No Career Fairs Need Apply - Industry Night Builds Relationships

Media Contact: Elizabeth Burke-Dain, 312.369.8695

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Students, Faculty and Staff are available for interviews.

INDUSTRY NIGHT: COLUMBIA COLLEGE ENCOURAGES RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING WITH PROFESSIONALS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY

"There are two kinds of students," says Mercedes Cooper, Communications Coordinator at Columbia's Portfolio Center. "The one who is aware of the economic crisis and what is going on in the creative market and those who choose to not focus on the crisis so that it won't paralyze them. Its interesting to see how these two types operate."

"I'm taking a realistic, but aggressive approach to the job market," says Rachal Duggan, illustration major. "There is no way I'm going to be bummed out about the current economic situation. I know I'll have to start out with small projects, but I'm anxious to get the ball rolling in freelance."

"I think I graduated at the worst time possible, but I'm trying to be optimistic, persistent and patient," says Kimberly McGuire, graphic design major. "The only thing I can do right now is network with as many people as possible."

Columbia's Portfolio Center wants students to understand that relationship building is the key. This is a message that they feel will be true now and throughout their professional lives. Industry Night trains students to talk about their work to people in the field, have their business cards ready and their portfolios in order. These skills will be invaluable for any graduating student who wants enter the job market.

"Industry Night was created in 2008 as a chance to turn the tables on most college job fairs," says Columbia College Portfolio Center director Tim Long. "The goal here is to present the students with a real-world, real-time networking opportunity."

At Industry Night "We don't want professionals to be stuck behind a desk with students parading their work in front of them," says Mercedes Cooper. "Rather, students have their portfolios on tables and the professionals are at their leisure to go up to any student whose work appeals to them. If a professional sees work that they like, but doesn't have an immediate position to fill, this gives them a chance to build a relationship for an opportunity down the road."

It is also an opportunity for students to get feedback on how they are presenting themselves and to develop on-going relationships with companies they might want to work with in the future.
Industry Night puts the students in the driver's seat while letting the professionals sit back and enjoy the ride. To date, over 500 industry professionals from music, film, fashion, advertising, public relations, marketing, and performance community have confirmed their presence at this year’s event.

Industry Night opens May 14th 2009 runs in concert with Columbia College's Manifest Urban Arts Festival (May 15th, 2009) and is part of the college's commencement weekend. For more information about Industry Night, go to the website: www.colum.edu/industrynight.

For more information, high-resolution photos or to schedule an interview please contact Elizabeth Burke-Dain (eburkedain@colum.edu) or call (312) 369-8695.