 Nick Gawreluk |
In our continuing series of blog posts featuring recipients of monetary awards from the Print and Graphic Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), today we profile Nick Gawreluk, an enterprising student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Nick, who has already done extensive internship work with Heidelberg, spoke with us about his focus in the graphic arts industry, interesting projects he has completed at RIT, and his thoughts on the future of the printing industry.
1. What area of the graphic arts do you consider your primary focus (Design, Print production, Digital media, etc.)?
My primary focus is within the printing industry. Through past internships with Heidelberg in Brazil and Germany, I have really gained a passion for business development and product management. A second focus is within the digital media sphere as a “media architect.” The name of the game here is being able to strategize where content should go and in what channels to effectively reach the right audience.
2. Have you started job searching? If so, what has been your experience thus far?
My job search has just recently started as of last week. I have been very proactive and contacted employers all around the word located in over 5 continents. I am continuously looking for job opportunities and maintaining a positive attitude that the right connection will present itself.
3. What will be your top considerations when looking for a job in the graphic arts field? (In other words, what characteristics are you looking for in potential employer?)
My top consideration is that the company fundamentally understands how the printing industry is changing and has a strong vision in place to operate business and services offered accordingly amongst changed marketplace conditions.
I am also looking for an employer that actively seeks out and presents hard working individuals with a proven success record the opportunity to move throughout the company to utilize their skills and talents and reach their career potential.
4. What are one or two interesting graphic arts projects you’ve completed at school?
At RIT I took an intensive 4-month Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and had a consulting project at a local printing company. The project I was in charge of created the company saving opportunities of over $150,000. This was possible through revising their material flow in the pressroom in addition to placing benchmarks throughout the entire print production workflow to be able to quantify and improve upon continuously.
5.Have you attended any professional events or conferences? What could organizations that host professional events and conferences do to attract more student participation?
As a former president of RIT TAGA (Technical Association of the Graphic Arts), I have been fortunate to attend TAGA conferences throughout both the East and West coast. When working in Germany I was also very active in Heidelberg’s events at their world headquarters where customers from around the world visit to see the latest and greatest products.
6.How do you see print’s role in the media mix today? What do you think is the future of print?
As media channels continuously grow, it creates an effect of lowering print volumes in a majority of the key commercial segments. We are far from the age where messages are communicated solely through radio, print and television. The effects of the Internet, social media and mobile are far too great and this is where companies need to adjust accordingly. No longer in a large majority of printed segments can you only put ink on paper and plan to survive. I see print in the future only becoming more creative through innovate VDP and other unique applications to grab the attention of the consumer. It must also draw consumers towards online media whether that be a website or mobile application.
7. How did PGSF help you accomplish your educational goals?
Through the financial support of PGSF, I was able to spend more time academically developing myself in the classroom and out in the industry instead of working more jobs on campus to pay off student loans. The support from PGSF over the years has been crucial to my success as a student, which I look forward to continuing as a young professional in the industry.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Nick, and best of luck as you embark on your career!