Jacob Zweibohmer

Personal Pronouns

He/Him

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I work full time as a Graphic Design Instructor at Iowa Central Community College. I teach seven courses each semester, and I'm also the chair of the Graphic Design program. My roles also include recruitment, curriculum writing, and maintaining an advisory board. I also own 2TREES DESIGN, LLC where I work with clients on a wide range of design projects. I really enjoy what I do. I'm anxious to integrate what I've learned at MCAD into all of my work roles.

How did you get your job?

I think they were desperate... I went through a lengthy application, background check, and multiple interview process. I was in the right place at the right time with the right skills.

What inspires you/your work?

Current events, the people around me, pop culture, my friends and family...everything.

How do you network yourself and your art?

In the past I haven't really pushed for a lot of work. Most of my networking is personal connections and word of mouth. I plan to improve my social media and web presence soon.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?

I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Iowa State University.

How did you hear about MCAD?

I learned about MCAD through other students in my undergrad.

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

MCAD has a highly respected reputation. I felt that finding success and earning my degree from MCAD would open up more opportunities for me professionally.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

Discovering I can do much more than I thought. Balancing a full-time job, a freelance business, being a dad to kids in high school who participate in sports, and a husband, then adding on a Master's degree program was daunting. But, I did it!

Where were you located when you completed the program?

Iowa

What was the online education like?

The online education was the only real option for me. I was so glad that MCAD offered that pathway. It worked out great. Making all of the Tues/Thurs class meetings was difficult at times. The synchronous meetings were helpful though.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

That is yet to be seen. It did not lead to a divorce. So, that's good!

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Graphic and Web Design?

You will get out of it what you put into it. I really had a desire to learn and grow. I poured myself fully into the program. I came out of it feeling empowered. I have added two new courses to my Graphic Design program based on what I learned. I am also able to offer more web services to clients with a confidence I lacked before the program. You WILL grow as a designer in this program.