Benefits of Student Print Education and Experience in The Digital Age

In today's digital age, it’s easy to undervalue the importance of print education and experience. However, contrary to what some people may think, print continues to hold immense value and offers numerous benefits in today's world.

In this article, we’ll discuss the numerous benefits of print management education and experience. We’ll also explain how those two can prepare students for a potential career in printing technology. Knowing those benefits, schools can offer their students a chance to reap the unique advantages offered by this timeless medium.

Print Education and Its Relevance in the Digital Age

It’s true that the digital landscape has reshaped how people consume information. However, print still plays a vital role in communication, sales, marketing, and corporate branding. Print education refers to specialized programs that equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed in the print world.

In an increasingly digital world, print media has proven to be a refreshing disrupter and a familiar comfort. The tactile sensation, genuineness, and experiential feel that print gives can spark deeper engagement. Print management knowledge, printing experience, and a grasp of print technology help students combine print and digital technologies and craft powerful content.

A great initiative related to print education is the Canon University Inkjet Program. Canon is a renowned leader in imaging and printing solutions and one of SumnerOne’s longstanding technology partners. The company started this program with Arizona State University to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of inkjet technology and its applications. Launched in 2019, it aims to educate and inspire students about the latest trends in print and their innovative inkjet technology.

Involving students in your school’s print center can also provide them with relevant print education and experience. For instance, St. Louis Community College hired students to work in its unified print center. This helped expose their students to new and diversified print technology, helping them develop crucial skills for their future careers. 

Programs like Canon’s, and print centers like St. Louis Community College, can bridge the gap between theory and practice. They offer students real-world experience and valuable insights into print technology. Students benefit from collaboration with industry professionals and access to state-of-the-art printing technology. As a result, they can gain a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of the industry, the printing process, and more.

Such programs offer a multitude of benefits and openings for those who choose to participate. By working in a print center, students gain knowledge and experience in using cutting-edge print technology. They also learn how to collaborate in a tech-centric or operations environment. It likewise opens up for them the possibility of a career in printing technology.

Having work experience in a print center can nurture creativity, strengthen graphic design skills, and teach problem-solving abilities. Moreover, students can improve their skills in collaboration, teamwork, and strong communication. All of those are essential for success in the printing business and beyond.

Benefits of Print Education to Students

Develops Essential Skills for the Print Industry

The first major benefit of print education is that it equips students with a wide range of valuable skills in print. Print education can include a wide range of knowledge, from understanding color theory and typography to mastering printing techniques and workflows. It provides a comprehensive knowledge base that forms a solid foundation for successful careers in both print and printing technology.

Bridges the Gap Between Theory and Practice

While theoretical knowledge is essential, print education bridges the gap between theory and practice by immersing students in real-world scenarios. Through hands-on exercises and projects, students gain practical experience. They get to hone their print production, graphic design, color management, print management, and quality control skills. This practical application of knowledge prepares them for the demands of the print industry.

Embraces Digital Printing Technologies

Print education in the digital age acknowledges the link between print and digital media. Students can gain a unique competitive edge by understanding digital printing technologies. They can combine the advantages of print's tangibility and sensory experience with the accessibility and interactivity of digital platforms. As a result, they can create truly immersive and engaging content.

Cultivates Creativity and Design Skills

Print education nurtures creativity and design skills, empowering students to create visually stunning and compelling print materials. From understanding layout composition to exploring different printing techniques, they learn how to communicate messages through print effectively. This ability to create aesthetically pleasing and impactful print materials sets them apart in a visually saturated digital landscape.

Nurtures Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities

The print industry presents complex challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learning about various print management solutions cultivates these abilities. They expose students to the print environment and real-world scenarios, while encouraging them to find innovative solutions. From troubleshooting printing issues to optimizing production workflows, they develop the analytical skills needed to excel in the dynamic print industry.

Promotes Collaboration and Professionalism

Collaboration and professionalism are of high value in the print industry. Print education strongly emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration, teamwork, and communication.

By engaging in group projects and industry collaborations, students learn to work harmoniously with others. They begin to view and acknowledge diverse perspectives, as well as deliver successful print projects. These skills prepare them for the collaborative nature of the printing industry.

Benefits of Print Experience to Students

Enables Real-World Application of Print Knowledge

Print experience allows students to apply their acquired knowledge in real-world settings. By working on print projects, they learn how to execute print jobs from start to finish. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of the print workflow, client management, and the overall dynamics of the print industry.

Provides Business Exposure

Besides specific experience in the print industry, print education also provides a general business experience for students. Working in a print center exposes them to business operations, including its various facets like marketing, customer service, and so on. All of these help in developing their general business acumen.

Offers Industry Networking Opportunities

Print experience also often involves interacting with industry professionals, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities. Internships, industry events, and collaborations are all beneficial to young learners. They allow them to connect with experts, gain insights on industry trends and practices, and even possibly find suitable print jobs. Building a strong professional network is crucial for career development and advancement in the print industry.

Helps Build a Strong Portfolio for Career Prospects

Print experience allows students to build a robust portfolio of their work to showcase their skills, creativity, and adaptability. A well-curated portfolio demonstrates practical experience and serves as tangible evidence of their capabilities. This portfolio makes them more marketable and increases their chances of securing a desirable career in printing technology.

Enhances Job Readiness and Employability

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students in need of cash. On top of that, print experience also provides students with a competitive advantage in the job market. Employers highly value candidates who possess practical knowledge and a deep understanding of the print industry.

By gaining hands-on experience during their educational journey, these learners become better prepared to tackle challenges in their future careers. As a result, they improve their job-readiness. Print experience enhances their job-readiness and positions them as valuable assets to potential employers.

Promotes Embracing of Digital Technologies in Print

Students with experience in the printing world learn how digitalization can help optimize processes, heighten effectiveness, and achieve outstanding print results. Digitalization through technologies, like the Konica Minolta Print Experience app, allows them to stay updated with the constantly developing print business.

Meanwhile, the Xerox Desktop Print Experience offers features like tracking, secure printing, hue customization, booklet creation, and advanced finishing options. Meanwhile, the Xerox Print and Scan Experience app amplifies workflow proficiency and gives cutting-edge printing alternatives.

There are a number of other print-related software with amazing features. After all, the print industry is a vast and constantly evolving field. It offers many learning opportunities for students interested in its remarkable technologies.

Final Advice For Students on Gaining Print Education and Experience

Gaining print management education and print experience is vital and beneficial in today's digital era. Students can leverage the immense potential of print and explore a possible career in this industry. One way to do so is by considering joining something like the Canon University Inkjet Program. Another option is to work at a unified on-campus print center (which SumnerOne assists schools in setting up).

Investing in print education and attaining print experience helps students use the combined, unparalleled capabilities of print and digital. Through print education and experience, they can gain fundamental skills and join theory with practice. They can also think critically, foster teamwork, nurture creativity, and gain job-readiness.

Likewise, they get hands-on application opportunities, stay up-to-date on print technology, and a chance to develop valuable connections. They can even build a portfolio and become more desirable to employers. Learners can harness their print education and print experience in the digital age to fully leverage the power of print.

If you’re interested in providing valuable print education and experience to your students, get in touch with us today.