Mayo backs you with equipment; we have state of the art computers and training is available when we need it. The quality of people that I work with is superb; they really make the job enjoyable. I also get to work with wonderful clients. There is really no negative side to working at Mayo.

When I come in for the day, I open up my emails and check my calendar for meetings. Typically I have 2-3 meetings per day with different clients or colleagues regarding projects. Phone calls are a constant thing, and I also wear a pager. With that said, my days are not typical. We are always working under tight schedules and deadlines to get artwork to clients. Working through a client's request sometimes involves working a photo shoot to get photographs for the display, working with the client on their message and how to state that message, or setting up a trade show display. Setting up for trade shows brings me into contact with the trade show people and their construction people, so we have to work with outside vendors from time to time. My days are different from one to the next -- and I like that.

I love having the ability to create things and to interact with the customers. I enjoy working on projects from start to finish; I get to appreciate the final product. It is nice, especially the big murals when they are done and people get to view them and comment ... it is very rewarding. There is a lot of coordinating of projects to get it all to come together at a certain time and date. You definitely have to coordinate and get things working smoothly and in the same direction. You need to get along with people, be able to communicate, work as a team and work well under pressure to be successful in this line of work.

Follow your instincts, which is really the only thing you can do. Students need to explore all options, like classes, activities, sports and volunteer work. Open your eyes and communicate, not just with your friends but with adults as well.