Finley learning sports photography and graphic design

By Martin Couch

Sarah Finley is a Bryant native hoping to break into the world of sports journalism upon her graduation from[more] Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

Finley is an avid outdoor sports photographer with award-winning shots from her days in Bryant's award-winning journalism program. She has an eye for finesse and detail, according to her peers and her mother, Linda.

However, graphic design is her major course of study in college.

"While I'm not due to graduate until December 2012, I am interested in learning all that I can about career paths available to me, or any potential internships that might be available," Finley said. "I will have a business minor," she said.

Finley said she knows how to market her skills well and before Christmas had gotten a lead on a possible position at ESPNOutdoors.

She’s worked on design since she was in journalism class and was responsible for the layout and design of the high school's yearbook. When she got to college, classes in graphic design drew her interest because of the many possible employment advantages.

"Jobs are scarce for college graduates," said former Hot Springs Sentinel Record news writer Mark Hinkle. "It's getting harder and harder each day for a college student, who has worked for four years to be able to get out there and get a job right off the bat, especially in any kind of journalism. I graduated from Hendrix and did an internship in North Little Rock before I landed a job in Hot Springs. It takes experience whether it be in writing or graphic design."

The more lucrative route for Finley seems to be in graphic design, combined with her specialty in photography.

"She's taken some beautiful photos," her mother said.

More and more students are looking into career choices and, like Finley, are trying to get a head start on the marketing themselves for future employment.