Kailey Mishler ’24 

After graduating from Otterbein as a Graphic Design major in 2020, the pandemic made it hard for Stephen Kanicki to find a consistent job. However, in 2021, a design internship he found on LinkedIn led him to his current position as a digital designer for Columbus Brewing Company.  

“I applied and went through the interview process, but wasn’t confident that I would get the role since I had already graduated, assuming they would be looking for current students in the field. However, I was offered the internship and I started working with them in October. After three months of the internship, I was offered the full-time position just before the start of 2022,” he said. 

Kanicki explained that his role as a designer consists of helping all teams within the company with digital content. He said that the responsibilities and tasks that make their way to his desk are always different.  

“I have a wide range of responsibilities, from social media graphics for the marketing team, point-of-sale displays for the sales team, or updating rotating menus for the taproom or the new East Market Beer Hall. As far as branding, I am responsible for upholding Columbus Brewing Company’s Brand Guidelines standards and creating engaging content that follows their created identity,” said Kanicki. 

As for his favorite part of the job, Kanicki explained that he likes how no two projects are the same, and how his creative opportunities allow him to express the brand in various ways.  

Kanicki’s designs have also made their to Nationwide Arena, where they greet thousands of fans as they arrive for Columbus Blue Jackets NHL hockey games.  

Kanicki also offers advice to graduates who are entering the job market.  

“The best advice I can offer is to be relentless and remain positive while job hunting,” he said. “You don’t have to accept the first job you’re offered, and whether your opportunity comes a week after you start your search or one year later — like my case — there is always a need for your skills in the world, you just have to find the right place.”