A Creative surge at Miami: The behind-the-scenes work fueling opportunity for CCA students
Center for Career Exploration and Success support College of Creative Arts students through networking events, resume building sessions, and off-campus trips
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Published
A Creative surge at Miami: The behind-the-scenes work fueling opportunity for CCA students
•
Published
The Armstrong Student Center stands at the center of campus, serving as Miami University’s main hub for community. Beneath Armstrong lies an institution that has fueled the fire for career opportunities for students involved in the creative arts. The underground work of organizing events, partnering with alumni and prominent employers, and setting up students for the future has been brought to the surface.
One of those students is Van Johnson, an Emerging Technology in Business and Design major who works as a production assistant for CCES.
“I’ve never had this many opportunities to attend networking events in my entire college experience,” Johnson said. “The events have made me more confident about where I'm going after college.”
The culmination of these events empowered by Miami's CCES is a testament to the hard work and dedication the university possesses for its CCA students. The faculty wants to show students how many opportunities are available to them at Miami and what is possible for their careers.
Ryan Fisher is dean of the College of Creative Arts at Miami.
“The College of Creative Arts prepares the next generation of creative industry leaders by combining rigorous artistic and design training with interdisciplinary opportunities that integrate technology, business, and community engagement,” Fisher said. “Our mission is to cultivate creative thinkers whose work strengthens communities, drives innovation, and enriches cultural and civic life.”
Effective networking and career opportunities this semester included the Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight, a young alumni panel for ETBD students, and a theatre workshop.
The Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight Career Trek took place on Oct. 17, bringing around 50 CCA students to Cincinnati. Each student chose one of three tracks to place themselves in the employers' shoes.
The performing arts and entertainment track featured Cincinnati’s Music Hall, which includes companies such as Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Arts Association. Students on this track explored Cincinnati's many vibrant arts scenes with artists and designers who imparted how their creative talents fit into Cincinnati's cultural landscape.
Mason Pardee, a first-year Music Education major, offered helpful career advice to students who attended the track. He identified a common misunderstanding with Music Education majors and offered an alternative to that presumption.
“Teaching in a public school system is not the only thing you can do with a Music Education degree,” he said. “You can be an in-house teaching resident with CSO or other music companies here, and you can also perform while teaching, which is amazing.”
The non-traditional, business and media track featured employers like the Cincinnati Reds and The E.W. Scripps Company. Students on this track discovered how their creative skills could translate into a career in the business world.
Victoria Marx, a senior Media and Communication major with minors in Arts Management and German, most enjoyed hearing about the day-to-day work of the Reds’ communications and marketing team.
“I had a really great time, and everyone had good insights and advice to share for all of us,” Marx said. “I learned about adapting to change because the content they produce in the fast-paced, unpredictable environment is reactionary based.”
The arts administration, entrepreneurship, and design track featured ArtsWave and the Marketer Collaborative. By connecting with professionals in art management, grant writing, marketing, IT, and digital design, students have discovered how creative and design skills can drive innovation.
Erin Hoppe is an associate teaching professor for the Institute of Innovation and Design at Miami.
“My favorite part of CCA's ethos is ‘you don't have to be conventional or predictable … be whatever the best version of yourself looks like,” Hoppe said. “We live in a world of comparison. CCA students are taught and mentored to be interconnected, engaged citizens who can go wherever they want.”
CCES also held an ETBD networking event, “Unexpected Paths: Where ETBD Can Take You,” on Nov. 11. The event featured graphic designers, software engineers, innovation consultants, and more from employers like Air Force Research Lab, Fifth Third Bank, and MarketVision Research. Students learned about opportunities they may not have considered before, and the experience showcased how their skills are valuable for a job title that may not reflect their major.
CCES showed Theatre majors love with a workshop, “Spotlight Your Work: Crafting a Standout Theatre Portfolio,” on Nov. 20. Torie Wiggins, artistic associate at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, led the session and shared her expertise on how to present work professionally. Students had the opportunity to build their confidence and skills in presenting their portfolios beyond the classroom setting.
Fisher and the College of Creative Arts want the best for its students.
“We are committed to professional excellence, student success, and faculty vitality, fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to explore, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their fields,” Fisher said. “Above all, we believe that creative work strengthens communities on campus, across the region, and throughout the creative economy.”
Looking ahead, CCES will host a networking event for CCA students, “Navigating the Career Fair: Architecture and Design Edition,” on Feb. 17. The event will feature employers from CESO Inc.; Ryan Chalfant, university relations recruiter; and Brady Harding, director of architecture.
The following week on Feb. 23, CCES will host an Architecture and Design Career Fair, drawing firms from architecture and construction, and organizations hiring in communication and graphic design, digital marketing, interior design, and user interface and experience design. This in-person event is a great way to land a job or internship, and network with employers and alumni eager to connect with students interested in Architecture, Construction, and Design.
