Soaring Beyond: Joaqin Soto

MEET JOAQUIN! An alumnus from our BFA program in Visual Arts Studies and Art Education at UNT who is currently working at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy/ High School 3D Art Director.

 

When you started at UNT, what were your plans after graduation? How have these plans changed (if at all)? My plans when I started school at UNT were to graduate and follow my dream of becoming a teacher after graduation. I’m fortunate to have achieved these goals and be able to teach my students my passion for art.

What advice do you have for prospective or current students as they decide what they want their next steps to be (internships/careers/etc.)?My advice for any prospective or current students is very simple. Network and be kind to everyone you meet in the process. You have no idea if your paths may cross again in the future, or if they can be a connection to opening new doors.

How did your program at UNT help you to feel prepared for this role? My art education program prepared me to be open to anything and to listen, respect, and critically analyze any problem at hand.

How did you find your current role (website, email, word of mouth, etc)? I found my current role by a recommendation from a friend. I was lucky to have networked and met the right people along the way. This made my transition to my current school a perfect move.

What was the toughest interview question they asked you? The toughest question asked would have to be, ”In what way would you get the community involved if you were to get the position?” I was taught to think of answers about the classroom and my field experiences, that when something involving something outside the classroom came up I had to really think critically for the answer.

How did the Career Center help you? The Career Center helped me get a strong resume together that stood out during my interview process. When you have one shot to make an impression, it is very important to have the best resume during your interview.

Want to hear more of Joaquin’s story? Check out his testimonial!

You can see more testimonials like Joaquin’s here.

Would you like to be featured in our Soaring Beyond Success Series? Email Jeanette Hickl. We’d love to share your story!

By Jeanette Hickl
Jeanette Hickl