A PGSF Success Story: How One Former Recipient Found Industry Success
Q: How did PGSF support your career?
JS: PGSF supplies financial benefits, of course, but there are many other ways they’ve helped me get to where I am. I got involved in the industry immediately through networking. We (PGSF Scholarship recipients) are encouraged to write a letter to a different donor or sponsor for each year we are in the scholarship program updating them on what we’re learning. These contacts are from all across the industry, so I became more aware of different companies and jobs, and they encouraged me to look at all the opportunities. Although I studied Graphic Media Publishing at RIT, I saw many other fields that interested me.
Being a PGSF recipient is also a fantastic resume builder. It helped me get my first job!
Q: What did it mean to you to win a PGSF Scholarship?
JS: I am very appreciative of all the support PGSF has provided me and other students. It instills a sense of pride and confidence that I was chosen for this honor. I feel the program helped me stay motivated and disciplined, since I had to keep my grades up at RIT to be eligible for the yearly scholarship.
I am excited to continue my involvement with PGSF. This year at PRINT 13 it really came full circle when I was asked to join the 2013 PGSF Board of Directors. I see this as my opportunity to give back to a program that helped shape my career.
Q: Why is it important for you and others to give back to PGSF?
JS: Giving back to PGSF is giving to the future of the graphic arts. Most people in the industry are aware, but I also know from my own experience, that PGSF is dedicated to graphic arts students. Their reputation is unmatched. They support students financially, educationally, and professionally through motivation, networking opportunities, and as a way to get your foot in the door of our industry!
