Job Shadow Report
For my first job shadow, I went to KanOkla networks where I followed Mark Cope, a graphic designer, for five hours. I watched him design advertisements, billboards, sale flyers, and graphics for a plinko game on which I helped him. Mark told me how he got to this job and that a degree in graphic design is not necessary to be a graphic designer as long as one has a similar degree or has experience in the field. He was originally a photographer so he had some experience with photoshop and graphics which enabled him to get the job. I expected to learn what a day in the life of a graphic designer would be like, and I did. I knew he would use photoshop, but I was eager to know what other programs a graphic designer uses. They use another program to totally design their own graphics and getty images for already existing graphics or photos they pay to use. I learned what it’s like to work in an office all day, and I don’t think I would mind it. I designed similar things in my bluejay outlet class, so this job would be like going to that class all day. After watching Mark all day, this career field appeals to me and is an option for my future career.
My second job shadow was at a boutique in Wichita called Forever Yours. My family and I love visiting this store, and I have always dreamed about having my own store similar to it. I arrived there when they opened and stayed for five hours. I’ve visited the store countless times, so I had an idea of what it would be like. Once there I learned how to restock items, tag merchandise, how they display products, how they price items, where they go to market, how the backroom works, and numerous other details about running a retail store. The store is owned by two sisters and their mother, and one of the sisters was working the day I was there. I asked her how she started her business, and I found out that it started small and slowly grew. It started out with just jewelry, and then they started to add clothes to the store. One sister has a degree in business, and the other is an accountant, and she said this was a asset because they don’t have to pay for that service. She also told me that running a small retail store like this one can be challenging and risky. Many stores like this one are disappearing. Knowing this, I expect it to be tough starting my own business. After getting to know how the store works, I can imagine owning or even just working in a retail store. I really enjoy fashion so this would be a good way to incorporate that into my career.
My second job shadow was at a boutique in Wichita called Forever Yours. My family and I love visiting this store, and I have always dreamed about having my own store similar to it. I arrived there when they opened and stayed for five hours. I’ve visited the store countless times, so I had an idea of what it would be like. Once there I learned how to restock items, tag merchandise, how they display products, how they price items, where they go to market, how the backroom works, and numerous other details about running a retail store. The store is owned by two sisters and their mother, and one of the sisters was working the day I was there. I asked her how she started her business, and I found out that it started small and slowly grew. It started out with just jewelry, and then they started to add clothes to the store. One sister has a degree in business, and the other is an accountant, and she said this was a asset because they don’t have to pay for that service. She also told me that running a small retail store like this one can be challenging and risky. Many stores like this one are disappearing. Knowing this, I expect it to be tough starting my own business. After getting to know how the store works, I can imagine owning or even just working in a retail store. I really enjoy fashion so this would be a good way to incorporate that into my career.
Graphic Design at KanOkla
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Forever Yours Boutique
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Career Report
When I think of my future career, graphic designer is the first one that pops in my head. Graphic designers combine art and technology to develop graphics for product illustrations, logos, and websites. I love creating things and anything to do with art, and a graphic designer deals with these things everyday. Another thing that intrigues me about being a graphic designer is the possibility to work from my own home. According to Career Cruising, Graphic Designer is ranked fourth in my matchmaker, but it is one of the highest rankings according to my ability profiler.
I’ve concluded from my research that a graphic designer requires an associate's or bachelor’s degree in either graphic design or fine arts. It’s recommended to take art, design, and computer classes while in high school. I could either go to a two-year college or a four-year university. I’ve looked into the graphic design program at Fort Hays State University and it is nationally ranked. If I go to college there, I would major in fine arts with a concentration in graphic design. It would cost $5,008.50 annually to earn my bachelor's degree at FHSU. Kansas State University also has an excellent Fine Arts program. While attending KSU, I would major in fine arts; KSU has a separate two-year graphic design program for which I would have to apply. I visited KSU during one of their Junior Days and an art department representative filled me in on the graphic design program. He said that I would have to be serious about being a graphic designer if I applied for this program because it’s difficult to get into. The first two years of my education I would focus on classes that would help me get into the program. I would be taught by the same professors accepting me into the program, so I would find out what they want and what it takes to get into the program. I would use those first two years to build my portfolio to apply for the concentration of admission review in the spring of my sophomore year. I have to be accepted in order to take the upper level courses that lead to a concentration in the Bachelors of Fine Arts program. If I’m not accepted, I’m allowed to apply one more time. Another point the advisor said that seriously made me consider being a graphic designer was that if you graduate from this program you're almost guaranteed a job after college. If I attended KSU, it would cost $34,620 in tuition for four years. KSU obviously costs more, but both options are expensive. I plan on applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible.
