Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/863793
1 2 0 1 7 E D U C AT I O N & R E C R U I T M E N T S P E C I A L epending on the educational institution and major, students in the digital arts fields spend two to four years or more learning their trade. After all the blood, sweat, and tears, as well as countless all-nighters and panic attacks over deadlines, they gradu- ate, hoping to land a job where they can begin to apply the lessons and skills learned in the classroom, and continue to build on that base over the course of a lifetime. Indeed, it is a daunting transition from student to profes- sional. Likewise, it is a daunting responsibility of schools to take eager, often young fledglings and prepare them for the professional world. There is no magic formula for success, though each institution has its own theories and practices for turning out successful grads who are ready for real-world challenges. So, what do school administrators believe are the most important things that animation students today need to learn in order to get a job in their respective field, and what are schools doing to ensure that their students are receiving that instruction? At Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), "the emphasis is on creativity, professionalism, and career suc- cess. So when it comes to transitioning into a great job, our students are prepared," says Marilynn ("Max") Almy, dean, School of Digital Media. As Almy points out, SCAD is known for animation and Images from Gnomon students. Top of page: Tyler-Bolyard Lewis; concept by Bill Schwab. Above: Daniel-Kho; concept by Renan Nuche. Looking Beyond the Classroom D A look at what schools are doing to prepare their students for the next step BY KAREN MOLTENBREY