Industry Open House

The best and brightest graduating seniors showcased their body of work to premier studios, designers and executives at Laguna College of Art & Design’s 8th Annual Industry Open House held on May 17th. Industry professionals were on hand to meet the students, get a firsthand look at their broad range of talent, conduct casual interviews and provide career placement assistance.

Representatives from over twenty five Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County based companies attended to meet the 27 new graduates juried into IOH, ready for hire.

Each year, Industry Open House draws guests from premier organizations to the college seeking an opportunity to recruit from this select pool of qualified and skilled candidates. This year’s new graduates put their best foot forward for Industry representatives from Disney, Vans, Cartoon Network. Nike. Blizzard, Hurley and Fox Television just to name a few. Representatives from Laguna Beach included Victoria Skimboards, Young Company and Little Orange Fish.

Members of the class of 2012 represent several of the college’s visual communication degree programs: Animation, Game Art, Illustration, and Graphic Design. To ensure maximum interaction, students sat with Industry at the luncheon tables, networking and information gathering.

“Industry Open House is an ideal venue that fosters interaction between companies seeking new talent and LCAD students advancing toward a successful professional future,” said Robin Fuld, Director of Career Services. “Imagine being introduced to companies you always dreamed of working for and knowing such companies are also looking for you.”

The campus was abuzz with Industry pros reviewing portfolios and conducting preliminary job interviews with students. There was a continuous exchange of business cards, conversation and smiles from our guests, faculty and students throughout the event. In the weeks immediately following the event, several students have been interviewed and hired.

“Jobs and internships are an opportunity for students to use and develop professional skills learned in the classroom and to develop a network of people, businesses and industries that are likely to employ them after graduation." added Fuld.  "A professional working experience builds confidence in their ability to problem solve, to connect with others and feel pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment in the quality of their work. Such intangible benefits strengthen the individual and hopefully, inspires incorporating service into their lives and making a difference in their community and country."