Monday, August 31, 2009
Check it out!
There are new resources in the Career Center. Check out the 2010 edition for the College Board Handbook and Majors book. There's also a new book on writing resumes and cover letters. All of these books are great resources in helping you prepare for your future.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Finding the right college
How do you find the right college for you? The first place to start is a search on the internet. SCOIS is a great site to use to research information about colleges. On this site, you can search colleges by location, size, major, and much more. You can learn about admissions information and financial aid, too.
Once you have compiled a list of schools in which you have an interest, you'll want to visit the college and see if for yourself. You wouldn't buy a car off the internet, so you wouldn't want to pick a school just based on its web site either. College tours are easy to set up. Larger universities and colleges offer campus tours on Saturdays, as well. Touring the school will let you know if its a good fit for you.
When your list is finalized it should include a safety school (a school that you will definitely get into), some schools within your reach (you meet the admissions requirements), and a dream school (that school that you would love to attend but aren't sure you can get in or not).
The sooner you start the search, the better. There's no time like the present. Remember to stop by the Career Center in Guidance for help in your search.
Once you have compiled a list of schools in which you have an interest, you'll want to visit the college and see if for yourself. You wouldn't buy a car off the internet, so you wouldn't want to pick a school just based on its web site either. College tours are easy to set up. Larger universities and colleges offer campus tours on Saturdays, as well. Touring the school will let you know if its a good fit for you.
When your list is finalized it should include a safety school (a school that you will definitely get into), some schools within your reach (you meet the admissions requirements), and a dream school (that school that you would love to attend but aren't sure you can get in or not).
The sooner you start the search, the better. There's no time like the present. Remember to stop by the Career Center in Guidance for help in your search.
Monday, August 24, 2009
SAT/ACT
If you're planning to go to college, you need to take the SAT or ACT. You should take either test your junior year and again your senior year if you are not happy with your scores. To register for the SAT or ACT, you can pick up a packet in the Guidance office or register online. Here's the link to register online for the ACT. SAT is being offered on October 9th and ACT will be offered on October 24th. Visit the Career Center in Guidance for information on more upcoming test dates.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
One on One Time with Career Professional
I interviewed Chris Jones, Graphic Designer and owner of Popcorn Initiative. Popcorn Initiative is a design firm located in Greenville, South Carolina.
How long have you been a designer?
Technically I guess 15 years or so. But I can say I really have been designing one way or another since I was about 10.
What made you decide to become a designer?
Honestly it wasn't a conscience effort. I was thinking about going into art or photography and by chance stumbled into a computer graphic design course in college. That's when graphic design was just starting to utilize computers as a tool. I had a natural knack for the utilizing the computer to create the design I wanted. From there, it just kind of developed into something I enjoyed, so I stuck with it and got my degree.
What do you like about your job?
Hmmm, I would have say the fact that every project is completely different. Every new project is like opening a birthday present, you never know what you are going to get, but you know you are going to love it in the end.
What's a typical day like?
Since I do everything from billing to design, my days are pretty diverse. Usually I start out by researching what's new in the world of design on the internet. A big part of being a designer is observing and understanding how our world of imagery and brands are changing around us. Then, I'll work on whatever project happens to be on my plate at the time. Sometimes that involves research or sketching and sometimes it specifically involves producing the project on the computer. By the end of the day, I'll usually have worked on 2-3 different projects to keep my views fresh and maybe throw in a little billing and paperwork. Oh and I can't forget the constant client interaction via email and phone.
What should high school students do to prepare if they are interested in this career?
If someone truly wants to be a good designer, they need to start paying attention to all the stuff that's designed around them. It's pretty much everywhere... magazines, television, signage, clothing tags, websites, etc. A lot of it's good, but a good portion of it is terrible. You need to observe and learn what makes something well designed or poorly designed. Most of the time a poorly designed piece is lacking a concept or is poorly executed. Just because you learn how to use a computer and the programs won't make you a good graphic designer. The computer is just a tool, like a pen and a piece of paper. There are a ton of great designers that can't use the computer at all.
How long have you been a designer?
Technically I guess 15 years or so. But I can say I really have been designing one way or another since I was about 10.
What made you decide to become a designer?
Honestly it wasn't a conscience effort. I was thinking about going into art or photography and by chance stumbled into a computer graphic design course in college. That's when graphic design was just starting to utilize computers as a tool. I had a natural knack for the utilizing the computer to create the design I wanted. From there, it just kind of developed into something I enjoyed, so I stuck with it and got my degree.
What do you like about your job?
Hmmm, I would have say the fact that every project is completely different. Every new project is like opening a birthday present, you never know what you are going to get, but you know you are going to love it in the end.
What's a typical day like?
Since I do everything from billing to design, my days are pretty diverse. Usually I start out by researching what's new in the world of design on the internet. A big part of being a designer is observing and understanding how our world of imagery and brands are changing around us. Then, I'll work on whatever project happens to be on my plate at the time. Sometimes that involves research or sketching and sometimes it specifically involves producing the project on the computer. By the end of the day, I'll usually have worked on 2-3 different projects to keep my views fresh and maybe throw in a little billing and paperwork. Oh and I can't forget the constant client interaction via email and phone.
What should high school students do to prepare if they are interested in this career?
If someone truly wants to be a good designer, they need to start paying attention to all the stuff that's designed around them. It's pretty much everywhere... magazines, television, signage, clothing tags, websites, etc. A lot of it's good, but a good portion of it is terrible. You need to observe and learn what makes something well designed or poorly designed. Most of the time a poorly designed piece is lacking a concept or is poorly executed. Just because you learn how to use a computer and the programs won't make you a good graphic designer. The computer is just a tool, like a pen and a piece of paper. There are a ton of great designers that can't use the computer at all.
Career Spotlight
This week's career focuses on Graphic Design. Graphic design falls under the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Career Cluster. Graphic Designers use computer software programs to design logos, menus, annual reports, and other publications. They also design and develop web pages. Graphic designers work in advertising agencies or as an in-house staff member at a company or corporation. They also work in their own office. Most graphic designers attend community college and earn a two -year associate's degree in Graphic Design. Some study at a four year university and earn a Bachelor's degree. The median annual earnings for Graphic Designers in May, 2006 was $39,900. The job outlook for Graphic Design is positive. Employment is expected to grow 10 percent, as the demand for designers continues. (Source Occupational Outlook Handbook)
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