Studio Art Cougar Map

The Cougar Map is intended to guide you with suggestions for potential activities and career paths that can help you along your educational journey. Although everyone has different abilities, experiences and challenges, this Cougar Map can be used with the help of your advisors to prepare for the future you want with a clear vision of your college-to-career pathway. Please refer to the SXU Academic Catalog and academic planning resources for detailed degree requirements.

If you would like to print out the Cougar Map, please view the Studio Art Cougar Map (PDF).

Competence (Major/minor, summer suggestions, academic research)	First Year	Second Year	Third Year	Fourth Year
	Explore scholarship opportunities. Dedicate three hours of studio time per week. Prepare for your first-year portfolio review due in January.	Become familiar with the HUB and CIDAT for all your technical needs. Develop summer studio practice. Dedicate six to nine hours of studio time per week. Prepare for your sophomore portfolio review due in January	Dedicate nine to twelve hours of studio time per week. Prepare for your junior portfolio review due in January and a project proposal as well as begin your senior seminar project.	Prepare for your Senior Thesis Exhibition. Begin work on your topic for your Senior Seminar independent research project. Dedicate 12 hours of studio time.
Character (Service, global perspective, study abroad, clubs/RSOs, volunteering))	Consider joining a student club or intramural sports team. Enroll in Cougars LEAD that supports leadership development and begin working on your leadership certificate.	Explore opportunities to work on campus or get involved with service opportunities through Campus Ministry. Volunteer at organizations to utilize your art skills to help others or contribute to a cause.	Take on a leadership role within a student club or organization. Consider participating in a spring break service trip or study abroad.	Look for opportunities to design and plan creative events on or off campus. Consider participating in local, regional and national art exhibitions and competitions.
Career Success (Career or grad school prep, internships, jobs)	Complete your SXU Handshake profile for student employment with the help of the Center for SUCCESS. Research art-related careers. Attend SXU's career-related events throughout your time at SXU and network with professionals.	Create a LinkedIn profile and make connections within your academic and personal circles. Begin compiling your online art portfolio. Apply for art-related campus jobs in University Relations or the Art Department.	Explore internships at places like the Museum of Contemporary Art, Beverly Arts Center, Art Institute of Chicago and Solutions 3 Graphics. Research graduate schools and prepare for post-graduate academic/professional exam(s), if applicable	Ensure that your LinkedIn or other professional social media accounts reflect all your recent experiences. Explore entry-level full-time opportunities related to your skills. Apply to graduate schools, if applicable.