Arts in Action ignites creative spark with trip to Cincinnati
CCA-focused initiative takes Miami students to visit area employers
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Published
Miami University students visited several Cincinnati-area employers, including the Cincinnati Reds, during the recent Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight – Career Trek Trip.
Arts in Action ignites creative spark with trip to Cincinnati
•
Published
One of Madeleine Hood’s goals as an assistant director for the Center for Career Exploration and Success is to help students make the most of their time at Miami University.
As liaison to the College of Creative Arts (CCA), Hood also aims to plant the seeds for what a future career could look like.
Hood and Taylor Conteh, former associate director of employer relations, were instrumental in the recent Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight – Career Trek Trip that gave approximately 50 Miami students – many of them with majors in CCA – the opportunity for a day-long excursion to the Queen City intended to inspire and highlight potential professional paths.
“For many students, this is an ‘aha moment,’ where they say, ‘I didn’t realize I could do that,’” Hood said. “Miami students are talented. Our CCA students are talented. Employers are excited to meet these creative students.”
As liaison to the College of Creative Arts (CCA), Hood also aims to plant the seeds for what a future career could look like.
Hood and Taylor Conteh, former associate director of employer relations, were instrumental in the recent Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight – Career Trek Trip that gave approximately 50 Miami students – many of them with majors in CCA – the opportunity for a day-long excursion to the Queen City intended to inspire and highlight potential professional paths.
“For many students, this is an ‘aha moment,’ where they say, ‘I didn’t realize I could do that,’” Hood said. “Miami students are talented. Our CCA students are talented. Employers are excited to meet these creative students.”
Miami University's Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight – Career Trek Trip took Miami students to visit with various employers throughout Cincinnati.
Students met and visited many Cincinnati area employers, including the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Ballet, the E.W. Scripps Company, ArtsWave, and more.
“It was such a good day, and we received good feedback from students and employers,” Conteh said. “It’s invaluable for the university to have these relationships we can expand and build upon to put our students on employers’ radars.”
Olivia West, a senior Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship major, shared with Hood that Arts in Action was an overwhelmingly positive experience.
“I was able to keep my confidence while conversing, knowing that the person I was connecting with was open-minded to speaking with a creative-minded person,” West said. “I was also grateful that the organizations presented catered to a multitude of different creative career roles, whether they be in a traditional creative setting or in a more business/corporate environment.”
Miami University students participating in Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight – Career Trek Trip were able to meet with employers on three distinctive tracks.
After breaking into their respective tracks, students connected with businesses, toured facilities, and engaged with potential career paths.
“This opened their eyes about different positions students may never have considered before,” Conteh said. “Not only did it spark interest into some different areas they did not know were available, but they also identified mentors.
“Students asked questions and received really tangible advice. Miami demonstrated it is willing to be nimble to meet the needs of our students.”
Marcus Cheung, senior Music Performance and Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship double major, was part of the Performing Arts and Entertainment Trek. Cheung came away impressed, especially with the panel discussion from Music Hall.
“The panelists were very engaged and gave real, relevant answers that college students could take on board as we try and navigate our professional careers,” Cheung said.
Added Mason Pardee, a first-year Music Education major, “I would highly recommend this experience to any Miami student with even a remote interest in the arts or business.”
Hood hopes Arts in Action becomes an annual event and can potentially be expanded to other cities.
“The goal is to continue watering that seed,” Hood said. “We want to push the message that you can see yourself in various industries and not to put yourself in a box.
“Creativity is needed in all spaces and all industries.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Creative Arts? Visit the website for more information.