A beginning graphic designer makes around $33,500 annually in Kansas, but an experienced designer can make $55,490. There tends to be more job opportunities and higher paying jobs in larger cities. The average pay in Oklahoma City is $39,969 and the average pay in Dallas is $46,176.
No matter where I go to college, I'm sure I will get the education needed to become successful in my chosen career. Now the question is, do I want to spend more or less money?
I’ve concluded from my research that a graphic designer requires an associate's or bachelor’s degree in either graphic design or fine arts. It’s recommended to take art, design, and computer classes while in high school. I could either go to a two-year college or a four-year university. I’ve looked into the graphic design program at Fort Hays State University and it is nationally ranked. If I go to college there, I would major in fine arts with a concentration in graphic design. It would cost $5,008.50 annually to earn my bachelor's degree at FHSU. Kansas State University also has an excellent Fine Arts program. While attending KSU, I would major in fine arts; KSU has a separate two-year graphic design program for which I would have to apply. I visited KSU during one of their Junior Days and an art department representative filled me in on the graphic design program. He said that I would have to be serious about being a graphic designer if I applied for this program because it’s difficult to get into. The first two years of my education I would focus on classes that would help me get into the program. I would be taught by the same professors accepting me into the program, so I would find out what they want and what it takes to get into the program. I would use those first two years to build my portfolio to apply for the concentration of admission review in the spring of my sophomore year. I have to be accepted in order to take the upper level courses that lead to a concentration in the Bachelors of Fine Arts program. If I’m not accepted, I’m allowed to apply one more time. Another point the advisor said that seriously made me consider being a graphic designer was that if you graduate from this program you're almost guaranteed a job after college. If I attended KSU, it would cost $34,620 in tuition for four years. KSU obviously costs more, but both options are expensive. I plan on applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible.
A beginning graphic designer makes around $33,500 annually in Kansas, but an experienced designer can make $55,490. There tends to be more job opportunities and higher paying jobs in larger cities. The average pay in Oklahoma City is $39,969 and the average pay in Dallas is $46,176.
No matter where I go to college, I'm sure I will get the education needed to become successful in my chosen career. Now the question is, do I want to spend more or less money?
Reflective Essay
Challenges Come In Different Sizes
My years at Caldwell Schools have prepared me for my life in many ways. High school in general has given me so many experiences that will help me in my future. One challenge I faced in my life is dealing with my height. When participating in sports, height is a major advantage and an advantage I lack, so I have had to find a way to succeed without being tall.
My mother’s side of the family is tall and so is my mother, but my father’s side of the family is short and he’s not very tall. When I first started basketball as a third grader, my mother would tell my coach to put me as a post, which is the tallest position on the team. I’ve always expected to be tall, and my mother has always told me I was just a late grower and I would eventually get there. Being told this my whole life made it really hard for me once I found out I wouldn’t be taller than 5’5”. As I got older and still didn’t grow, taller girls that also played the post position would ask me why I’m even a post and that I shouldn’t be because I’m shorter. I have often questioned why I still play the post position, and my current basketball coach has always wanted me to be a guard, but I play better as a post. If I were to switch positions, it would take a lot of work to change the way I play. I’m getting better as a guard, but I will never be a better guard than post.
In order to play in games, I’ve had to work hard to overcome the difference in height compared to my opponents. Sometimes, I feel that some girls only get to play because they’re tall, and I’ve never had the luxury. Because I’m usually around five inches shorter than the girls I guard, I’ve had to figure out ways to out-work my opponent in order to stay in the game. My height has challenged me in both volleyball and basketball, but basketball the most. Instead of just jumping for the rebound, I have to box out a girl so if she does reach over me, she fouls me. When defending, I always stand as tall as I can & put my hands straight up to try and keep the girl I’m guarding from making her shot. I can’t resort to blocking shots because I’m not as tall as them and I could get called for a foul. I’ve also got to be quick in order to get in front of them if they make a move to the basket. I’m usually only in the game for defense and rebounds. Offense is something I struggle with because my shots often get blocked, but that doesn't stop me from getting offensive rebounds and shooting. The post position can be very aggressive, and that’s how I am when I play. I know for a fact that I would not play as much as I do if I wasn’t as aggressive as I am. A taller girl doesn't have to worry about these details as much as I do.
