Outlook Magazine - Fall 2020

Creating careers in art and design University receives national award for helping students connect with employers, industry experts

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“The purpose of the week is to help art and design students be prepared to enter the workforce and network,” said Career Counselor Liz Julian. UW-Stout will receive a plaque and $1,000, which will be used to fund future Art and Design Week activities. Julian said the award brings national recognition to UW-Stout’s innovative work. Barts agreed. “It means that we have done a great job at identifying a high-need area for our students, showcases the recognition and value of cross-campus collaboration and strengthens our identity as a unique institution in the UW System.” School of Art and Design Director Dave Beck said the event is unique because “we aren’t focused on that immediate result but instead on feedback, education and interaction with professionals, in order to create networks for future opportunities.”

collaborative effort between the School of Art and Design, Career Services and Stout University Foundation has garnered a national award from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. UW-Stout Art and Design Week, an event designed to connect art students with employers and industry experts, was honored with the NACE/Chevron Award for outstanding achievement for an innovative program in the college career services field. “Art and Design Week is unique to UW-Stout because it blends our polytechnic tenets and helps prepare our creative students to be successful in their professional lives after graduation,” said Career Services Director Bryan Barts. The award was for the 2019 week. The event, held virtually in March this year because of the pandemic, is a professional development opportunity for students in the six Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. Each day features a speaker or panel focused on professional and career-related subjects chosen by Career Services and professors. The 2019 event featured a presentation from Career Services on designing a creative resume, alumni and professionals on a panel giving creative interview tips and a panel of professionals who have creative careers as freelancers. It also included student portfolio reviews by professionals.

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