AIGA Iowa’s seventh annual Get a Job Boot Camp took place on Saturday, March 7th at the FFA Enrichment Building on the DMACC Ankeny campus, with 33 design students from 7 colleges and universities in attendance.

The crowd of mostly juniors and seniors had a chance to hear professionals give advice on finding that coveted first job out of school. Stacey Singleton, Regional Vice President of Robert Half Technology in Des Moines, spoke about proper interview etiquette and resume tips to get the job. Alesha Burgraff, Associate Creative Director at The Integer Group, gave examples of how to present portfolios and leave a good impression on the interviewer. Finally, a panel of local design professionals who’ve recently graduated (Lauren Oliver, Cory Witt, Zachary Kern, Brooke Batterson, and Meanz Chan), answered questions from students about job searching and life after college.

Lunch was a chance to enjoy a boxed lunch and network with the other design students and many design professionals who volunteered to review portfolios. And review they did! Most of the afternoon was devoted to artwork critiques. Each student had the opportunity to have three professionals view their work and provide feedback. Whether the portfolio was digital or analog, our reviewers dished out their best advice.

A raffle for a year subscription to Skillshare was awarded to three lucky students and the day wrapped. Thank you to all of our speakers, volunteers, reviewers and students who made the 7th annual Get a Job Boot Camp another success!

A special thanks to Des Moines Area Community College for sponsoring the event space. Thank you to The Naked Binder for donating the sustainable eco-friendly binders made from 100% recycled & 100% post consumer waste board and The Creative Group, an AIGA presenting sponsor, for providing the 2015 salary guides. Also, thanks to Drake University Professional & Career Development Services for the handouts.

Check out all the photos!