senior thesis coordinator profile

Christina Schmid

Coordinator, Senior Thesis
PhD, University of Minnesota
MA, BA, Karl Franzens University, Graz, Austria

Teaches
Professional Writing and Rhetoric, Contemporary Issues in Art, Philosophy and Literature of Postmodernism, Seminar Thesis

What do you love about the discipline that you teach?

What I love about working with students as part of the professional practice curriculum at CVA is the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Typically, the first exposure to the professions our students aspire to is a challenge, an experience that ranges from moments of self-doubt — “will I ever be able to work as a professional illustrator or designer or fine artist?”— to recognizing and navigating the opportunities and challenges of each field. I love watching students go from insecurity to professional competence and cherish the reward of seeing our graduates find positions that meet and match their skills, expectations, and ambitions.

How would you describe your discipline to an incoming student?

CVA’s professional practice curriculum is cross-disciplinary. We work with each student to set individual learning goals and work to find opportunities to meet these goals on a one-on-one basis through internships, service learning, and mentorships.

What do you hope to teach a CVA student?

In the professional practice program, we hope to prepare students for their post-graduate professional life. We cultivate a commitment to professionalism defined by respect, accountability, work ethic, and an unwaveringly positive and polite attitude. Students are familiarized not only with professional writing and formatting skills for cover letters, resumes, and artist statements but also get extensive training in public speaking.

How do you prepare your students for their professional practice?

CVA’s commitment to professional practice begins in the Foundation year with a course entitled “Orientation to Art and Design,” which begins to introduce students to the career options and opportunities in each of the majors we offer. While the curriculum of the sophomore year focuses on the skills necessary for succeeding in each discipline, the junior year is when we begin to focus on professional development. “Professional Writing and Rhetoric” prepares students for the writing skills needed in their future professions and coaches students in public speaking, before the Internship Coordinator works with students to find appropriate internship placements. In the final year, “Professional Portfolio Development” concludes the professional practice curriculum. Taught by a practicing fine or commercial artist, this course teaches students the skills to promote their work successfully upon graduation.

What does CVA do better than other art schools?
What's unique about CVA?

Given CVA’s intimate size, we are able to collaborate with studio instructors and Liberal Arts faculty to determine the best internship options for each student. This level of communication and getting to know the student from different points of view allows us to serve our students better than internship programs that are run exclusively by administrators. We draw on all of our resources—the Director of Student Life, studio faculty, and advisors—to understand our students’ professional skills and aptitude, so we can do our best to ensure students have a rewarding experience through their internship.