Out to Launch is SCAD Atlanta’s innovative career fair for students. The event took place at the Digital Media Center (DMC) on the first and third floor on May 4 from 1-4 p.m. The Career and Alumni Success (CAS) department hosted the event, helping senior and graduate students of different majors network with employers for a potential future internship or job.
After employers were done registering and checking-in for the event, they walked around to each room, meeting and connecting with students of all majors. “They might need your work even if they’re not initially interested in your major,” said Hanna Kime, a fourth-year interactive design and game development student. “I’m enjoying it. I’m meeting a lot of people of different industries and backgrounds.”
Out to Launch arranged students alphabetically to encourage employers to walk around and meet more students of various majors instead of limiting themselves to only the few they were initially interested in. The event was primarily digital — students were set up in computer labs, each assigned to a space and computer to show off their portfolio, resume and videos.
Students came well-prepared with business cards, stickers, resumes and promotional items, making sure employers had enough of their work to leave a lasting impression. Fourth-year visual effects student Jacey Robinson said, “I really love how this is set up. It gives you a chance to talk about yourself and sell yourself to other people. In career fairs, you learn more about the company than they do about you, so this makes a big difference to your opportunities.”
Career adviser Katie Mahany helped heavily throughout, coordinating the faculty and volunteers. “It’s a great event. It’s taking that idea of a networking event to a different level, meaning it is all digital,” she said. “This year we did a good job introducing a new kind of way on multiple floors and mixing in majors. That really allows an employer that has the prejudgment of, ‘I only want to talk to animation’ to opening up more opportunities for students.”
Visiting employers were so impressed that interviews were conducted with students that same day. Out to Launch is one of the many opportunities provided to seniors and graduate students for networking and employer reviews. Make sure you connect with your career adviser as soon as you can, even if you’re a first-year student. Career advisers are here to help build your resume and portfolio, connecting you with potential interview opportunities and events like Out to Launch.
Make an appointment with your career adviser through the job portal on MySCAD.
