Martha G. Barker (gentrme@mail.auburn.edu)

AUBURN CLASS GIVES STUDENTS AN EDGE IN THE JOB MARKET

AUBURN -- Graduates of Auburn University's industrial design program are armed with more than a degree when they begin looking for a job. They also have a portfolio, which gives them a competitive edge.

"Students are more successful if they have a portfolio of their work," says Randy Bartlett, assistant professor of industrial design. "Competition is out there and a portfolio could mean the difference in a good job."

The Industrial Design Advisory Council a few years ago voiced its concern about the marketability of students because they were coming back a year later without a job or a portfolio, Bartlett said. In response, Industrial Engineering faculty developed a portfolio seminar.

The required class is offered once a year to help students compile a portfolio of work they have done while in school and while working with a company in the cooperative education program, Bartlett said.

"We feel like this class is a win-win situation," he said. "It is good for the students because when they graduate they are ready to interview. It is also a good reflection on us. And we can look back on work the student has done."

A portfolio is something prospective employers expect students to put together, but most of the time portfolios never get done, said Todd Vaught, junior designer at Leggett Platt in Atlanta and former class member.

"The class really helps a lot because Randy is there to help you," said Vaught. "I interviewed at several places and employers were impressed that I had a portfolio because most schools do not make you put one together."

Students are asked to meet certain requirements while putting together their portfolios, Bartlett said.

"The portfolio should be a minimum of 18 pages, contain a resume, cover letter and either slides or a brochure." he says. "We try to tie in graphic elements throughout the portfolio to help tie everything together."

Putting the portfolio together is expensive but well worth it, Vaught said. "The graphics help the portfolio flow like a book," he says. "Everyone who saw mine thought it looked professional, and it was the portfolio class that helped make the difference."

Feedback from professors is a helpful tool in organizing and laying out the portfolio, said Andrew Saving of Florence, a senior industrial design major.

"I went into an interview before with a box of work I had to dig through," said Saving. "Now all my work is laid out and I can be prepared ahead of time."

No one needs to go into an interview without a portfolio, Vaught said, adding, "Employers are as concerned about seeing examples of what you have done and can do as they are about your grades."

CONTACT: Bartlett, 844-2370 (bartlrn@mail.auburn.edu); Vaught, 404/233 8709; Saving, 826-7729.