Corrie Riedl ?17
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The pressure to find a career immediately after graduating college can be daunting. After nearly two decades of school, graduates are faced with the uncertainty of “the real world.” They no longer have the constant cycle of summer, fall term, j-term, spring term, and repeat (unless they decided to further their education at graduate school). However, the transition from full-time student to full-time careerist is easier when the graduate, such as Corrie Riedl ’17, has such a positive perspective. I asked Corrie about her experience with receiving and accepting a job offer before graduation, and her advice was truly inspiring.

What did you major in at Carthage?

I was a Double Major in Theatre Performance and Music, and a Minor in Business Administration.

How long have you been involved in theatre? Did you always want to pursue theatre?

I first got involved in theatre at my church when I was in fifth grade, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Since then I’ve never considered a career in any other field.

How do you feel Carthage prepared you for life after college?

Carthage has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined possible. I have had the chance to take leadership roles in both the Theatre and Music fraternities; I’ve visited four different countries thanks to J-Term and the Theatre Department; I’ve been a part of 12 productions; and all of my professors have consistently pushed me to grow as a student and person. Carthage has prepared me to take on just about anything that comes my way.

What are your current plans for after Carthage?

After Carthage I am moving to Chicago with two other Carthage students. I will be working as an Audience Service Associate (house managing and box office work) at Lookingglass Theatre downtown!

How did you hear about this opportunity?

I’ve been the Box Office Student Manager at Carthage for the last year, and was looking for opportunities to continue working in the front of house at a professional theater. I applied to several positions, and was so pleased to accept a job at such a prestigious company as Lookingglass.

What are you going to miss the most about Carthage?

I will miss the people; the community that is formed through classes, hours of extra-curriculars, emotional breakdowns and personal victories. This entire campus has been the greatest support system I’ve ever experienced. My biggest comfort is that I know these relationships I’ve made won’t just disappear after graduation. My peers are about to become my colleagues, and will continue to be in my life for a long time.

What was a highlight of your time at Carthage?

The Theatre Department’s trip to Scotland the summer after my freshman year was my favorite international trip I’ve taken. We met performers from all over and got to explore an absolutely beautiful country. The friendships I made on that trip are some of the strongest I’ve ever had.

Why do you think it is important that the fine arts programs continue to be offered?

Studying the fine arts prepares students for all sorts of real world experiences. There is hardly a field that develops such strong collaboration and human connection. The fine arts are about everything. As an actor, I learn about history, science, mathematics, humanities, different cultures, and emotional, physical, and mental health. The arts require dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of self. The fine arts form well-rounded, hard-working individuals, and are so valuable to our society. To remove such a personal, well-rounded field from our schools is to sentence our future society to one with far less empathy and emotional connection.

How do you feel you have changed since your freshman year at Carthage?

I have become much more confident in my own abilities. I know very well what I am capable of, and am much more willing to push my own boundaries in order to better myself.

What advice would you offer for someone pursuing a career in the arts?

Work harder than you’ve ever worked before, and love every second of it. Soak up every bit of advice people offer, and know how to apply it to your own life and aspirations. If this is what you want, chase it with every ounce of yourself. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and keep you on the right path.

 

Congratulations to all of our 2017 graduates!