Eric “Shad” Miller ’07 started his journey into the exciting world of gaming with an English degree from Illinois College.

“I have used the skills I learned at Illinois College in every job I have had. Making games is incredibly fun and one of the most collaborative things that I’ve ever done. It requires the ability to communicate and work in groups,” said Miller to a group of current Illinois College students during a recent campus presentation.

Miller has a master’s degree in creative writing from Temple University and an honors diploma from Vancouver Film School in game design. He is also a published novelist and currently works as a coder and writer at Candlelight – Propaganda! and instructing courses in coding. Jason Cunningham ’02 began his sports career as a sports information intern at Illinois College.

He says his dedication as a student introduced him to a career path he didn’t know existed before that time, ultimately leading to an opportunity to work for the sports information office at Ohio University, and an eight-year career at NASCAR in the integrated marketing communications office.

Cunningham offers advice for today’s Illinois College students who want to follow a similar career trajectory: “Get involved early to build up your experience and résumé. Skip the football tailgate and work in the press box. It will pay off in the long run.”

Sarah Buck ’99, says that IC gave her a strong foundation to go on to earn two master’s degrees from Miami University in sport behavior and performance and in exercise science. She returned to teach at IC for a year before earning her Ph.D. in kinesiology at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She currently works as an associate professor in physical education at Chicago State University and recommends a similar philosophy for those interested in the academic side of sports.

“Development of discipline, time management and a strong work ethic will put you ahead of those who do not have a similar focus,” said Buck. “Working in academia is rewarding, but also requires all of the above as well as patience, creativity and a bit of innovativeness. Practice these skills while you are in school.”

During her time at IC, Buck balanced her psychology studies with participating in poms and maintaining her career as a competitive roller figure skater, often practicing off campus. Buck recalls that poms kept her connected to the campus community.