Mary Alyssa McNally

Some of my military spouses are orchestral musicians, arts production managers, graphic designers, music teachers, and dance/exercise instructors. It is a constant challenge for these individuals to relocate every few years, establish new studios in unfamiliar places, and maintain their professional networks to find new clients and opportunities. Technology and working online have eased some of these issues, but challenges remain.
I began my own music studies as an amateur in school, and later went on to study piano, voice, harp, dulcimer, and African drumming. I performed in a variety of community choruses, one of which toured in Russia. My interest in the performing arts led me to the field of career development for creatives. As an intern at Ithaca College, I started a group for students with performance injuries, looking for ways through their issues or for alternative careers. This led to many music and musical theatre students using Career Services, with this office partnering with faculty to provide student support, which was new at the time.
My time at Stanford University's career center introduced me to students in the organ department as well as to students who were pursuing design careers, such as graphic and product design, within a traditional university. I then moved on to Art Center College of Design, where students were solving real-world problems through transportation design, product design of medical devices, production of informative documentaries, and revolution of advertising principles.
My career development journey has opened me up to the discovery of how good design and performing arts can impact lives, not just as side-alongs, but as integral parts of how we experience the world.