Alumni Association Spotlight: Anna Inscoe
After applying for more than 50 jobs over the course of several months, Anna Inscoe interviewed with a Triangle company called Sokal. “The people were laid back and the environment was great. I stayed true to myself in the interview and expressed how excited I was to be given the opportunity to meet with them. I got a call about a week later with a job offer,” she recalls.
A graduate of Bunn High School, Anna completed her Associate in Applied Science degree in Advertising and Graphic Design at Nash Community College, with honors, in May 2015. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Barton College with a dual concentration in Graphic Design and Photography. She has been employed at Sokal since 2017. The company offers marketing, web solutions, creative services and strategic communications for clients representing a wide variety of industries.
“When I started out, I was a Graphic Designer 1. Time progressed and a chance to move up in the department arose. I interviewed, along with other internal candidates for the position, and after all the interviews I was offered the role of Art Department Manager.”
Working in an advertising agency is very fast-paced, she said. “My job definitely has its challenges now that I have to juggle many more moving pieces and manage a full team, but I think that is why I enjoy it. It keeps me on my toes and allows me to gain more experience that I can take with me into all aspects of my life.”
“Without NCC, none of this would be possible. The amount of knowledge that NCC provided me with prepared me, more than I ever knew, to work in a commercial field.”
When asked about her favorite aspect of her work Anna replied, “Hands down, the people! Every job has its ups and downs and at the end of the day, it’s just a job. But the people and the culture at Sokal are what make this place stand apart.”
“The advertising agency is a client-based work environment. Deadlines are immediate. But when you work with an amazing group of people and can also have fun while you are doing it, then it doesn’t feel so much like work,” she said.
“I am amazed by the opportunities that have been presented to me through my career.” Since being with Sokal, Anna says she has been able to meet with clients, photograph corporate events, attend a design conference, network with coworkers for freelance work, develop and tailor her position to benefit her team of designers, and work closely with multiple departments within the company.
Her advice for current design students: “No matter what you do, always make time for yourself and your art. Make art that feeds your creative soul. When you are ready to begin your career, apply everywhere. Even if a position does not sound like something you would like to do for a long time or you are not sure if you have enough skills in a particular media, apply anyway.”
“I would absolutely recommend looking into a career in advertising and marketing. Wherever you end up, you will learn so many awesome things about the industry. You will become proficient in the software programs used on a daily basis, and you will eventually be able to network with people who can open up so many more doors for your career path.”
After being on the employer side of the interviewing table, Anna said her best advice is for new designers to be confident in their work. “How you portray yourself and your work is pertinent in being considered for a position. Know how to talk about your work. Don’t just say you used the colors because you like them. Be able to explain your logic in terms of design and aesthetics.”
“I attribute much of my success to the teachers and mentors that I had during my time at Nash,” Anna said. “After all my years of school, Nash Community College has some of my favorite teachers thus far. I would not have the love and passion for what I do if it wasn’t for Mrs. Neal’s guidance and kinship as I first stepped into her classroom and into the world of Graphic Design.”
Click here for more information about NCC’s Advertising and Graphic Design curriculum.
