Name: Rebecca Young
Title: Graphic Arts Manager
Company: Laramie County School District 1
Company URL: http://www.laramie1.org
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-young-936b9140
Did you choose print or did print choose you?
It was meant to be. Written in the stars. I have always been passionate about all things artistic and all things print. I had the lovely opportunity to have been locked in a library when I was young. The most magical experience a 10-year-old could have had. I have been working in Photoshop since 2000 and InDesign & Illustrator since 2006. I was the Print Shop Supervisor for Uinta County School District 1 for 19 years, and I have been the Graphic Arts Manager for Laramie County School District 1 for a year in June.
How do you establish credibility with customers, colleagues and bosses?
I have always been a VERY hard worker. I would even deliver graduation programs at 8 am the day of a 10 am graduation ceremony, because they submitted it too late. I am dedicated and loyal and it shows.
In 2011, UCSD1, moved my Print Shop into an alternative high school. I had the opportunity to teach graphic design for 9 years for 3 hours/day. My students were able to get hands-on experience in the Printing Industry while working on their NOCTI Advertising & Design Certification. From conception to completion, I was able to teach the students each step of the way. I have a PIC Practical Instructor Teaching License from being a professional in the field. I have three endorsements:
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Business, Management & Administration
Marketing, Sales & Service
I have accepted a position at LCSD1 in June 2019, and we are working on possibly getting an internship/Advertising & Design class set up.
What advice can you offer regarding negotiating salary raises/addressing fair pay issues?
Using fair market value will only get you so far. Sometimes, you have to move onto a larger facility to get the salary raise.
What advice did you receive early in your career that you wished you had followed?
Know your worth. You know that you work hard, you know that your design rocked, but how many others know. Showcase your work, so others can see your worth. Word gets around quickly.
