Field trips don’t end after high school for students in the graphic information technology program offered at The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.
Activities like site visits, conferences and studying abroad let students use what they’ve learned in the classroom to develop real-world insights.
When a field trip turns into an interview
Students interested in print careers gain valuable professional exposure through site visits like those offered through the University Inkjet Program supported by Canon U.S.A. in the GIT 250 Introduction to Commercial Print course.
It’s the kind of connection that can turn into a career-building moment. During the spring 2025 semester field trip led by Patricia Perigo, a faculty associate in the graphic information technology program, one of her students landed a job as a result of the visit.
Anaya O’Bannon, a graphic information technology student, attended a trip to the Phoenix location of Doxim, a customer communications management and engagement-technology leader, with her classmates.
“The tour guide mentioned that they were hiring, and I took that as an opportunity to be seen on the tour and show interest in the process,” O’Bannon says.
After the tour, she approached the tour guide and voiced her interest in working at Doxim. He asked her for her resume on the spot.
She credits both the real-world exposure and what she was learning in class for giving her the confidence and credibility to stand out. Having direct contact with the lead of the company didn’t hurt either.
O’Bannon is expected to graduate in the spring 2027 semester and is hoping to become a web developer. She appreciates that her time at Doxim is giving her a clearer sense of how her skills can apply throughout her career.
“Opportunities outside the classroom are important, and I am grateful because they help add to my resume and give me experience in the field of my major,” she says.
Getting the scoop on professional development
Professional development conferences used to be only for those in the workplace, but some are now open to current college students as they pursue their degrees.
Students in the graphic information technology program were invited to Edge Long Beach, which is a conference put on by Dscoop, the exclusive HP industrial print and large format community. This event is a premiere networking and learning environment for students preparing to enter the industry.
Dscoop funded students from select institutions, including ASU, to attend. Current students were asked to submit a statement of interest and were chosen by faculty members. Accompanying them to the conference was Penny Ann Dolin, a professor of practice in the graphic information technology program.
“Dscoop is a fabulous networking and learning opportunity for our students,” Dolin says. “They learn about new technologies and what is on the horizon for their field.”
She says increased involvement from the industry advisory board for this degree program may enable more students to attend.
ASU has a connection to Dscoop since the ASU Print and Imaging Lab on ASU’s Polytechnic campus has an HP Indigo press. Kyle Pendley, director of the ASU Print and Imaging Lab and graphic information technology program alumni, is also involved on the Dscoop board of directors. The lab employs students from the graphic information technology degree program, where they build valuable practical skills for the field.
“I believe these opportunities completely reshape students’ learning experience because it gives them a real-world picture of what they are going to school for,” Pendley says. “Dscoop is a community where students can look for opportunities, internships and connect with others year-round.”
The conference gets students excited about a career in the field. Pendley, an alum of the graphic information technology program. notes that attending the conference ignited his passion for the program when he was pursuing his degree and encouraged him to work harder.
“Dscoop has a showcase of technology that highlights the latest offerings from manufacturers in the hardware and software space, and connecting students to this in-person so they can see it in real-time is invaluable,” he says.
Real-world exposure prompts growth
Students are eager for any chance to get a head start on their post-graduation plans.
Upon returning from Dscoop, senior Susan Arraez felt more motivated to give 100% to her class projects to showcase her ability to create, collaborate and connect with others.
“One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of connection. People want to feel seen, understood and valued,” says Arraez, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic information technology with a concentration in full-stack web development. “Design can play a powerful role in facilitating that.”
Arraez says she stepped out of her comfort zone to attend this conference because the experience was too valuable to pass up. Being able to preview new technologies in the field as well as network with people currently in the industry provided her with a chance to grow both personally and professionally.
She highly recommends this event to students if they can attend.
Tiffany McClellan, who also attended Edge Long Beach, has always had a passion for graphic design and creative expression. It’s what led her to pursue a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in graphic information technology.
As a hands-on learner, McClellan appreciated seeing how the skills that she is learning in the classroom are used in the industry. The exposure has inspired her more to excel in her classes, says the artist at heart, who loves that the design space lets her channel her creativity into meaningful visual work.
“It motivates me to stay focused and eager to learn more, knowing that what I’m doing now directly connects to real industry practices and future career opportunities,” she says.
One huge takeaway for McClellan was seeing how relevant print still is in the world and how it is evolving.
“The conference showed me that print isn’t a thing of the past,” she says. “It’s growing, adapting and becoming more innovative with new technologies and trends shaping its future.”
Picturing the future
For O’Bannon, Arraez, and McClellan, stepping beyond the classroom hasn’t only been rewarding, it’s been transformative. It’s allowed them to embrace new experiences and discover where their skills can take them.
Arraez says she’s glad she decided to step outside the box.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things! Don’t be shy. Dscoop is a chance for you to shine!”