Additionally, Miami will hold a Creative Career Day on March 2, featuring new and past employers. This event serves as a dedicated connection hub for CCA students, offering opportunities with employers tailored to their creative interests. More events like these can be found at Miami's Center for Career Exploration and Success.
One of those students is Van Johnson, an Emerging Technology in Business and Design major who works as a production assistant for CCES.
“I’ve never had this many opportunities to attend networking events in my entire college experience,” Johnson said. “The events have made me more confident about where I'm going after college.”
The culmination of these events empowered by Miami's CCES is a testament to the hard work and dedication the university possesses for its CCA students. The faculty wants to show students how many opportunities are available to them at Miami and what is possible for their careers.
Ryan Fisher is dean of the College of Creative Arts at Miami.
“The College of Creative Arts prepares the next generation of creative industry leaders by combining rigorous artistic and design training with interdisciplinary opportunities that integrate technology, business, and community engagement,” Fisher said. “Our mission is to cultivate creative thinkers whose work strengthens communities, drives innovation, and enriches cultural and civic life.”
Effective networking and career opportunities this semester included the Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight, a young alumni panel for ETBD students, and a theatre workshop.
The Arts in Action: Cincy Spotlight Career Trek took place on Oct. 17, bringing around 50 CCA students to Cincinnati. Each student chose one of three tracks to place themselves in the employers' shoes.
The performing arts and entertainment track featured Cincinnati’s Music Hall, which includes companies such as Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Arts Association. Students on this track explored Cincinnati's many vibrant arts scenes with artists and designers who imparted how their creative talents fit into Cincinnati's cultural landscape.
Mason Pardee, a first-year Music Education major, offered helpful career advice to students who attended the track. He identified a common misunderstanding with Music Education majors and offered an alternative to that presumption.
“Teaching in a public school system is not the only thing you can do with a Music Education degree,” he said. “You can be an in-house teaching resident with CSO or other music companies here, and you can also perform while teaching, which is amazing.”
The non-traditional, business and media track featured employers like the Cincinnati Reds and The E.W. Scripps Company. Students on this track discovered how their creative skills could translate into a career in the business world.
Victoria Marx, a senior Media and Communication major with minors in Arts Management and German, most enjoyed hearing about the day-to-day work of the Reds’ communications and marketing team.
“I had a really great time, and everyone had good insights and advice to share for all of us,” Marx said. “I learned about adapting to change because the content they produce in the fast-paced, unpredictable environment is reactionary based.”
The arts administration, entrepreneurship, and design track featured ArtsWave and the Marketer Collaborative. By connecting with professionals in art management, grant writing, marketing, IT, and digital design, students have discovered how creative and design skills can drive innovation.
Erin Hoppe is an associate teaching professor for the Institute of Innovation and Design at Miami.
“My favorite part of CCA's ethos is ‘you don't have to be conventional or predictable … be whatever the best version of yourself looks like,” Hoppe said. “We live in a world of comparison. CCA students are taught and mentored to be interconnected, engaged citizens who can go wherever they want.”
CCES also held an ETBD networking event, “Unexpected Paths: Where ETBD Can Take You,” on Nov. 11. The event featured graphic designers, software engineers, innovation consultants, and more from employers like Air Force Research Lab, Fifth Third Bank, and MarketVision Research. Students learned about opportunities they may not have considered before, and the experience showcased how their skills are valuable for a job title that may not reflect their major.
CCES showed Theatre majors love with a workshop, “Spotlight Your Work: Crafting a Standout Theatre Portfolio,” on Nov. 20. Torie Wiggins, artistic associate at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, led the session and shared her expertise on how to present work professionally. Students had the opportunity to build their confidence and skills in presenting their portfolios beyond the classroom setting.
Fisher and the College of Creative Arts want the best for its students.
“We are committed to professional excellence, student success, and faculty vitality, fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to explore, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their fields,” Fisher said. “Above all, we believe that creative work strengthens communities on campus, across the region, and throughout the creative economy.”
Looking ahead, CCES will host a networking event for CCA students, “Navigating the Career Fair: Architecture and Design Edition,” on Feb. 17. The event will feature employers from CESO Inc.; Ryan Chalfant, university relations recruiter; and Brady Harding, director of architecture.
The following week on Feb. 23, CCES will host an Architecture and Design Career Fair, drawing firms from architecture and construction, and organizations hiring in communication and graphic design, digital marketing, interior design, and user interface and experience design. This in-person event is a great way to land a job or internship, and network with employers and alumni eager to connect with students interested in Architecture, Construction, and Design.
Additionally, Miami will hold a Creative Career Day on March 2, featuring new and past employers. This event serves as a dedicated connection hub for CCA students, offering opportunities with employers tailored to their creative interests. More events like these can be found at Miami's Center for Career Exploration and Success.
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.
