SCAD graduates navigate job market after commencement

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah College of Art and Design handed out more than 4,600 degrees over the weekend at the Savannah Convention Center, a record for the university.

Graduates receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees said they were proud of the hard work that led to this moment. Now they face the challenge of navigating the job market.

While getting a foot in the door can be a challenge, graduates said they are trying not to get caught up in the stress of landing the perfect job.

“That can create a lot of fear, and that really limits yourself as an artist and a creative, so just enjoy the moment that you’re in right now, focus on doing the good work,” said Annalise Kristensen, who received an MFA in Motion Media Design.

According to the New York Federal Reserve Bank, the unemployment rate for graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees between the ages of 22 and 27 was 5.6%.

SCAD graduates are keeping their heads up in the face of this year’s difficult job market, taking the time to perfect their craft.

“Right now I’m just focusing on building my portfolio, just making sure I got it up to professional standards,” said Garrett Overstreet, who received a BFA in Illustration. “Just wanting to get myself prepared officially I guess for a job.”

For graduates looking to land that first post-grad job, relying on school support is essential.

“A few of my professors are helping me to get into some projects that they’re working on,” said Malorie Mosley, who received an MFA in Production Design. “So I’ll have a good communication with them the next few days about how I can be involved in that.”

For some, this is not the first time facing the job market. Michael Hoblin served eight years in the Army before heading to SCAD.

“And I thought coming out of the military, I would just fall into a job, I thought people would be lining up and clamoring for me, and it didn’t necessarily work out that way,” Hoblin said.

He now has a diploma in hand and an internship lined up at McKinney in New York City.

“The last year I finished SCAD remotely so I could go to every portfolio review, and networking event that was available in the city, and it finally paid off,” said Hoblin, who received an MFA in Graphic Design.

SCAD’s annual alumni employment study last year shows 99% of undergraduate and graduate students reported being employed in some capacity, seeking further education or both within a year of graduating. Ninety percent of those employed say they are working in their field of study.