“LMU prepared me for success, starting with my classes, which prepared me for my on-campus jobs, which in turn helped me land my dream internship. It is clear that the firm foundation I have developed here has set the stage for me to achieve my goals and will help me greatly in the future.”
With graduation upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s talented #LMU20 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world. In our We Love Our Grads series, we asked a graduating student from each of our departments reflect on their time here, as well as share their plans for the future.
Mandy Moore ‘20
Major: Studio Arts, Minor: Public Relations
Career Goals: Art Director
How did you decide to become a studio arts major?
I’ve always been creatively inclined. When I first started considering what I might want to do in college, I was afraid to accept my creative side. After some soul searching, I realized that if I wanted to be happy with my life, I needed to follow my passion. I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly six years now, and doing work that fills me with joy.
Tell us a little about your time at LMU!
I transferred to LMU after my sophomore year of college. I used to be a double major, but I decided to make art the focus of the rest of my undergrad career, along with a public relations minor. By making this decision, I found so many opportunities on campus to strengthen my graphic design skills. I worked for Mane Entertainment and became the graphic design supervisor there. I also worked for Tower Yearbook for two years. I was selected to be a designer for the 2019 Undergraduate Research Symposium and in 2020, I was the student art director for the branding project.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My ultimate career goal is to become an art director and maybe even a creative director in the realm of beauty, lifestyle, or entertainment. I want to reach a spot in my career where my love for graphic design and advertising/public relations can unite as one. I decided that I wanted to aim for an in-house position because my current internship has taught me a lot of things, one of them being that I love to be dedicated and passionate about one brand. In the near future, I plan to continue my education and get my MFA. Down the line, I plan to become a graphic design college professor.
Did you have a particular experience that led you to this path?
My current internship! People always say that internships show you what you like or don’t like in a job field and I completely agree. Working as a graphic designer for a digital agency and also doing communication and social media for the company itself was a great experience. I was able to see many facets of the working design world – getting to work with designers who work on dedicated projects, and also designers who work for a variety of clients. My time at my internship has been invaluable.
How do you feel your experience at LMU prepared you for this next step?
My time at LMU has shown me what it truly means to be a leader. LMU prepared me for success, starting with my classes, which prepared me for my on-campus jobs, which in turn helped me land my dream internship. It is clear that the firm foundation I have developed here has set the stage for me to achieve my goals and will help me greatly in the future.
What is your favorite thing about LMU?
My favorite thing about LMU is the community. I have met so many people on campus who I will never forget! I will also miss the feeling of riding my bike and walking around the bluff.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?
Find opportunities on campus that will give you the experience you need. Getting an internship can be hard but using the great work study program that LMU has can allow you to get accessible experience that will impress the companies you interview with.
