College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) first-year and transfer students explored careers and interacted with local alumni, employers, and industry professionals throughout the Syracuse area on Friday, Sept. 27.
VPA’s Syracuse Immersion included visits to Studio Central and Redhouse Arts Center, along with a visit from Daylight Blue Media Group. The trip introduced students to various jobs within the arts and highlighted career success at the local level.
“I want to showcase what people are doing for a living in smaller, mid-sized communities, because not everyone is going to go to New York City or Los Angeles,” says Career Development and Immersion Specialist Caitlin Albright.
During the trip, students explored Studio Central, a post-production facility located on the edge of Armory Square. The visit included stops at a 4K HDR Dolby Atmos mix stage, 2D and 3D animation studio, and dual-purpose re-recording mixing and color grading Dolby Atmos theater.
While touring Redhouse Arts Center, students gained insights into the theater production process. Representatives from the nonprofit answered questions regarding everything from the artistic vision to the timeline behind productions.
First-year industrial and interaction design major Samuel Sutton enjoyed the immersion trip. “I really liked it. To get out there and see the world is important and sometimes hard to do.”
Sutton found the visit from alumna Courtney Rile ‘04, partner at Daylight Blue Media Group, particularly insightful. Rile discussed her career path and past projects, encouraging students to take risks and not be afraid of making mistakes.
Career ambassador Yesmene Chikha, a senior communications design major, has been on multiple immersion trips. Getting a first-hand look at various industries and organizations is helpful as she considers her future.
“I really enjoy knowing what companies and opportunities are out there,” she says. “As someone who is in a major that can cover multiple roles in the creative industries, it’s nice to know what roles are available.”