Ryan B. Cummings

Design Manager at American Payroll Association

Degree(s): BJ '03 (Advertising)

Whereabouts: United States, San Antonio, Texas

What do you do?
I am the design manager at a national association. My main responsibility is the production of a monthly magazine, PAYTECH. My husband and I moved to my hometown in 2005 and I’ve worked at the American Payroll Association since 2006.

Best professional lesson learned at J-School?
Your portfolio must be perfect! Put only your best works in it.

What is your favorite J-School memory?
On Sept. 11, 2001, I had an early class at the J-School. I walked into the building and in the Neff lounge area there were so many people watching the big screen TV in silence. We all watched as the second building fell in silence.

What would be your best advice to current students?
Get as much experience as you can while you’re at MU. Learn as much as you can while there. Only experience will help you get the job you are looking for.

What are you working on currently?
Continuing my education, learning Dreamweaver and Flash.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?
Since I am only a year out of school I can’t say that I have done anything that I would consider my best achievement so far.

What makes you good at your job?
Experience. I also enjoy what I do. I never thought that when my parents said to enjoy what you do, they would be right. I learn something new everyday and that helps me grow as a person and professional.

Who would you like to work with and where would you most like to work?
I would love to eventually work in Chicago at an advertising agency or on my own as a freelance graphic artist.

Updated: November 3, 2011