From left, Caroline Fischer and Ashley Parks
Another graduating class of Horned Frogs is ready to change the world for the greater good. Finishing strong amid a pandemic, members of the class of 2021 have proved their resilience and grit, skills valued by potential employers. The TCU Center for Career & Professional Development shines the spotlight on a sampling of TCU’s amazing spring class of 2021, who share about their time on campus and what’s next for their careers.
“We have seen significant changes from the traditional recruiting processes and hiring timelines this year,” said Mike Caldwell, executive director of the TCU Center for Career & Professional Development. “Throughout this process, TCU students and grads have adapted quickly and effectively, successfully demonstrating their career readiness skills.”
From the College of Fine Arts:
Caroline Fischer
Plano, Texas
BFA in graphic design
Incoming associate art director, Agency Habitat in Fort Worth
What brought you to TCU?
CF: On the day I toured TCU’s graphic design department, I saw the senior BFA students hanging their senior thesis projects. The work was a perfect balance of professional and artistic. With such an interest in graphic design, I was intimidated by the level of work I saw that day, but also knew that’s exactly the level I wanted to reach some day. That specific day that I toured TCU instantly solidified the decision.
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
CF: I have really loved the small community feel. I don’t go a day without seeing someone I know (or at least recognize) in passing.
What are your plans after graduation?
CF: I will be starting as an associate art director at Agency Habitat in Fort Worth.
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
CF: The graphic design program is intense. There are many late nights and high expectations, but with that comes great reward. The faculty really pushed us to work outside of our comfort zones, and with their help, I have been able to achieve things at a level I never thought was possible as a student. Starting out in my new job, I feel prepared to receive an assignment and complete it with the confidence that I have the tools to do the work — and do it well.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
CF: As a designer focused on branding and advertising, two graphic design courses — Corporate Identity and Advertising Design — really helped me learn the fundamentals of what I would be starting my career in. I learned about the importance of concept, putting more meaning behind the design. Besides TCU class, I was a creative intern at AvreaFoster in Dallas and then a creative intern at Agency Habitat. I learned so much about agency life through these internships, all things I couldn’t have learned about the professional world until I was thrown straight into it!
Ashley Parks
Woodbridge, Virginia
B.A. in writing and theatre
Incoming associate editor, Red Ventures, Charlotte, North Carolina
What brought you to TCU?
AP: The sense of community! And the proximity to my parents, who had just moved to Oklahoma City.
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
AP: The amazing people I’ve met and the countless opportunities I’ve had to grow and hone my craft.
What are your plans after graduation?
AP: After graduation, I will be moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, to start my career as an associate editor for Red Ventures.
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
AP: TCU opened the door for a lot of opportunities to get hands-on experience in a lot of things I’ll be doing in my future job. The classes I’ve taken have been really beneficial.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
AP: My Multimedia Authoring class was probably the one class I’ve taken that’s had the most direct link to my subsequent professional experiences.
Were you involved in any research during your time at TCU?
AP: I’ve done more than a few surveys for various individuals and projects throughout my time at TCU, usually related to the experience of being a marginalized individual. I recently worked on a research project that centers Black Joy and defining what that is for my Writing Major Seminar class.
What makes TCU so special to you?
AP: The people that I’ve met and the relationships I’ve cultivated that will last a lifetime.
Read more stories about career-ready Horned Frogs: TCU Class of 2021 Already Making an Impact