Mentors, broad experiences accelerate alum’s digital media career

Published: January 26, 2022

As a teenager, Sean McFarland rode the wave of the emerging field of digital media. He was from a musical family, so music was already a big part of his life. He augmented that passion by learning how to make videos and take digital pictures. 

He made a ton of YouTube videos in those early days, but realized he needed more formal training to refine his skills in the digital world. He also was an accomplished soccer player and wanted to continue playing that sport in college.

Enter Greenville University.

“As I was going through the soccer recruitment activities at GU, I learned that the school had a digital media major,” said Sean, a 2015 GU grad. “Being able to pursue both of those things at the same place was huge.”

Immersive experience opportunities abound

While in school, Sean augmented his skills with digital media courses, but he also had many opportunities to gain practical experience by working with the GU Marketing Department.

“As a sophomore, I responded to an invitation to do an interview for a marketing video,” he recalled. “That allowed me to get a foot in the door, and I eventually became part of the marketing department team. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do that at many big, traditional colleges, but opportunities like that are accessible at Greenville. In talking to my friends who went to other colleges, I found that it was easier for me to get hands-on educational experiences at Greenville than it was for them at those other schools.”

He also found a mentor in one of his professors, Jacob Amundson. “He was able to meet me halfway when I needed guidance or had questions,” Sean said. “He encouraged me to look at projects or issues from a different perspective. Most of his assignments had real-world applications, and that allowed students to learn what it would be like after graduation.”

That experience in media production and marketing in college allowed Sean to make a brisk career ascension to his current position as senior visual marketing specialist at LP Creative Studio in St. Louis. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to startup businesses. On the side, he’s also built a wedding photography and videography business.

Learning continues after the degree

Though his Greenville University education prepared him well for the workforce, Sean insists that learning continues after college. 

“Early in my career, I applied myself in many jobs, sometimes doing things that I didn’t necessarily enjoy,” he said. “Working through those not-so-glamorous tasks has made me well rounded and eventually led me to be able to do the things I love.

“Two areas I’ve grown in have been client communication and time management. I feel that your trade skills are only half of your job; the other half is learning how to communicate with people in your industry. I work with multiple clients doing multiple projects, so I must have a system that helps me organize tasks and complete them in a timely manner.”

The benefits of mentors and spiritual formation

When asked what advice he’d give to students, Sean returned to his conviction that mentors are vital.

“Find a mentor… someone who is doing what you want to do, and pick their brain,” he said. “Trust me, having an eager person asking questions about your career is never bothersome. You ask your professors questions all the time. So why not ask someone in your future field what their thoughts are?”

Spiritual formation was another benefit Sean experienced at Greenville University. 

“GU is a Christian school, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you must have a strong spiritual background to enjoy your time there. I found that a Christ-centered campus like GU really does expose students to a positive, uplifting community. Within that community, students are allowed to set their own path and build their relationship with Christ.”