Getting It Done

Like many high school seniors, Ivan Tesanovic didn't know what he wanted to do after graduation. While some in his position might opt to get a job while they figure things out, Ivan preferred to get started on some sort of degree and figure things out while going to school. Too often high school graduates start working menial jobs while they "figure things out" and then years go by without their realizing it…and without their ever figuring out what they really want to do with their lives. Ivan knew he didn't want that to happen to him.

"I want to do something with my life," he says. "And I figured starting in any degree was better than doing nothing. After all, I'd be learning new things, and that is always good."

Ivan decided to get his Bachelor's degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa after one of the school's representatives visited his high school art class. "I was impressed by the portfolios the guy showed us and by what he had to say about the school." After an on-campus interview, Ivan enrolled. He was so eager to get started on his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that Ivan allowed himself hardly any break in between his graduation from high school and starting his college career at the Academy. Ivan graduated from high school in May and was sitting in his first Academy class in June.

Since Ivan was artistic and had always liked the art classes he had taken, he decided to enter the Academy's Graphic Design program. If he found something he liked better, however, he had no problems with switching programs. "It's not like that decision is unchangeable."

It turns out that Ivan's initial hunch was the right one. He liked graphic design and found the graphic design courses at the Academy interesting. While Ivan says it is difficult for him to pick a favorite class, he can easily pick a favorite instructor. "One [instructor] just made all of his classes so interesting. Since he was working in graphic design himself in addition to teaching, he really knew what he was talking about. He was extremely creative and would go out of his way to help me. He was like a mentor to me."

Ivan says it wasn't just the Academy instructors who impressed him. "All the students in the program wanted to do their best, too," he says. "Everyone was at the top of their game and pushing each other. It made for a great environment."

After graduating with his BFA in July, Ivan allowed himself a few months traveling through Europe before starting a temporary design job IADT's Career Services Center helped him get. With that job now ended, Ivan is keeping busy with various freelance graphic design projects and looking for a permanent job in advertising. "I want to use everything I learned in school on a daily basis," he says.