Apr 21, 2026

Bringing their resumes, portfolios, and laptops, Pratt students recently met with alumni and other established professionals for CareerConnect, an annual event on campus hosted by The Black Alumni of Pratt (BAP), with support from the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD).

Over the course of the evening, students discussed their work and explored potential career paths. They learned of the event through BAP’s regular outreach, signed up to attend, and were invited to suggest fields and companies they wanted to learn more about based on their career interests. BAP worked with CCPD to bring in nine alumni and professionals from areas such as architecture, animation, graphic design, and photography.

Unlike traditional panels or large networking sessions, CareerConnect, which was conceived by Alumni Engagement Officer and alumna Jelani Bandele in 2019, created a more intimate setting. Juniors and seniors received direct feedback on their work through one-on-one conversations, with time to ask follow-up questions and gain deeper insight into their areas of interest. Dinner was also part of the event and provided extra opportunities to connect as students and professionals grabbed plates of food and returned to tables for further discussion.

Kylie Grant, BArch ’27, approached the conversations with a focus on long-term growth. She asked mentors about their day-to-day work, opportunities for advancement, and what employers look for in emerging professionals.

“I want to be a business owner one day, and I want to make something that brings value to the world,” Grant said, noting that she is pursuing a minor in entrepreneurship. “But my goal is to get my architecture license no matter what. Architecture is a way of thinking—it’s not just buildings; it’s exhibits, it’s clothes, it’s objects we use every day.”

A man in a black blazer smiles while sitting across from a woman at a table. The woman, wearing a white shirt, focuses on a laptop covered in various stickers, including one that says "Supreme." They are engaged in discussion or collaboration, with a bottle of water and papers visible on the table. The background features red chairs.
Kylie Grant, BArch ’27, speaking with Andre Parnther, BArch ’00 

For others, the event offered a chance to receive detailed feedback on their creative work. Ava Earl, BFA Fine Arts ’27, who has interned as a teaching assistant at Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop, came seeking guidance on how to strengthen her portfolio ahead of an important academic milestone.

As she prepares for her upcoming junior survey, she is developing a body of work exploring themes of home, relationships, and disruption, ideas she continues to refine through both studio practice and feedback from mentors.

“I’m looking for advice on portfolio and resume review,” Earl said. “Things that stand out to people, things I should highlight, and maybe some weaknesses I could work on.”

Karen Vidangos, senior manager of social media at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, spoke with students about the importance of making the most of their time at Pratt.

“I think the biggest piece of advice that I can offer is to network, to meet people, and take advantage of your time here in school,” she said. “Speak to your professors, engage with their advice, and then go out there beyond the campus; really put yourself out there.”

Three people are seated around a table engaged in conversation. One woman in a beige top gestures while speaking, while a man in a black leather jacket listens attentively. The third person, a woman in a purple top, sits with her hands clasped, showing interest. In the background, there are red chairs stacked. Items on the table include a water bottle, notebooks, and a cup.
Karen Vidangos and Devin B. Johnson, MFA Fine Arts (Painting and Drawing) ’19, speaking with Ava Earl, BFA Fine Arts ’27

That message resonated with students navigating the transition from school to the professional world.

Jordan Anna Torres, BFA Photography ’26, whose senior capstone project draws on her relationship with her sister, is considering a range of futures within and adjacent to the field. 

“I’ve been looking at different jobs and paid internships,” she said. “Whether that’s directly in photography, behind the scenes, or in museum or gallery work.”

Torres was able to connect with numerous professionals, including Tracey Woods, MFA ’91, who shared insights from her career as a photographer.

Two women are seated at a table engaged in conversation. The woman on the left has curly hair and is wearing a light sweater, while the woman on the right has long hair with purple highlights and wears glasses. In the background, a man in a suit and another woman are also having a discussion. A laptop covered in stickers sits in front of the first woman. The setting is a bright, modern room with red chairs.
Jordan Anna Torres, BFA Photography ’26, discussing her work with Kali Abdullah, BFA Photography ’02

For Imani Powell, BFA Digital Arts (2-D Animation) ’27, who describes their work as having a whimsical, Southern Gothic illustration style, conversations with established professionals—both at the event and in the classroom—have reinforced the importance of developing a distinct creative voice.

“It’s been really helpful to learn from experts in the field,” they said. “They provide insight on how to improve your work and help you come into your own style.”

That emphasis on individuality was echoed by Marcy Monko, BFA Communications Design (Graphic Design) ’20, now a graphic designer at Disney, who encouraged students to think of their portfolios as an extension of themselves.

“Your portfolio should show your work and your process,” she said. “As long as it’s visually engaging and represents you, that’s the most important thing. Your design skills should translate into your portfolio.”

Two young women are engaged in a discussion at a table with laptops. One woman, with dark, curly hair, smiles while wearing a button and dark clothing. The other woman, with long, light brown hair, leans in to point at the laptop screen, looking excited. The background shows other people working and a projector screen. The setting appears to be a collaborative workspace or event.
Imani Powell, BFA Digital Arts (2-D Animation) ’27, speaking with Marcy Monko, BFA Communications Design (Graphic Design) ’20

For one of the alumni in the room, the event represented a full-circle moment. Sahara Sheikh, BFA Digital Arts (2-D Animation) ’24, who now works as an educator at The Animation Studio through a Pratt connection, attended CareerConnect as a student.

“It was really useful to have full conversations with professionals who want to learn about your work,” she said.

Now on the other side of the table, Sheikh was able to offer that same experience to current students. Another alum, Devin B. Johnson, MFA Fine Arts (Painting and Drawing) ’19, emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation.

“I want to be able to show the students that they can turn their dreams into reality,” he said.

For Teressa Freeman, BArch ’26, who has completed internships with the architect metamechanics, an interior designer, and the NYC School Construction Authority, the event provided an opportunity to think beyond her current experience.

A woman with curly hair is seated at a table, using a laptop. She is wearing a burgundy shirt and appears focused on her work. In the background, a second woman is sitting and looking at her phone, while another woman is partially visible. Red chairs and a modern interior can be seen in the setting.
Teressa Freeman, BArch ’26, at CareerConnect

“I want to get more into structural work and more abstract forms,” she said. “I’ve been working on more standard projects, but I want to branch out into more urban-scale or experimental work.”

Freeman added: “I’ve gone to the career fair before, and other career events through clubs, but nothing this focused.”