Bethany Wheeler Lecturer of Graphic Communications, University of Wisconsin-Stout
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanywheeler/
What do you do?
I spend my days trying to positively impact the print industry through education. I teach a wide range of topics designed to prepare students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Stout to pursue a career in print or related fields. Beyond working with Graphic Communication students, I also get to collaborate with students pursuing degrees in Graphic Design, Packaging Science, Technology Education, Digital Marketing, Photography, and Videography. My primary career goal is to continue learning and developing myself while shaping the industry through education and/or training.
What investments have you made in your professional career development?
The biggest investment I’ve made in my professional career development thus far is the five years I spent pursuing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Graphic Communication at Clemson University. Taking on a position as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in 2019 was one of the biggest things I credit for setting me on the career path I am traveling today. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to get involved in a teaching capacity in the classroom early in my career. I don’t know if this technically counts as an investment, but another pivotal decision I’ve made to change my career was the choice to pack up and move over a thousand miles away from everyone I know immediately following graduation to take on a teaching role in a program that has suspended enrollment. At the time, it felt like a huge gamble, but I’m happy to share that my career in higher education is off to a great start! The program has been revised, and we are looking forward to welcoming a new freshman class of Graphic Communication students in the Fall semester of 2024.
What investments have you made in your personal development?
I have a hard time drawing lines between my personal and professional development goals, but I find it very rewarding that a lot of what I do in my professional role benefits my personal development as well. I love that a large part of my role is thinking, learning, and sharing the knowledge I gain along the way. I have enjoyed the opportunity to build my network at industry events like TAGA and Printing United Expo. I feel like I’ve been welcomed by the connections I’ve made during these events. It’s wonderful to be part of such a fantastic industry. I love how we are all working to make print better!
How can the industry proactively invest in women, and why should this be a priority?
I think the best way to make investments in women who are in our industry is to do more to share and promote our experiences to attract more women into these roles in the future. I love the mentorship opportunities that are available and events like these that celebrate the women who are striving to make printing more exciting and engaging.
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