SMAD Day 2024 is Friday, October 25th
Ready to build your career, network with industry professionals, and get feedback on your portfolio or resume? SMAD Day brings together students, alumni and faculty for informative career sessions and networking opportunities. Sessions will cover careers, portfolios, resumes, interviewing, and more.
SMAD Day also is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to catch up with each other and share their career and life journeys with current students — as well as update each other and faculty on their achievements.
This year’s theme is “We’ve Been There” and will focus on funny and inspirational stories from alumni. Please take a moment to share a story and complete the following survey, https://jmu.questionpro.com/SMADday24-interest. We need alumni to review resumes and portfolios, be part of panel discussions, and possibly lead some workshops. Can’t make it back to Harrisonburg? We are open to virtual programming, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register for SMAD Day?
Walk-ins may register on-site, but participation will be on a first-come, first served basis, especially for the resume / portfolio reviews and panels, which might have limited space and reviewer availability.
Can I attend without participating the resume / portfolio review?
Yes. You can get a lot out of the day without participating in the resume / portfolio review.
What should I wear?
If you are planning to participate in the resume / portfolio review, you should consider business casual to make a good first impression.
For alumni and general attendees, consider wearing your SMAD swag or JMU colors.
What should I bring for the day?
Any materials you want to share (resumes, portfolio, your laptop, etc.).
Do I need to attend all day?
No, but make sure to check the schedule so you can hit the events that are most relevant to your interests.
What is the review format?
Most reviews will be in a round robin / speed dating format.
Can I present my portfolio digitally?
You may present your portfolio digitally, but consider bringing a laptop or tablet to display it. SMAD labs will not be available for use during the reviews. Notify the room coordinator when you arrive for SMAD day if there are special considerations.
It is your responsibility to be prepared: check the Wi-Fi and/or make sure your laptop battery is charged. Technical support and charging stations will not be provided.
Will there be food?
Yes, we'll have hot dogs for everyone at lunchtime. And if anyone has dietary restrictions, please list them on the registration form so that we can provide an alternative.
Alumni are welcome to start arrriving at 9 a.m. to mingle and get coffee and a continental breakfast.
What's the parking situation?
Free parking without a parking pass is available in the Warsaw Parking Deck, 157 Warsaw Ave. Enforcement officers will be requested to avoid issuing citations to unregistered campus visitors on 10/25/2024 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. No parking permits or vouchers will be necessary between those hours.
All regulations for JMU students, faculty and staff will remain in effect, and students attending the event are required to park in appropriate student parking lots with a JMU parking permit.
You can view the JMU online parking map to locate the Warsaw Parking Deck.
