tweenOut

I’m going to get on my soap box here for a little bit and talk about what you should be doing as a Freshman in a New Media or any Media University program.

I know the first few months of going to college can be a little hairy and make a student a little nervous and sometimes even want to go home, but for those people that feel that way hang in there it will get better. So while your settling in and getting to know people around you start thinking about what is going to happen after college. I know, you just started right, but let me tell you there will be an end to all the mayhem and you need to be prepared for what is next.

I see so many students wait until their senior year to start preparing themselves for graduation but, that is going to be way to late if you want to be prepared for reality. I would say that by the end of your Freshman year you should have an online portfolio of some sort. I know what you saying, “I don’t have the money for that”, well most schools have web space for you to use so check it out. If not get some free space from Yahoo or your IP service provider. Employers in this industry want to goto a url to view portfolios. They do not want to grab your CD or DVD and try to get it to work on their computer to view your work. One click should get them to your work and let them see what you have been doing. That is not to say that an employer will not want a CD to look at code or some detail of work to evaluate what they see on your portfolio so be prepared for that, and if that happens they will usually tell you.

Now during your Sophomore year every project you create should be a portfolio piece, and you should add it to the portfolio that you created in your Freshman year. That being said, we all know not every project will be a portfolio piece but if you think it has potential then you need to make sure it does make it into your portfolio.

Once you have a few pieces in your portfolio don’t be afraid to ask your instructors to look at it and tell you what they think of it. I would even tell you to find some employers that are in the industry to look at your portfolio and give you some feedback. Once you have found an employer to just review your portfolio and they give you their feedback then make sure you ask to keep in contact with them. That way when you graduate you have a lead for a job.

Now that you have your portfolio built, start doing some freelance jobs. This will give you some experience and some more work to add to your portfolio. Now if you can get paid for it that is great, and since you are a new comer you can not get full price. So don’t try, but after you get a few under your belt start raising the price.

By the time you are ready to graduate you should have a very worthy portfolio and be proud to show them and get the dream job you have been wanting. If your school has a night for seniors to show off their work don’t be afraid to invite employers to come see your work. That will show them that you are outgoing and willing to work. Plus I’m sure your work will be good enough to get you that job offer.

Good Luck and I hope this little piece of wisdom helped.