UW-Stout alumna Megan Albrecht has her degree in Graphic Communications Management (GCM). The GCM program taught her about various jobs within the printing industry. She gained experience in customer service, prepress, printing jobs on various presses, and finishing print jobs. She strengthened her communication skills with co-workers and customers.
While in the GCM program, Albrecht completed two internships. The Menasha Packaging internship prepared her by exposing her to a professional setting. Her co-workers gave her tips and tricks in Adobe software that she didn't learn in class.
Albrecht's second internship was with Belmark. She was introduced to Belmark at the career fair and received the internship with the help of a friend from GCM who worked at Belmark at the time.
"I suggest students try to do two internships or work at different printing companies during the summer to see how different printing companies run," Albrecht said. "You will learn so much more about the industry and can bring different ideas to the table versus if you work at the same company."
Campus involvement was also valuable to Albrecht during her time at Stout. She was involved in Stout Typographical Society, Technical Association of the Graphic Arts, and Colleges Against Cancer.
"Stout Typographical Society prepared me for my career by teaching me how to do the prepress side of a business and to also produce high-quality work. Joining a club is a great way to meet upperclassmen and they can teach you things that you don’t always learn about in class," she said.
Albrecht started her career at Belmark in January 2014 as an Electronic Pre-Press Operator. She worked on setting up labels, pouches, and cartons to be printed on their digital presses.
"Within two years, I moved up and became a Graphics Coordinator where I preflight art files and communicates with customers about any issues or any concerns they may have. I help with various projects that help improve our department. And I teach new co-workers the flow of our company and explain how certain software works or what printing methods we utilize," she said.
