Mack Miles, an Industry Day mentor, spoke one-on-one with attendees
A former QVC host, a founding partner of a global PR firm and the art preparator for the Andy Warhol Museum were among the 17 professional mentors at the inaugural WVU College of Creative Arts and Media (CCAM) Industry Day in April.
The event, which was organized by the College’s in-house career development specialist, Danica Ryan, allowed students to meet and network with arts and media professionals who provided resume feedback and tips for successful interviews and auditions.
“It was an opportunity to hear from professionals who have been exactly where the students are and who have launched successful careers,” Ryan said. “They gave advice and insight that you can’t find anywhere else. Students learned what they can be doing right now to set themselves up for a successful future career, while also starting their network in their prospective industries!”
Industry Day began with panel discussions on topics including navigating diverse career pathways; tips on resumes, cover letters, portfolios and interviews; and perspectives from creatives and innovators. After the panels, students met one-on-one with professionals to network and get advice for entering their aspirational career fields. Fifty-eight students attended the panels, with 39 staying for the post-panel networking luncheon.
Left to Right: Tanner Mountz (student moderator), Juliana Yap, Rick Jackson, Jamie Lester and Mack Miles
“Throughout the day, I had the chance to speak with students one-on-one and in small groups, answering questions about starting and sustaining a private teaching studio, navigating non-traditional music careers and developing professional skills,” said Juliana Yap, owner and director of Morgantown Piano Academy. “We discussed ways students can start building real-world experience while still in school. It was inspiring to meet such passionate and motivated students. I also appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals—hearing about their journeys and approaches sparked new ideas for my own studio and teaching practices.”
According to an anonymous student survey conducted after the event, all respondents said Industry Day helped to clarify their career goals, and 90% said the inaugural event met their expectations. Additionally, all respondents said they felt comfortable speaking and networking with the professional mentors.
“Industry Day gave students a chance to explore a wide range of career paths, ask direct questions and connect with professionals in a low-pressure, supportive environment,” Yap said. “These kinds of conversations are invaluable in helping them see possibilities beyond the traditional routes.”
Lakyn Campbell, a sophomore journalism student, connected with Kim Parrish, a former QVC host and current television host and brand builder, at the event’s networking lunch.
“It was inspiring to know that she was in my shoes right here at WVU, and I can go on to have a career just like her,” Campbell said. “She offered advice on resume builders, tips for nailing interviews, building a brand and the importance of creating connections.”
Kim Parrish meets one-on-one with attendees
In addition to Yap and Parrish, Industry Day featured the following arts and media professionals:
Cassie DiCarlo, Exhibitions Project Manager, Princeton University Art Museum
Kelley Galbreath, Designer
Alex Haloszka, Creative Manager, Dick’s Sporting Goods
J. Ford Huffman, Editor, Writer, Designer, Manager
Jim Iovino, Program Director, Scripps Journalism Journey Initiative
Rick Jackson, Retired Network and Local Television Anchor
Shelley Johnson, Interior Design Manager, West Virginia University
Nicole Lennartz, CEO of Radiant Strings and Adjunct Strings Teacher, Pittsburgh CAPA
Jamie Lester, CEO, Vandalia Bronze
Mack Miles, Visual Artist
Eric Minor, News Anchor, WBOY-TV
Erin Parks, Art Preparator and Courier, Andy Warhol Museum
Liz Pavlovic, Artist and Designer
Hunter Trowbridge, Professional Dancer and Choreographer
Scott Widmeyer, Founding Managing Partner, Finn Partners
The College plans to continue the event in the coming years. For more information about career development opportunities, visit https://creativeartsandmedia.wvu.edu/current-students/mentorship-internships-and-careers.