Renee Halgerson
Job title: Marketing Specialist at SDN Communications and Graphic Designer for my own business, Copper Ink Design.
Primary job duties: At SDN, I help to make sure the corporate brand sets us apart and is on target with our customers’ expectations. I also get to create brochures, design logos, layout the newsletter, organize big events, attend trade shows, and help plan the marketing strategy for the year. I started Copper Ink in 2006, and help small businesses establish their branding through graphic design and marketing strategies.
Year graduated: May 2005 (Journalism Major with Graphic Design, Marketing, and Spanish Minors)
Internship while in college: Daktronics Commercial Marketing
Other industry activites: AIGA board member, SDSU Staters board member, member of SDAF, volunteer for Junior Achievement, member of Toastmasters, and helped start a monthly professional development book club in Sioux Falls.
Favorite quote: “You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.” ~Harvey Firestone
Favorite movies: The Shawshank Redemption, The Fugitive, A Few Good Men
Favorite ad campaign and why: The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. I think that campaign has so much depth. It not only sells the product, but supports the “The Dove Self-Esteem Fund” and conducts workshops for girls. In a country obsessed with looks, weight and vanity, this campaign reminds women that real beauty starts from within.
What no one knows: As a kid, I loved the Ninja Turtles and MacGyver.
I like to: Travel. I’ve been to 10 foreign countries so far and hope to visit all (new) 7 Wonders of the World some day. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
Advice: Do as much as you can to be involved. Volunteer for an organization you are passionate about and make lifelong contacts along the way. Networking at events will be much easier when you are in involved with the business community.
I think students should know that: You are so fortunate to have outstanding instructors in the SDSU Journalism Department. Don’t take them for granted—learn from them, challenge yourself, and take advantage of opportunities they offer you. Your teachers can make great references when you are looking for that first job.
Links: SDN Communications, Copper Ink Design, AIGA South Dakota, Renee's LinkedIn Profile