Pro Practices is a nine-week series that covers core professional practices. The 2017 seminar series begins September 6.
ALL SESSIONS ON WEDNESDAYS
DESIGN SENIORS 4:00–5:00P.M. STEINBERG 213
DESIGN JUNIORS 5:00–6:00P.M. STEINBERG 213
9.20 RESUME + COVER LETTER
Learn how to design a structure and strategize content for this essential suite of professional materials that should be reflective of both your aesthetic/visual language and your targeted career trajectory.
9.27 THE SEARCH + HOW TO ORGANIZE IT
How to begin, manage, and maintain a successful search for a job, internship or other opportunity. Introduction or brush-up on professional associations and standards, blogs, social media, and other resources that reveal the so-called “hidden job market.”
10.4 EXPLORING, NETWORKING + INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
Careers aren’t built in silos; careers are cultivated and prosper by participating in communities and networking. Develop strategies for arguably the most efficient and effective skill of them all: the informational interview.
10.11 INTERVIEWING + SOUND BITES
Develop skills, confidence, and know-how for this “make it or break it” moment of the hiring process. Strategize for the most common interview questions, and prepare and gain confidence for any professional dialogue.
10.18 PORTFOLIO + DOCUMENTATION
Overview of portfolio basics and how to sequence strategically as the body of progresses throughout the academic experience and beyond. Begin to explore media, tools, documentation, and presentation to spotlight your body of work.
10.25 ETIQUETTE, FOLLOW-UP + NEGOTIATION
There is a subtle art to approaching the nuances of these critical skills in the approach, follow up, and ongoing communication with contacts surrounding the hiring process. Learn what they are, and practice regularly.
11.1 ONLINE PROFILES, SOCIAL MEDIA + RELATED TOOLS
Explore and identify the social media outlets, apps, and related technology that supports your work as a designer and professional. Learn how to use these (largely) free resources for both research and platforms for promotion and engagement: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Behance, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Dribble and more.
11.8 MAKE A PLAN FOR WINTER BREAK
Develop a comprehensive but reasonable timeline and action
plan for winter break, which will be crucial as “application season” largely begins early in the spring semester. Review of seminar series materials, skills, and resources.
9.6 INTRODUCTION, SELF-ASSESSMENT + GOAL-SETTING
Comprehensive overview of the materials and skills to master as you build your practice as a designer or other professional in the creative field. A self-assessment exercise will assist in the development of an actionable to-do list for the semester, and lead to the development of longer-term professional goals.