I’ve finally accepted that I’m not going to be tall, and doing so has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I no longer worry about being tall, and accept myself the way I am. I will always be disappointed that I haven't grown as much as I wanted to, but I’ve come to terms with it. I used to have dreams of playing volleyball in college, and I’m still saddened at the fact that I’m not tall enough to play. I’m a setter and an outside hitter for our team. I always knew that I couldn’t be a hitter in college, but I still had hopes of being a setter. Once I found out that the average setter in college volleyball was 6’, my hopes were crushed. When I was in middle school, I knew nothing about what college was really like, so I made playing college sports so important. Growing up and figuring out what college is actually like, I now know that playing sports isn’t everything.
I’ve learned a lot from being a shorter person. Instead of being intimidated by my opponent, I accept the challenge and make sure I work harder than them so that I do succeed. Sports in general have taught me to work hard, but my short stature has taught me that I need to work even harder to get to play. I’ve learned the value of hard work and where it can take you. Being short has also taught me that just because a person is smaller than another, doesn’t mean they’re inferior to them. I’ve had to find ways to work around my disadvantage in height. This has taught me great problem solving and critical thinking skills.
My years at Caldwell Schools have prepared me for my life in many ways. High school in general has given me so many experiences that will help me in my future. One challenge I faced in my life is dealing with my height. When participating in sports, height is a major advantage and an advantage I lack, so I have had to find a way to succeed without being tall.
My mother’s side of the family is tall and so is my mother, but my father’s side of the family is short and he’s not very tall. When I first started basketball as a third grader, my mother would tell my coach to put me as a post, which is the tallest position on the team. I’ve always expected to be tall, and my mother has always told me I was just a late grower and I would eventually get there. Being told this my whole life made it really hard for me once I found out I wouldn’t be taller than 5’5”. As I got older and still didn’t grow, taller girls that also played the post position would ask me why I’m even a post and that I shouldn’t be because I’m shorter. I have often questioned why I still play the post position, and my current basketball coach has always wanted me to be a guard, but I play better as a post. If I were to switch positions, it would take a lot of work to change the way I play. I’m getting better as a guard, but I will never be a better guard than post.
In order to play in games, I’ve had to work hard to overcome the difference in height compared to my opponents. Sometimes, I feel that some girls only get to play because they’re tall, and I’ve never had the luxury. Because I’m usually around five inches shorter than the girls I guard, I’ve had to figure out ways to out-work my opponent in order to stay in the game. My height has challenged me in both volleyball and basketball, but basketball the most. Instead of just jumping for the rebound, I have to box out a girl so if she does reach over me, she fouls me. When defending, I always stand as tall as I can & put my hands straight up to try and keep the girl I’m guarding from making her shot. I can’t resort to blocking shots because I’m not as tall as them and I could get called for a foul. I’ve also got to be quick in order to get in front of them if they make a move to the basket. I’m usually only in the game for defense and rebounds. Offense is something I struggle with because my shots often get blocked, but that doesn't stop me from getting offensive rebounds and shooting. The post position can be very aggressive, and that’s how I am when I play. I know for a fact that I would not play as much as I do if I wasn’t as aggressive as I am. A taller girl doesn't have to worry about these details as much as I do.
I’ve finally accepted that I’m not going to be tall, and doing so has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I no longer worry about being tall, and accept myself the way I am. I will always be disappointed that I haven't grown as much as I wanted to, but I’ve come to terms with it. I used to have dreams of playing volleyball in college, and I’m still saddened at the fact that I’m not tall enough to play. I’m a setter and an outside hitter for our team. I always knew that I couldn’t be a hitter in college, but I still had hopes of being a setter. Once I found out that the average setter in college volleyball was 6’, my hopes were crushed. When I was in middle school, I knew nothing about what college was really like, so I made playing college sports so important. Growing up and figuring out what college is actually like, I now know that playing sports isn’t everything.
I’ve learned a lot from being a shorter person. Instead of being intimidated by my opponent, I accept the challenge and make sure I work harder than them so that I do succeed. Sports in general have taught me to work hard, but my short stature has taught me that I need to work even harder to get to play. I’ve learned the value of hard work and where it can take you. Being short has also taught me that just because a person is smaller than another, doesn’t mean they’re inferior to them. I’ve had to find ways to work around my disadvantage in height. This has taught me great problem solving and critical thinking skills.