The Society for News Design is in the middle of a membership drive and has asked some of its members to explain SND’s importance to them or their career. Today, we feature ….
Adam Baumgartner
Vox Media
Ball State University
“The first formal SND event I went to was the judging of the digital competition at Ball State in 2013. I sat and listened as a bunch of professionals from publications I thought were untouchable said mind-numbingly intelligent things about some of the smartest pieces of content I had ever seen.
I was star struck, fumbling over my words and staring awkwardly at some professionals from across the room instead of actually approaching them.
But then, some of them approached me. And they introduced me to their peers. And conversation began to feel more natural.
It was then that I understood SND not only to be a voice in the thoughtful production of content, but also as a community that cultivates and nurtures talent. As a 20-year-old, it was exactly where I needed to be.
A year later, I attended judging of the same competition, this time in Indianapolis. It was also the first #SNDMakes event – the same event that ushered me from the world of print design to digital. Instead of listening to professionals saying smart things, I had the opportunity to be a part of the conversation as a participant in the hackathon. And that is also where I met my current boss, Ted Irvine of Vox Media.
SND has educated me, given me confidence and introduced me to friends all over the world. It’s done the same for its other student members.
It has been critical for my development as a young professional, and I could not be more grateful.”
If you feel the same way about SND, please consider joining or renewing your membership today. It’s easy. Just follow this link: snd.org/join