Jackie McMillen

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

Design creative assets for the University of Wyoming Athletics department and athletic teams. These include posters, program covers, game tickets, newspaper ads, magnets and other print items. A large portion of design time is spent working on all social media graphics that are posted to the team's accounts. These can include graphics made for event marketing, showcasing stats, infographics, player features, etc. Other digital work includes web, digital, email graphics and advertisements and motion graphics. Designing unique event logos, t-shirts, and large-format signage. I also assist with recruiting templates for individual sports programs. After office hours I freelance design projects, other than athletic and sports design.

What was your transition like from being a student to your current career position?

Getting used to a fast-paced less structured environment was difficult. I swam at CMU for 4 years, with swimming and being a full-time student my schedule was tight and structured. Leaving school means you have to take ownership of your own time, and not forget about continued learning. Sometimes I found it hard to make sure I kept up on learning new skills. Don't forget about continued education graphic design is an ever-changing world.

What do you think set you apart from the other applicants for your current position? 

One thing that set me apart would be my diverse background, and the timing of moving to Wyoming. After graduation, I had been a freelance designer for some years, worked in a very small web design company, as well as an in-house designer for a health insurance company, this allowed me to develop a wide variety of skills. When I moved to Wyoming, my fiancé had taken a job in sponsorship sales for the athletic department, and when they heard I had a graphic design background, they offered me a Graduate Assistant position in graphic design/marketing for Wyoming Athletics. I never thought I would go back to school to earn a Master's degree, however, I took the position. Learning to say yes to new experiences helped me land my current position. In 2019 I graduated with a Master's of Arts in Communications from the University of Wyoming. After graduation, the Athletics department made my current position full-time.

What advice would you give to incoming college students?

Be open to opportunities, even if you never thought you would be a part of them. Small moments and taking risks can turn into job opportunities and new networking contacts.

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn
Published 2/26/2020