Animation College to Career Major Map
The animation college to career major map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your MSUM career that will prepare you for success.
Printable version of Animation College to Career Major Map [PDF]
Academics
- Start taking LASC courses as well as foundational and core Animation courses.
- Need a little help in your classes? Look into tutoring with the Academic Success Center.
- Look into the many experiential learning opportunities offered to build a well-rounded college experience.
Get Relevant Experience
- Sign up to participate in the Film & Animation Learning Community.
- Join a major specific student organization such as the Illustration Guild. Check out all your student organization options by visiting Dragon Central.
- Participate in Student Life Pathways to continue growing your skills/knowledge outside of the classroom. We recommend starting with the Community Life Pathway.
Connect to the Community
- Volunteer on or off-campus with different community organizations such as the Fargo Film Festival.
Understand Your Career
- Explore your interests, skills, and values and learn about the career readiness competencies by taking the FOCUS 2, an online assessment free for all MSUM students.
- Schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to review your FOCUS 2 results and to begin building your resume.
Academics
- Take a deeper dive into the discipline of Animation and begin considering a minor and/or certificate such as Media Arts.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach to discuss how to connect your academics to your future career.
Get Relevant Experience
- Find an on-campus or part-time job in the community. Visit Dragon Jobs powered by Handshake to see positions are open.
- Continue working on your Student Life Pathways. Try working your way through the Personal Wellness and the Equity and Inclusion paths.
Connect to the Community
- Join LinkedIn to begin building your professional network and online presence. Think of your profile as a virtual resume and make sure to update it regularly to reflect new jobs, research, coursework, volunteering, involvement, and skills.
- Develop an online portfolio to showcase your work.
Understand Your Career
- Start researching potential career paths on O*Net or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here, you will be able to find valuable information such as typical tasks associated with the profession, skills, and knowledge needed, education and licensures needed, wages and employment trends, professional organizations, and related occupations. We suggest you search for careers such as Animator.
Academics
- Schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor to ensure you're on track for graduation.
- Take inventory of your professional goals and decide if your future will need to include graduate school. Take the necessary exams and begin submitting applications to programs that will help you achieve your goals.
Get Relevant Experience
- Begin your leadership journey by applying for a student leadership position or run for an officer position in Illustration Guild or Anime Club.
- During your third year, we suggest focusing on the Professional Success and Contribution and Influence Student Life Pathways. These will help connect you to potential employers and develop skills for success post graduation.
Connect to the Community
- Attend off-campus events such as Creative Mornings Fargo, StartUp Brew, Ladyboss, Springboard for the Arts, or TedX to connect with others and gain exposure to the community.
- Attend the on-campus Meet the Employer and Featured Employer events as often as possible. Make sure to engage with the representatives and collect contact information to follow up.
Understand Your Career
- Attend professional development related events on-campus, and connect with faculty to learn more about the field and gain insights on how to be successful in your job search.
- Find an internship or part-time job with a local or regional firm to learn the ins and outs of your chosen career. Before applying, schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to help you prepare.
Academics
- Participate in the President's Winter Celebration of the Arts to showcase your work and connect to the community.
- Ensure you submit your application for graduation on time.
On-Campus Experience
- Assess what experiences or skills are areas of growth for you and fill in gaps with volunteering, organizations, or part-time employment.
- Finish up your pathways and be sure to add your accomplishments to your LinkedIn and resume.
Connect to the Community
- Join professional organizations such as Association of Computing Machinery to gain access to research, continuing education opportunities, and job boards. Make sure to join prior to graduation to receive the discounted student rate (when applicable).
Understand Your Career
- Network relentlessly! Attend the spring Career Fairs to get connected to employers looking to hire soon-to-be grads. Check Dragon Central for more information.
- Schedule appointments with a Career Coach to go over your professional documents and to prepare for upcoming interviews. And remember, once a dragon always a dragon. You have access to these services for life.
What skills do I need to be successful in Animation?
- critical thinking
- active listening
- active learning
- visualization
- creativity
- written comprehension
- technology
Thankfully, through your coursework, on-campus involvement, part-time employment and/or internships, and other self-guided learning, you will be prepared for life post-graduation.
What can I do with an Animation degree?
A degree in animation can take your career in many directions. Most students choose to enter the workforce right after graduation while others continue their education after a few years in the workforce. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for their career. Check out the Animation Careers & Outcomes page to learn more about what careers you can have with an Animation degree.