No SIGGRAPH is complete without the longstanding annual SVA Alumni Reception, where our students get to mingle with over 100 industry professionals, SIGGRAPH Pioneers and studio recruiters including Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) and Disney. Our staff meanwhile came away with many more contacts with academic leaders from departments across the country, resulting in invitations to visit their BFA students this fall.

Mengzhen said of her experience:

“[SIGGRAPH] was a great experience. I was very excited to participate in such a large conference for the first time. I saw a lot of VR-related works/technical demonstrations, which encouraged my determination to make VR content. The student volunteers are all from different countries and are very friendly people. Every day is super fulfilling”

Qinglan shared:

“There was so much to see, and the presentations were truly eye-opening. Overall, it has motivated me to push myself even further in my own work. I was particularly drawn to the sessions from major studios like Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar, where they walked us through their project workflows and tools.

On top of that, I had the chance to speak with many industry professionals, gaining insights into different career paths and receiving invaluable advice. It was also a fantastic opportunity to build new connections and start thinking more seriously about my career goals. If anyone is intimidated by networking events like I used to be, SIGGRAPH is a great remedy—it's like a week-long networking boot camp! By the end of the conference, you'll definitely learn how to start conversations and approach people confidently.”

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