We recently hired an Ozarks Technical Community College graduate in our graphic design department. Daniel Foust is an impressive young 22-year-old man from Conway.
Daniel used the Missouri A+ Scholarship Program, attended OTC Lebanon for most of his general education classes and then completed his Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design Technology and Associate of Arts degree while attending the Springfield campus.
If you go to the OTC website, you will find this mission statement: “At Ozarks Technical Community College, we take our mission to heart. We’re here to provide affordable, accessible educational opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities. As Missouri’s third-largest community college, we offer more than 40 different degree programs. So, whether you’re looking to earn a transfer degree or JUMP STRAIGHT INTO A CAREER, we’ve got a plan for you.”
It’s that “jump straight into a career” phrase I want to focus on because until Daniel started work for us I really would not have believed that part of the OTC mission statement.
In more than 30 years of hiring newspaper employees, I’m not sure I have ever hired a graphic designer who could walk-in, sit down and immediately go to work.
That is exactly what happened with Daniel. OTC prepared him well to “JUMP STRAIGHT INTO A CAREER.” The day he started work, he was well trained in ALL the software we use to produce the newspaper. He literally sat down and started producing beautiful ads for our customers. There is generally a learning curve of about 6-months to a year before a graphic designer becomes really productive.
Daniel’s work is far beyond entry level graphic designer work – straight out of OTC. I think his biggest challenge is just learning where to find and file things on the file server. Our sales people are very excited about the quality of work he is producing for our customers.
Now, I must admit, I do think Daniel just has a lot of natural talent and a strong work ethic. We’ll give his parents, Mike and Julie Foust, credit for that. But, talent alone won’t help you learn the appropriate software and techniques it takes to build great print and digital ads.
Our newspaper won first place General Excellence from Missouri Press Association last year, so the bar has been raised. We expect excellent work from our design team. Daniel joins Shawna Bradley, our lead designer who has been with us for 11 years. This year Shawna was named best graphic designer in Missouri by the Missouri Press Association.
Daniel has tremendous respect for his OTC teachers including Sara Bruffey, Craig Schutt, Cheryl Feller, Jeffrey Sweet and Dawn Brandon.
Daniel said his instructors created a required Portfolio class where students created a professional portfolio of their past works and resumes. He also said students received interview training.
So, if you were wondering if OTC really prepares their students for “real world” jobs, I can tell you my experience with Daniel has been excellent. Thanks Daniel and to OTC for taking your mission statement to heart.
Beth Chism is the publisher of the Laclede County Record.
