Student development is a cornerstone of what we do. By providing professional development and real-world experiences, students have access to a well-rounded college experience to support their success while gaining transferable skills for post-graduation career opportunities.
commonvision: UMBC Student Design & Print Center is SACM’s student development arm. It provides on-campus job opportunities in the following roles:
- Office Assistant
- Production Assistant
- Graphic Designer
- Animator/Motion Designer
- Photographer/Videographer
We have over 200 students that have worked at commonvision since 2003. Many have found jobs in their related field, or discovered a love for a new skill during their time here and find positions in that area post-graduation.
While working at commonvision, students develop many tangible hard skills that they learn through tools and software, while also obtaining many soft skills such as customer service, professional written and verbal communication, and teamwork. What’s more, friendships and connections to commonvision as alumni are formed that last for years.
“Working at commonvision has been very transformative for me. I am grateful for the time I could spend here, all of the people I have met, and all of the experiences I have had working here. I cannot imagine a better job to have while completing my degree at UMBC. Everyone here has been empowering, creative, and all-around brilliant. I will really miss working here and seeing everyone so regularly, but commonvision has empowered and equipped me to feel confident moving on to even grander things.” – Jordan Fisher ‘25
“From the beginning of working here, I was happy to learn that commonvision provides such a kind and supportive community. People are always willing to help, teach, and work together, which is a great work environment. Working here does not add any additional stress and provides a dedicated time of the day for me to fully focus on work, different than school. I have met so many sweet and caring people whom I would have never become close to otherwise.” -Zaara Ismailjee, ‘27
“I had moments where I contemplated transferring to another university since I did not think the animation program was benefiting me the way that I anticipated. With that being said, commonvision changed my mind. I feel like commonvision has helped me grow my skillset and knowledge about motion design in a way that is substantially better than what I would have if I was just a regular animation student. Whether it is having the ability to actually create legitimate animated advertisements for UMBC or learn from those with different experiences around me, I think this was a great experience for me to have.” – Kate Thorp ‘25
“I have immensely grown as a designer. Being in a space of creatives allowed me to see multiple perspectives and design approaches, which helped me transform my own process and expand my skillset…
I think it’s also worth noting that [commonvision] teaches you important and healthy work boundaries. Student staff may be quick to offer working outside of hours, pick up extra work, overexplain things, and so on, but [commonvision] leadership is always quick to teach boundaries and healthier work habits. [commonvision] sets a great example of how a workplace should treat employees. I have carried these skills and expectations into my other work and internships, and it has helped me in my communication and professionalism.
I have gone through several stages of my life at [commonvision], whether in a professional or personal capacity, and I have always felt that I could rely on coworkers and staff for advice and guidance. I am better in many ways because of [commonvision]! ” -Rae Wesley ‘22