Digital Arts and Culture Alumni go on to do amazing things in a variety of fields and professions–please see the DAC FAQ page for more specific information about careers. Below, see and hear from some recent graduates about how they have benefitted from DAC and how they are planning on applying their expertise after graduation.
Jack Feltes
Digital Arts and Culture Major, Class of 2020
Why did you decide to pursue the Digital Arts and Culture Major?
“I decided I wanted to be involved with the arts but I didn’t want an art major. My advisor spoke highly of the program and it seemed like a great mix of what I was looking for. I hoped to improve my art and design skills as well as improve my written communication and advertising knowledge, all of these expectations were met”
“I had a goal to learn a lot about a lot of different things so taking a wide range of classes was very helpful. The ability to work as an intern outside of the classroom was very helpful, the DAC program is very supportive of internships and I used my experience to figure out my professional path.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“My plans post-graduation are the start of a new job in the marketing world…I have attained a variety of skills and I see myself best fit in the marketing world. I will be starting my job at the end of May so I am excited to put my DAC skills to work.”
What advice would you give to DAC students?
“Take advantage of the diversity. Use the broad range of classes and mediums to build an arsenal of skills that prepare you for anything. DAC helps you gain photography, design, and audio-video skills that mold perfectly with writing and communication skills.”
Patricia McKnight
Double Major in English and Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies + DAC Certificate, Class of 2020
How did you hear about the DAC program?
“I discovered DAC in my JAMS 101 lecture when Professor David Allen talked about it. I hoped it would pair well with my other majors, focusing on digital skills.”
What was your best experience in the DAC Program?
“JAMS 336 Media Graphics was my favorite DAC class. It went over photo and video editing well. I had never had any other classes with Adobe programs and I think it was a good but challenging class – especially for JAMS students who want to add valuable skills to the heavily writing-focused courses.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I plan on going into media writing, either for a local newspaper or news station.”
What advice would you give to DAC students?
“Make the most out of the classes. The skills learned are very helpful especially in our media-focused society.”
Lillian Maxwell
Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies Major + DAC Certificate, Class of 2020
How did you hear about the DAC program?
“I discovered the DAC certificate when I took a JAMS elective that is also a DAC elective. I enjoyed the course work in that class because of the creative use of the adobe suite. I thought the certificate was a good fit for me because it provided an art perspective that I wasn’t getting from my Journalism major.”
What’s next for you after graduation?
“I have a lot of skills under my belt and know my degree will be applicable in a lot of fields.”
What advice would you give to DAC students?
“I would tell the student to consider all your options and see what is best for them. Do your research at the beginning. If I had known about DAC earlier on, I probably would have gone for the degree instead of the certificate because it would have met more of my needs. I am happy to have a DAC certificate now.”
Stephen Jensen
Digital Arts and Culture Major, Class of 2020
How did you hear about the DAC program?
“I switched to the program since I felt it would be a good way to learn about a diverse amount of creative practices.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“One of my main academic goals was to get a degree in a field that I have an interest in. For postgraduation, I am just looking for a solid job that helps fund my creative endeavors in my free time…I am in the process of making a YouTube gaming channel.”
What advice would you give to DAC students?
“Always be open to all the ways creative practices can have flexibility and adaptability in our society. Whether it’s something like marketing or the technology itself, make sure you keep an open mind about how things will change.”
Samantha Geiger
Digital Arts and Culture Major, Class of 2020
Why did you decide to pursue the Digital Arts and Culture Major?
I was initially majoring in Media Studies and Advertising/PR in the JAMS program and needed 12 credits outside the major. I found DAC through a JAMS class that was an elective for both and realized there was a lot of cross-over. I was only going to do a certificate, but I eventually felt more drawn to the more creative side of Ad/PR, and the DAC major classes aligned with that. My favorite DAC classes were JAMS 559, 336, and of course, DAC 489, the DAC internship.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I am hoping to work in the creative realm of Advertising and Public Relations. I enjoy social media, managing, and copywriting.
What advice would you give to DAC students?
Check the DAC website/socials and go to your advisor often! The DAC website/socials post about interesting classes, internship opportunities, and DAC events. I recommend doing an internship through the school, either DAC 489 or Non-Profit INFOST 408 courses. They are helpful to find school resources, get portfolios experience, and network with successful professors at UWM. Lastly, the school has a contract with Lynda.com, which is basically how-to videos, and it helped me learn how to use Adobe programs and WordPress.