Question:

I am a student taking Computer Software Applications. I have developed a love for Desktop Publishing and Presentation Manager programs. What jobs are out there for me in these fields?

First Answer:

You are asking a great question and can get a very direct answer- why don't you go into the CollegeRecruiter web site, enter your key words for desktop publishing and other special skills and find out what jobs are posted? Use the Mega search feature and search over 310 sites simultaneously for your specific key words, job category and geographical preferences. This will give you instant feedback about genuine opportunities in the current job market that are currently active on our site , and some 300 plus others, for someone with your level of experience, in a specific job category and by geographical location. Yopportunities in the current job market that are currently active on our site for someone with your level of experience, specific categories and geographical location. Good luck and happy hunting!

REMINDER: Start your search using the broadest possible criteria and then narrow down your choices to fewer matches that more closely match your specific criteria by selecting specific job categories not "all", selecting only the state or states you will consider and using fewer key words. You can run your search over and over revising the specs AND don't forget to do this several days or at intervals since companies add new listings daily. Continue to apply for jobs until you have yor acceptance confirmed in writing.

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations.

Second Answer:

To my way of thinking, this is the most exciting and burgeoning field in the area of communications. It touches on areas of creative satisfaction, of seeing your work published, the excitement of bringing a diversity of focuses together, and working with some of the most creative people in the workplace.

Let's talk about requirements. A Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Graphic Design (plus an MBA may be desired); a curriculum that exposes you extensively to an array of software applications used to develop graphic projects. Among them the Adobe series, (PageMaker, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dimensions and Acrobat) Quark Xpress Lotus SmartSuite, Macro Media Director Flash MS FrontPage as examples. Advance knowledge of color printing and how to prepare artwork for the different processes. An understanding of transferring files via networks, perhaps some CAD, HTML and GIS. Couple this with good writing grammar and proofreading skills, strong communication skills, and 3-5 years experience in an ad agency, Marketing Department and you are in.

As to the jobs available, here a some possibilities extracted from a variety of job search sites. These examples represent only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

• Graphic Communications Designer: produce presentations materials for executive staff, corporate newsletters, corporate web site updates.
• Project Coordinator: Organization and control of documentation master files, maintain project schedules, prepare PowerPoint presentations and Access databases.
• Desktop Publishing Specialist: design and format publications, i.e. reports, newsletters and slide presentations.
• Desktop Support: a technician position supporting presentation and production services, i.e. sophisticated Xerox, Canon and NT/Novell printers.
• Publication Coordinator/Graphic Arts: typesetting and layout of publications i.e. monthly newsletters, quarterly magazine, design of flyers brochures, assist in organization of meetings.
• Senior Writer: write and produce a variety of communication projects including Internet sites, brochures, advertisements, newsletters and press releases.
• Online Help Desktop Publisher: Troubleshoot computer-based tools (software), perform online visual testing, assure quality control of design templates, and train users in use of computer-based tools.
• Graphic Designer: prepare graphics for trade shows and company conferences, design ads, promo materials, direct mail pieces, charts, tables and graphs.
• Color Sales Representative: consult with Graphic Managers, LAN Managers and other corporate technical people with in-house desktop publishing for marketing in color. Sale of color copiers is goal.
• Manager-Creative Services: manage all processes necessary for the creative outputs of the Creative Services Department. Establishing the look and feel of publications and controlling content.

Anticipated earnings will fall within the boundaries of $26,000 to 65,000 annually depending on education, experience and skill. The low end of the range will be found in the graphics arts service bureau environment as a prepress proof maker, while the high end will be found in the department management environment of major corporations.

Here too is the opportunity of self-employment as a free-lance designer or owner of your own agency. This is the most exciting potential available in this career choice, I think. For here you control your destiny and fortune, something, I feel gives no small amount of pleasure.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College.

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