SMAD Day 2024 is Friday, Oct. 25
SMAD Day brings together students, alumni and faculty for informative career sessions and networking opportunities. Sessions will cover careers, portfolios, resumes, interviewing, and more.
SMAD Day also is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to catch up with each other and share their career and life journeys with current students — as well as update each other and faculty on their achievements.
SMAD Day 2024 schedule:
- 9-10 a.m. — Open registration and breakfast snacks available
- 10-11:30 a.m. — Panels featuring Interactive Design alumni (in Harrison Hall 0118) and DVC alumni (in Darcus Johnson G008)
- 11 a.m.-noon — "A dream job in creative: Ready or not?" discussion and portfolio tips featuring alumnus Chase Maszle, producer at The Martin Agency (in Harrison 2241)
- 11:30-1:00 p.m. — Resume reviews (in-person in Harrison Hall 0118, 2113, and 0102 and connections with alumni via Zoom in Harrison 0104)
- Noon-1:45 p.m. - Lunch available outside of Harrison Hall on the lawn
- 2-3 p.m. — "What Concentration is Right for You?" A panel of alumni and current SMAD students aimed at helping SMAD 101 and prospective students decide which concentration(s) to apply for. (Harrison Hall 2105)
- 2-3:30 p.m. — Panels featuring Journalism alumni in Harrison 0102 and Creative Advertising alumni (in Harrison Hall 1261)
- 3:30-4:15 p.m. — Alumni are welcome to sit in on the broadcast of Breeze TV in the Alison Parker Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register for SMAD Day?
Walk-ins may register on-site, but participation will be on a first-come, first served basis, especially for the resume / portfolio reviews and panels, which might have limited space and reviewer availability.
Can I attend without participating the resume / portfolio review?
Yes. You can get a lot out of the day without participating in the resume / portfolio review.
What should I wear?
If you are planning to participate in the resume / portfolio review, you should consider business casual to make a good first impression.
For alumni and general attendees, consider wearing your SMAD swag or JMU colors.
What should I bring for the day?
Any materials you want to share (resumes, portfolio, your laptop, etc.).
Do I need to attend all day?
No, but make sure to check the schedule so you can hit the events that are most relevant to your interests.
What is the review format?
Most reviews will be in a round robin / speed dating format.
Can I present my portfolio digitally?
You may present your portfolio digitally, but consider bringing a laptop or tablet to display it. SMAD labs will not be available for use during the reviews. Notify the room coordinator when you arrive for SMAD day if there are special considerations.
It is your responsibility to be prepared: check the Wi-Fi and/or make sure your laptop battery is charged. Technical support and charging stations will not be provided.
Will there be food?
Yes, we'll have hot dogs for everyone at lunchtime. And if anyone has dietary restrictions, please list them on the registration form so that we can provide an alternative.
Alumni are welcome to start arrriving at 9 a.m. to mingle and get coffee and a continental breakfast.
What's the parking situation?
Alumni will get free parking by entering the code you'll be provided after registering. SMAD will send you an email with that parking information about a week before the event.
All regulations for JMU students, faculty and staff will remain in effect, and students attending the event are required to park in appropriate student parking lots with a JMU parking permit.
You can view the JMU online parking map to locate the Warsaw Parking Deck.
