Networking and Self Promotion

Thank you Conor for setting this up. I know it will prove immensely valuable in guiding the organization of our proposal.

Networking and Self Promotion
This is an idea for a direction that the extra block could likely feature. Although I acknowledge that networking is largely personal and involves some luck, I feel that the school could do a better job on our behalf in terms of networking and teaching us how to self-promote. I did enjoy when those alumni groups talked to us, but I think we need more of that. Additionally, as some of us mentioned before, sending out an email (four times...) of local job offers in my mind does not constitute networking. Last year we did develop a personal brand in Doubleday's class, but there are so many ways to promote ourselves than just a logo and business card that we aren't exposed to.

Scout Stevenson has a lecture in each of his classes called Pimpin and Primpin, a PDF slideshow of how to make a knockout portfolio. He offers a whole bunch of advice in this regard, and shows three of his portfolios. He also shows great resumes and other self-promotional items. I have uploaded the PDF to my website, and it can be downloaded at http://www.mattconvente.com/lectures/grooming.pdf.

Indeed we have chosen, for some reason or another, BU as our institution of higher learning. And the harsh reality that faces us come May no matter where we would have attended college is workforce competition. Indeed the onus is on us to finesse our presentation, working to achieve Frank-like AC craft. Believe me, I want an increased focus on networking and self-promotion more than anything, but let's also look to each other for solid advice.

I have two books, one called How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul, and the other called Becoming a Digital Designer and I am more than willing to let people borrow them for tips on networking, self-promotion, and just because you want to.

We can make this happen. I was really energized today, and I want to make this program the best it can be. With all of us together, we'll be able to succeed.