Student Corner

Personal Statement: I am specializing in sound/audio engineering. Although there is not a specific major focusing on sound engineering at Cal Poly, LAES allows me to take music, theater, film courses, and combine them with electrical engineering courses to prepare me for the industry. Through many projects, I have gained valuable real-life experiences that will benefit me in my future career. Above all, I love the support LAES has for its students to do what will benefit them the most and guide them to be successful in their own area of focus.
Career options with this focus: Audio Engineer in film, theater, music, and broadcasting industry
Concentration Focus: Audio Engineering
Oversees Study/Work Plans: South Korea and Australia
Expected Graduation Date: 2010
Internship: Aspect Studios (opens in a new window) is a local film studio. I go in twice a week to help hang lights and edit/design sound for short films. I am currently designing and building an additional editing suite.

Personal Statement: Besides my studies in LAES, I am also pursuing fluency in Japanese and German, the continuing development of my musical/compositional, artistic and programming skills, and the business skills necessary to succeed in the entrepreneurial environment of independent video game development. I am currently hard at work on my first marketable-quality game, which should see release in late '09.
Career options with this focus: Independent Video Game Development
Concentration Focus: Computer Graphics and Philosophy/Creative Writing
Oversees Study/Work Plans: KCP International Japanese Language Institute in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan (Oct '09 - Dec '09)
Expected Graduation Date: 2010

Personal Statement: Technology has become really advanced within the last ten to twenty years, especially in regards to film. Films have become these ridiculous special effects extravaganzas. Nobody takes the time to ask an important question anymore: "is this actually possible?" LAES works really well for film because the Liberal Arts component can give you the creative writing skills, while the Engineering component keeps you grounded in reality.
Career options with this focus: Film/Interactive Media
Concentration Focus: Interactive Communication with Cinematic Focus and Computer Graphics
Oversees Study/Work Plans: Australia
Expected Graduation Date: Winter 2010
Club Affiliation: Cal Poly Club of Independent Filmmakers (opens in a new window) - The Club of Independent Filmmakers is a great place for students who want to make movies. There's always new projects that people are bringing to the club that make each film unique. We've collected a really great group of filmmakers so far, and we're always looking for more.

Personal Statement: I am combining the areas of Computer Graphics and Graphic Design to create a focus on Interactive Multimedia, art that a viewer/audience interacts with.
Career options with this focus: Flash development, video game design, or Film with a virtual reality immersive element.
Concentration Focus: Computer Graphics and Interactive Media Design
Oversees Study/Work Plans: Spain
Expected Graduation Date: 2011
Web Portfolio: http://hughmancreation.co.cc (opens in new window)

Personal Statement: LAES is the bridge that spans from where I am at Cal Poly to my future goals and accomplishments. This program is providing me the tools to help build both who I am and a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
Career options with this focus:
Concentration Focus: System Design and Technical Communication
Oversees Study/Work Plans: London
Expected Graduation Date: 2011

Personal Statement: The LAES program is right for me for many reasons. I value the rounded education goals that it promotes. I also enjoy the emphasis on study abroad programs. With my degree I hope to enter an environmental field promoting new green and renewable energy sources
Career options with this focus: Environmental industry
Concentration Focus: Environmental, Culture, Society and Technology
Oversees Study/Work Plans: Australia
Expected Graduation Date: 2011

Personal Statement: This program has helped me realize my passion for television and film. Through LAES, I have been able to move towards my goals of working in the television and film industry while still studying engineering and sciences. I hope this program can do for others what it has for me because college should be about exploring your educational opportunities and passions.
Career options with this focus: Film and Television
Concentration Focus: Computer Science and Cinema
Oversees Study/Work Plans:
Expected Graduation Date: 2010
Club Affiliation: Cal Poly Club of Independent Filmmakers (opens in a new window) - I am the secretary for the Cal Poly Club of Independent Filmmakers and have been involved in all projects; acting, directing, editing,etc.
Internship: I am working with the 'Celebrity Fit Club: Season 7' reality TV show for Vh1, which airs February 14, 2010. My job title is 'Talent Production Assistant,' which means I assist the 'Talent Associate Producer' with things that pertain specifically to the cast. Since I am on set everyday, I am able to do a variety of small jobs, which makes it easier to learn and take in everything that is going on around me. Overall it is the best work/internship opportunity I have had. Pictures form previous seasons are on Vh1.com (opens in a new window).

Personal Statement: I came into LAES attempting to escape the archaic behavior of a traditional major. Originally from Computer Science (CSC), I was also seeking a group that would accept me as a more outgoing/well rounded student that could stand out instead of staying lost within the masses of typical Cal Poly engineers. I believe I have found that group! My hope is that LAES will help me find a career path that is appropriate for me, and allow me to truly experience Cal Poly to the fullest; not just earn a degree. I have an interest in Asian culture and am currently learning the Chinese language. I'm the Treasurer of the Cal Poly Astronomical Society (CPAS - or Astronomy Club) and am also involved with numerous CP Escape trips.
Career options with this focus: Traveling, seeing and experiencing other cultures/places; working with the latest technology; working with computers
Concentration Focus: Computer Graphics, Culture, Society, and Technology
Oversees Study/Work Plans: Asia
Expected Graduation Date: 2011

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