How did you first get interested in the graphic arts, or decide to focus on graphic communications in school?
My first experience with graphics was through my high school, where I enrolled in a graphic communications class my senior year. In this program we learned both the fundamentals of graphic design, and a wide variety of print processes. We would often produce signs, banners, and other print material for our school district. Seeing things that I had made displayed around my hometown was incredibly rewarding, and my teacher recommended I pursue the printing program at Ferris State University.
Did you take any courses in high school that were related to graphic communications, or that prepared you for your planned career?
I attended Brighton High School, which has several career/technical education courss available including graphic communications. The class I took focused both on creating digital files and artwork, and actually printing different types of products. We worked in a lab that had digital presses, a large format printer, screen printing equipment and more, and toward the end of the year we were given large-scale projects to work on. Some of these involved working with the Brighton school district as a client.
How do you think going through your education process prepared you for the workforce?
Beyond academics alone, the two education programs I went through were how I discovered the print/graphics industry. I had no idea how varied, and how technologically interesting, the industry was until I experienced it through my high school and college education. I was also fortunate in that both programs had access to lots of equipment, and I got significant hands-on experience doing production work. At Ferris State, our coursework covered not only print production, but different aspects of management as well.
Our first two years included classes in production, substrates/inks, digital file fundamentals, and color editing; while later classes dove into estimating, project management/planning, lean principles and marketing. Some of my classes taught me more about problem solving, and approaching a print job from all possible angles, more than the actual course content. Ferris State was also how I grew my connections in the industry. Through our student organization, the Graphic Arts Association, I had the opportunity to travel to local printing plants and all kinds of industry events, including the Printing United Expo and Dscoop Edge. At these events, I was able to meet all kinds of people from fellow students to seasoned industry leaders. Seeing the variety and community at these events helped solidify that this industry was exactly where I wanted to be, and it helped me build a network of people and resources to keep in touch with for the future.
What company are you working for now and what types of products and services do they provide to their customers?
Right before graduation, I accepted a job offer from EFI (Electronics for Imaging), specifically in their large format inkjet department. EFI manufactures and sells a variety of production inkjet printers, mainly large/grand format but for some other special applications as well.
What job did you first have with the company when you started, what position do you have now, and/or what else have you done since joining the company?
I have been a technical trainer with EFI for around 1 1/2 months now. I travel to new installation sites across the country, and train their team on how to operate our printers. Over my first month, I was trained and obtained certification to run a couple of printers, and I have been shadowing my colleagues in the training department and gradually taking over more and more of the content. In the next few weeks, I will begin training solo. The role involves a high degree of flexibility and lots of travel, but I’ve found that I really enjoy seeing somewhere new every week, and I enjoy helping print shops solve problems and get the most from their new machine.
What do you think employers are looking for in today’s workforce and the current industry environment?
From speaking with my new team, one of their common concerns is that we need to continue getting people involved and excited about print through programs at tech centers, high schools, etc. so that there is more of a pipeline into our field. They are looking for people who are excited about what they do, and who are willing to learn. I also think it’s important to acknowledge that with hiring today, there can be a lot of tension and preconceived ideas on both sides. Mutual respect and strong communication of expectations are important for both employers and prospective employees, and will benefit everyone in the long run.
Is there anything that you have found to be particularly different from what you initially expected, now that you’ve progressed through your work career for a period of time?
The role I am currently in is not one I ever expected, even as I learned that the print industry is more than running presses and making files. The travel and remote-work aspect has been a lot to get used to, and so has being in a more client-facing position than I’ve ever been before. One of the reasons I took this opportunity was that the team who interviewed me was very open and supportive, and eager to answer any questions I had. Once I started, I found that they maintained that level of support and communication, and that has helped make my transition into the workforce much smoother.
Have you changed your plans or ideas about what area or type of job you might like to have since you first considered the graphic communications field and began studying for a career in it? What led to those changes?
Absolutely! When I started out in print, I had no idea where I wanted to end up. I struggled to decide because so much of the graphics world fascinated me. I actually started out wanting to go into graphic design, but found the competitive nature of the field very intimidating – and discovered that I just liked the print side of it so much more! Over my 4 years with Ferris, I tried out working in a couple of different roles: production and management for our on-campus lab, and estimating/file management through two summer internships I did with local companies. I enjoyed all of these roles, but couldn’t see myself in any of them long-term. I realized that I wanted to work for an equipment manufacturer after going to Printing United and being amazed by all the technology there, and I found what would become my current role through a posting on LinkedIn.
What do you see yourself doing a few years from now?
Settling into my new role and gaining even more confidence within it!
Was being a recipient of a PGSF (now The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education) scholarship important for your journey, or did it have an impact on your future or ability to succeed in the industry?
I am honored to have been a PGSF recipient for the entirety of my time at Ferris State. The support I received helped me to continue pursuing my four-year degree and maintain involvement with our student organization. The financial support has enabled me to graduate with minimal debt and expenses, which means a lot to both me and my family. Even beyond financial support, the community encouragement my classmates and I have received from PGSF has meant the world.
