jamie http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18800 Hymon, Jamie Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:40:44 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18800 I found this article VERY informing and reassuring. Informing because it is like having "Insider Information" or some form of a cheat sheet. We as students and future employees are basically being given a Check list of wants/needs/requirements of our future employers. Which in a way eliminates the element of surprise. We dont have the ability to play ignorant to the epectations of whats desired from us, because its laid out clearly in the employer surveys. I found the article reassuring because Valencia cared enough to find out for "us" students what it is EXACTLY that the industry is looking for. And, in turn, teach and instill in us so that upon graduation we are set up for success. The most encouraging part that I learned from this article and the employer surveys, was that in some cases TALENT can compensate for EXPERIENCE. Knowing that we being students who are IN the process of learning those required skills (therefore not having the neccessary experience) can still be considered as an applicant based on our Talent is a sigh of relief. :-) I found this article VERY informing and reassuring. Informing because it is like having “Insider Information” or some form of a cheat sheet. We as students and future employees are basically being given a Check list of wants/needs/requirements of our future employers. Which in a way eliminates the element of surprise. We dont have the ability to play ignorant to the epectations of whats desired from us, because its laid out clearly in the employer surveys. I found the article reassuring because Valencia cared enough to find out for “us” students what it is EXACTLY that the industry is looking for. And, in turn, teach and instill in us so that upon graduation we are set up for success.
The most encouraging part that I learned from this article and the employer surveys, was that in some cases TALENT can compensate for EXPERIENCE. Knowing that we being students who are IN the process of learning those required skills (therefore not having the neccessary experience) can still be considered as an applicant based on our Talent is a sigh of relief. :-)

]]> By: John Barroso http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18799 John Barroso Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:51:57 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18799 Wow! This is a pretty dam good article. To all my fellow upcoming graphic artist and web designers, please take heed. There are some pretty good tips in the article. For example, paying attention to detail is a very important trait to have in the graphic design field. You don't to lose your job, money or a client over mispelled words or etc. Having other type of skills are important too. My own personal experiences has taught me that a lot of employers are looking for graphic artist with skills, but also good personality traits. If you are good with people, than you are a even bettere graphic designer. If you are able to create and sale, then believe me, you are ahead of the game. Wow! This is a pretty dam good article. To all my fellow upcoming graphic artist and web designers, please take heed. There are some pretty good tips in the article. For example, paying attention to detail is a very important trait to have in the graphic design field. You don’t to lose your job, money or a client over mispelled words or etc.

Having other type of skills are important too. My own personal experiences has taught me that a lot of employers are looking for graphic artist with skills, but also good personality traits. If you are good with people, than you are a even bettere graphic designer. If you are able to create and sale, then believe me, you are ahead of the game.

]]> By: Michelle Campagne http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18798 Michelle Campagne Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:49:33 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18798 It’s a very good reality check for all those who have a preconceived notion or romanticized idea of the industry and all that will be expected of them. The fact that Valencia has taken the initiative to ask experts in the field in order to further guide and produce good designers is a very good indication of the kind of institution it is and their commitment not only to students but the profession as well. The article is very helpful. Though a clearer look at the industry might be a little scary for someone just getting started and unfamiliar with the Mac's. Never the less, it is also very intriguing and exiting. It seems as the though GRA 1142 (5 credit course) is designed to test the students will; make sure they really like it. I guess one will find out if they have those skills the industry expects if you not only survive the classes, but if you actually enjoyed them. I look forward to the challenge. 8 sentences ;) It’s a very good reality check for all those who have a preconceived notion or romanticized idea of the industry and all that will be expected of them. The fact that Valencia has taken the initiative to ask experts in the field in order to further guide and produce good designers is a very good indication of the kind of institution it is and their commitment not only to students but the profession as well. The article is very helpful. Though a clearer look at the industry might be a little scary for someone just getting started and unfamiliar with the Mac’s. Never the less, it is also very intriguing and exiting. It seems as the though GRA 1142 (5 credit course) is designed to test the students will; make sure they really like it. I guess one will find out if they have those skills the industry expects if you not only survive the classes, but if you actually enjoyed them. I look forward to the challenge. 8 sentences ;)

]]> By: Jeff Janelle http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18797 Jeff Janelle Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:54:43 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18797 What a great article. It has reaffirmed for me my decision to return to school and formalize my training. As a 'non-traditional' student, coming back to school after being in the work force for over 20 years, I think that most of the points made in the article are important for all students, no matter what their prospective field. Communication is always the key, not just in your career but in everyday life as well. It's also nice to see others talk about how artistic skill, while important in our chosen field, is not the be-all-and-end-all. Commitment, drive, and the ability to follow-through, coupled with training and skill are the real keys to success. What a great article. It has reaffirmed for me my decision to return to school and formalize my training. As a ‘non-traditional’ student, coming back to school after being in the work force for over 20 years, I think that most of the points made in the article are important for all students, no matter what their prospective field. Communication is always the key, not just in your career but in everyday life as well. It’s also nice to see others talk about how artistic skill, while important in our chosen field, is not the be-all-and-end-all. Commitment, drive, and the ability to follow-through, coupled with training and skill are the real keys to success.

