When University of the Ozarks senior Jadaan Anderson learned the University was launching a graphic design major last year, he knew immediately it was a perfect fit. Less than a year later, that decision has already opened doors to valuable professional experience and helped solidify his career aspirations.
“When I learned about the news graphic design major, I didn’t even wait to tell my parents before I signed up for it,” Anderson said. “I knew immediately I wanted to add it as a major.”
Anderson, a marketing and graphic design double major from Bentonville, Ark., took a significant step toward his career goals this past summer through an internship with Dover Digital, a boutique web design and branding agency in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Founded in 2021 by Joshua Dover, the agency specializes in custom web design and development, branding and digital marketing. For Anderson, the opportunity to work in an environment where creativity, technology and business strategy intersect proved to be an ideal match for his academic interests.
“Initially, Josh brought me alongside him as a designer focused on creating prototypes in Figma, but he allowed me to expand into brand identity development, web design, 3D motion graphics, video editing, SEO research, minor coding projects, and content planning for businesses,” Anderson said. “I built on my technical foundation while learning the importance of strategy in design, marketing, and business operations. Josh allowed me to participate in client strategy calls, where I observed firsthand how he turned leads into clients. He also brought me to networking events and business gatherings, allowing me to learn directly from established entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas.”
For the University’s newly established graphic design program, Anderson’s internship represents the type of hands-on learning experience that can help students bridge the gap between classroom instruction and professional careers.
Todd Goehner, associate professor of graphic design at Ozarks, said opportunities such as Anderson’s also play an important role in building the program’s reputation and developing relationships with industry professionals.
“It shows prospective students and families that the program connects classroom learning to real career pathways,” he said. “It also creates a model for future internships and industry relationships and it strengthens our ties to the local business community.”
Dover said Anderson quickly proved himself to be a valuable member of the agency’s team, contributing to a variety of creative and technical projects throughout the summer.
“He brought a unique mix of creative vision and technical ability to the internship, and was an asset working on multiple projects, from video editing, to marketing research, to logo design,” Dover said. “I think that well-rounded perspective coupled with his hunger to learn is going to serve him well as he enters the job market.”
Beyond sharpening his technical skills, Anderson said the internship gave him a new perspective on entrepreneurship, professional responsibility and the possibilities awaiting him after graduation.
Anderson said the experience “opened my eyes to a world of possibility and made my school work feel much more concrete.”
“I saw what it looked like in real time to take complete control and ownership of your own life, as well as the effort and intention that comes with owning a business with your name on it,” he said. “This internship was my first taste of real life, and when it ended, I honestly felt kind of lost. I spent the summer doing something I want to do for the rest of my life. I was blessed to have found not only a mentor in Josh, but a genuine friend. I spent countless hours asking him questions about technical areas, and he was more than generous with his time and resources—gifting me books, sharing insightful materials, and helping me with my personal goals.”
Anderson’s creativity and attention to detail extend beyond the design studio and onto the wrestling mat. A standout member of the Eagles wrestling team, he won a conference championship last season and earned a top-seven finish at the NCAA Division III regional championships.
While wrestling and graphic design might seem like vastly different pursuits, Anderson sees a strong connection between the two disciplines, particularly in the importance of preparation, precision and trusting one’s instincts.
“In wrestling you have to pay attention to the details and that’s the same with designing,” Anderson said. “Wrestling is very much an art form and when you get into the flow of it and just let your training take over, that’s when you’re at your best. That’s the same with graphic design, you just get into the flow of it and trust your instincts and training.”
Goehner said the internship’s success underscores the value of partnerships with professionals who are willing to invest their time and expertise in the next generation of designers.
“Josh is a very talented and experienced digital marketer who is genuinely passionate about helping students learn more about digital marketing,” Goehner said. “He was a great mentor to Jadaan throughout the internship and was eager to help the school and the new graphic design program in any way he can, which makes him a valuable long-term partner. We’re grateful to Dover Digital and Josh Dover for investing in our students. Experiences like Jadaan’s demonstrate the kind of opportunities we want to create for every student in the program.”
Topics: Graphic Design