Meet a Student

MEET A STUDENT: YAYOUA YANG

As part of the advertising, entertainment or beauty industries, Yayoua hopes to push for diversity and inclusion.

❙INTERVIEW BY ERICA BOUSKA

Recent graduate Yayoua Yang double majored in strategic communication and graphic design. She was also named to the 2022 class of Most Promising Multicultural Students (MPMS) by the American Advertising Federation and spent a week in New York City with the program. This year’s MPMS class consisted of only 50 students, representing 32 schools and 19 states across the country. I decided to double major in strategic communication and graphic design because I really do believe they go hand in hand.

Q Why did you decide to pursue strategic communication and graphic design? What interests you about each major?

A I decided to pursue strategic communication, specifically in advertising, because of The BrandLab (a local organization that hires and places high school and college level students as interns, providing support through industry workshops, experiential skills training, professional development and career and college guidance). They gave me a glimpse of the marketing and advertising industry here in the Twin Cities and it jump started my interest in the power of advertising. I think that art direction and learning how to communicate strategically are all really important skills to have. This major has allowed me to network with like-minded peers, learn from great professors and really dive into communications work.

The graphic design major allowed me to practice my technical skills in design and create an eye for good composition, typography and visual appeal.

Q Why did you decide to double major? How will they complement each other?

graphic design because I really do believe they go hand in hand. I love being able to think of concepts, know how they strategically can impact or move an audience, and be able to create it on my own with the technical skills. I believe that good-looking visuals need to be paired with a purpose. Strat comm helps me find strategic purposes, while graphic design helps me create the vision.

Q What is your dream job?

A My dream job is to be a creative director in the advertising, beauty or entertainment industries. I want to push for more diversity, inclusion and representation in these fields. Visual media has a tremendous impact in unconsciously constructing the identities of the youth. It can fulfill emotional needs and create connections.

Q What has been your favorite part of your experience at the Hubbard School?

A Learning alongside creative, strategic minds!

Q What course or professor has inspired you?

A Mark Jenson. His advocacy for students to succeed in advertising is both inspiring and empowering. He puts the future success of our careers at the forefront of his courses and I’m super thankful for the care he puts into his work!

Q What do you wish you’d known before you started down your career path?

A It’s all in the network and relationships you build. Be kind, stay curious, and put care into your craft.