Agency: Right Brain + Left Brain = Happiness

Ryan Durry weaves pure success as a Web and multimedia expert.

Home-schooling from a math teacher dad and an art teacher mom gave Ryan Durry an early appreciation for how logical left-brain thinking can cooperate with creative right-brain thought.

A PSEO student who graduated from DCTC in 2007 with an A.A.S. degree in Multimedia and Web Page Design, Ryan continues to explore the connection between the two cerebral hemispheres as the creative services manager at Triad Conferences, a Minnetonka agency that specializes in customized corporate event management.

A major part of Ryan's job at Triad involves heading up the agency's Web and multimedia pieces, working behind the scenes on client projects that span the globe.

"Students need to land an internship if they can. Real-world experience is what brings your work up to a professional level."

"I prefer to code from scratch," said Ryan, referring to the aspect of Web site design involving HTML and cascading style sheets (CSS) code, the language interpreted by Internet browsers. "One of the best things about Triad is that I also work on graphic design projects. That combination of analytical and artistic thinking is what makes my job so fun and exciting."

During his first year at DCTC, Ryan landed an internship at Triad thanks to assistance from a friend. His new boss and his instructors made every effort to help him adjust to a schedule crammed with work and school.

"Students need to land an internship if they can," Ryan recommended. "Real-world experience is what brings your work up to a professional level."

Because Ryan proved his worth as an intern, Triad offered him a full-time job several months before graduation. He accepted the offer, continued his studies and even went on to win "Best Multimedia Portfolio" at the DCTC 2007 VCOM Portfolio Show.

Ryan's parting advice to VCOM students who think with both their brains is to pursue a dual degree in Graphic Design Technology and Multimedia Web Page Design. "You build a broad foundation of skills," he said, "and make yourself that much more employable."