Graphic Design Internship Leads to Full-Time Job at Apple Box Studios for Alumna Jessica Joseph Alumni Profile
Meet Jessica Joseph
- Job Title & Employer
- Art Director, Apple Box Studios
- Major/Program
- Multimedia
- Graduation
- April 2017
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Peters Township High School
- Hobbies & Interests
- Dance, working out, boxing/self-defense, cooking, trying new restaurants/activities around Pittsburgh and traveling
"I knew I had a knack for graphic design, but didn’t know I could make a career out of it. Making the switch to major in multimedia led me to some of my favorite classes: Typography with Heather Starr Fiedler and Package and Retail Design with Brigette Davitt. These classes pushed me to become the skilled, but ever-learning, designer I am today."
Update: Jessica Joseph has been promoted to an art director at Apple Box Studios since this story published.
How did you land your job at Apple Box Studios?
I started at Apple Box as an intern fall semester of my senior year. I worked with them through the school year and was lucky enough to be asked to join the team full time! I knew it was a perfect spot for me within the first few months. Although I applied for an internship as a junior and didn’t end up getting the job, they filed my resume and contacted me the next year. A piece of advice from my experience is not to let the we are putting your resume on file reponse discourage you, because it may end up working out in your favor.
Tell us about the work you do as a graphic designer.
My responsibilities change daily. Some days I’ll be stock image searching, others I’ll be storyboarding a video for an engineering client of ours. I have created logos, presentations for big pitches, magazine spreads, fake NASCAR suits and interactive touch screen demonstrations. The possibilities in an advertising agency really are endless. I think this is why I love my job so much. I love how different each day is because it keeps things fun and interesting.
Why did you choose Point Park for your major?
Prior to applying to Point Park, I knew it had a reputation for the arts and a few of my art-minded friends had applied. Wanting to see exactly what Point Park had to offer, I did my research and found out about the photography program - the major I first chose. I gained so much knowledge about photography, but it also helped me blossom into something more. It pushed me to learn more about other art-related fields Point Park offers, and ultimately lead me to change my major to multimedia.
How did your classes prepare you for your current position?
One of the most important moments at Point Park was realizing I wanted to do more than just photography. I loved learning about film and really honing in on my photography skills, but classes like Multimedia with Matt Adams and Ad/PR Graphics with Robert Meyers helped me realize my potential. I knew I had a knack for graphic design, but didn’t know I could make a career out of it. Making the switch to major in multimedia led me to some of my favorite classes: Typography with Heather Starr Fiedler and Package and Retail Design with Brigette Davitt. These classes pushed me to become the skilled, but ever-learning, designer I am today.
What advice do you have for School of Communication students?
Get an internship as soon as possible. You can sit in a classroom and learn all about how to use certain tools to help you create something meaningful, but nothing compares to experience. Internships give you an inside look into your desired field without working full time. It’s a no-brainer! I would also recommend spreading your wings and trying agency, corporate AND non-profit environments. This can give you a jump start on finding a full-time job you really enjoy!