87 DUSTIN FOSTER Class of 2003 Creative Director, Editor and Partner Chop & Hue Grand Rapids, Michigan “If you want to move to LA, Chicago, NYC, London, etc., I encourage you to do so, with the understanding that failure and permanence are nothing more than a state of mind. Have humility, openness, perspective, and wisdom in topics like art history, pop culture, and technology. Be transparent and use self-doubt as fuel to challenge your edit, shot list, set design, or sound design. It’s about forming relationships, and as much as you want to know other teams, you want them to know who you are too.” DREW DENNISON Class of 2012 Director of Video Production Texas Christian University Athletics Department, Fortworth, Texas “Be willing to take that leap, and by that, I mean to just go after whatever it is you want out of this career. I was stuck right out of college working a job I had no interest in (Videographer/Editor for hometown wedding company). I luckily received an opportunity to work a paid internship at Harvard University in their athletics department for a year. I picked up everything and moved for the chance to work video in sports. That single decision set me off on my trajectory to where I am now, and I’m so thankful for doing that.” ADVICE FROM ALUMS ASK QUESTIONS PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN Class of 1980 Public Relations/Media Consultant Founder and Principal of Caldo Communications Ann Arbor, Michigan “Be curious, challenge assumptions, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions that will help you understand your motivation. The colleagues with whom I have been most impressed in my career are the ones who always looked at each project as a learning opportunity that enabled them to improve upon their next efforts.” SARAH REIMERS Attended 1994 - 1996 Lead Editor Walt Disney Animation Studios Los Angeles, California “Be informed about the career or industry you would like to pursue. Where are the jobs? Will it require you to move? What area of the industry appeals to you the most? How can you leverage your studies and your degree to launch your career?” STACY WALSH Class of 2000 Writer, Editor, Writing Coach, Teacher, Podcaster Freelance West Olive, Michigan “Get in where you can. You will likely not work as a director/producer/cinematographer directly after graduation. Pick a department or two you’d like to know more about, and work your way up. Observe. Learn from people who know more than you.” “Ask questions. When you do get a call for work, it is fair to ask, ‘What’s the rate? Am I getting paid through a payroll company? Who is funding this project?’ (I include this because we unwittingly ended up on a gang-funded film; it did not end well.)” 3 4 1 4 2 NICHOLAS HARTMAN Class of 2012 Film Coordinator Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Grand Rapids, Michigan “Honestly, just work hard, have a passion for what you’re doing, never forget why you’re doing it, and most importantly don’t care what others think of you. Stay focused, and put your passion first because your passion is what’s taking you places. If you have a question, ask it, because no one will ask for you, and it’s the only way you’ll learn.” 3
