Steve McNierney
Well Prepared for Career Thanks to FM Degree
In 1995 I made the decision to enroll in the Visual Communications Program at FM. The company I was working for at the time had declared bankruptcy, and I decided to make the most of the situation and embark on a new career path.
I had a strong interest in graphic design when I chose to enter the program. What I didn’t have was any technical training or practical work experience. The course work offered at FM was exactly what I needed to prepare me for the road ahead. I not only was able to learn the latest software programs and hardware used by graphic designers, but I was also given a strong foundation in the principles of design. One of the great components of the program is that it allows you to utilize your own creativity as you learn the techniques and principles from the school’s unique and highly qualified faculty.
As part of the Visual Communications Program students are afforded the opportunity to work as an intern during one, or even two, semesters. This is a great benefit as it exposes you to real working environments. My two internships were great additions to my resume when I began applying for jobs after graduation. I was even able to include some of my work product from one of the internships in my portfolio, and this was a deciding factor when I was hired by my current employer.
After I graduated from FMCC in 1997, my wife and I decided to relocate to the Raleigh, NC area, and within one week of arriving here I had received four job offers. I decided to accept a position as a graphic designer for The Ergonomics Center at NC State University. The skills I had learned at FM were put to immediate use in my new position, designing direct mail fliers, newsletters, advertising, and course booklets. Over the years I have received numerous promotions, and currently I am the Director of Marketing at the Center. I oversee a staff of graphic designers and graduate students, and travel around the country marketing our courses and services. While my current position doesn’t allow me to do the hands-on design work as much as I would like, I still am very much involved with the design and functionality of our website, as well as offering suggestions and approval to the designs created by my team. It is a challenging, yet rewarding, position.
My time at FM was rewarding and memorable. Without the degree I earned in Visual Communications I would never have been able to embark on my current career. It provided me with the skills, vision, and confidence that are essential in my field. Successful marketing requires the ability to effectively communicate the benefits of your services or products to your clients. The Visual Communications Program at FM more than prepared me to do just that.