]]> By: Elizabeth Hodges http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18795 Elizabeth Hodges Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:25:40 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18795 I'm just starting out in graphic design so to me this article answered many of my questions. Like if you should go into web design or print. I guess i'm going to need both. Knowing what the leaders in the industry want and what the customer wants is the most important thing to learn. Of course you have to be you but there is a standard that everyone graduating needs to be able to reach. Going into this I know nothing not even how to use a Mac, but hopefully with my instructors and classmates help I will achieve the level of design that the industry is looking for. I know I'm going to try my hardest to learn everything there is to know and hopefully one day be a damn good graphic designer. I’m just starting out in graphic design so to me this article answered many of my questions. Like if you should go into web design or print. I guess i’m going to need both. Knowing what the leaders in the industry want and what the customer wants is the most important thing to learn. Of course you have to be you but there is a standard that everyone graduating needs to be able to reach. Going into this I know nothing not even how to use a Mac, but hopefully with my instructors and classmates help I will achieve the level of design that the industry is looking for. I know I’m going to try my hardest to learn everything there is to know and hopefully one day be a damn good graphic designer.

]]> By: Jason Samocki http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18794 Jason Samocki Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:14:09 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18794 Reading this was a wake up call for me. I have a lot to learn, especially to compete in this industry. It must be like a competition and anyone is expendable. Reputation is probably the most important factor. Creativity is also key in my opinion. As for the TVAC, I don't know. What I do know is I really need a portfolio. Reading this was a wake up call for me. I have a lot to learn, especially to compete in this industry. It must be like a competition and anyone is expendable. Reputation is probably the most important factor. Creativity is also key in my opinion. As for the TVAC, I don’t know. What I do know is I really need a portfolio.

]]> By: Kenia Liriano http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18793 Kenia Liriano Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:46:42 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18793 I found this article very informative and interesting it really caught my attention the way the survey was conducted. Asking the local professional to share their toughs and opinions on what the industries are going to expect from us is an excellent way of doing it so. Also the skill we should all posses to be able to obtain a job in the graphics design industry. Being able to communicate effectively is definitely an important factor. I found this article very informative and interesting it really caught my attention the way the survey was conducted. Asking the local professional to share their toughs and opinions on what the industries are going to expect from us is an excellent way of doing it so. Also the skill we should all posses to be able to obtain a job in the graphics design industry. Being able to communicate effectively is definitely an important factor.

]]> By: Kenia Liriano http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18792 Kenia Liriano Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:45:19 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18792 I found this article very informative and interesting it really caught my attention the way the survey was conducted. Asking the local professional to share their toughs and opinions on what the industries are going to expect from us is an excellent way of doing it so. Also the skill we should all posses to be able to obtain a job in the graphics design industry. Being able to communicate effectively is definitely an important factor. I was surprise that the 91% of professional felt that it was very important for the student to understand for print design and also web/ interactive design. I found this article very informative and interesting it really caught my attention the way the survey was conducted. Asking the local professional to share their toughs and opinions on what the industries are going to expect from us is an excellent way of doing it so. Also the skill we should all posses to be able to obtain a job in the graphics design industry. Being able to communicate effectively is definitely an important factor. I was surprise that the 91% of professional felt that it was very important for the student to understand for print design and also web/ interactive design.

]]> By: Brian Lewis http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18791 Brian Lewis Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:02:06 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18791 I think this was a very good article. It kind of gives you a perspective of what you are in for so you can get ready. I think its good that not everyone has to be an amazing artist to become an entry level graphic designer. Just because some one cant draw on paper dosent mean they cant do anything on the computer. I am glad that valencia started using the TVCA. This is good because when we graduate we arent just jumping in to a job head first and not knowing some of the basic rules. I think this was a very good article. It kind of gives you a perspective of what you are in for so you can get ready. I think its good that not everyone has to be an amazing artist to become an entry level graphic designer. Just because some one cant draw on paper dosent mean they cant do anything on the computer. I am glad that valencia started using the TVCA. This is good because when we graduate we arent just jumping in to a job head first and not knowing some of the basic rules.

]]> By: Lindsey Erbrick http://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18790 Lindsey Erbrick Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:36:41 +0000 https://vccgraphics.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/what-the-industry-expects-from-graduates/#comment-18790 I'm relieved to know that you don't have to be this artist with unbelievable talent to be an employed graphic designer. It's reassuring to know that hard work, good communication skills and work ethic can prevail over natural talent. It gives people like me who have the passion for art, but not necessarily the raw talent, a chance at a career they love. I am also thankful to all the professors for implementing the TVAC. I think it will really pay off for us, students, in the long run, giving us that confidence in our work that will set us above the rest of the entry level competition. I’m relieved to know that you don’t have to be this artist with unbelievable talent to be an employed graphic designer. It’s reassuring to know that hard work, good communication skills and work ethic can prevail over natural talent. It gives people like me who have the passion for art, but not necessarily the raw talent, a chance at a career they love.
I am also thankful to all the professors for implementing the TVAC. I think it will really pay off for us, students, in the long run, giving us that confidence in our work that will set us above the rest of the entry level competition.

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