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During my education at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities, I was always active and on the move. On top of being a full-time student — working and completing projects for courses on graphic, web, and user experience design — I was also doing 32 hours per week as a Shift Supervisor at a coffee shop. Although being a barista was not connected to my career objectives, having been able to balance a busy schedule and achieve my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design was an example of my strengths of being adaptable and diligent. After I graduated, I carried these strengths into the work and positions that followed.

At Bosch Security Systems, although I had an entry/junior level position, my role and responsibilities were elevated due to the Senior Designer position not being filled. I was pushed to quickly adapt, evolve, and learn. Through this, I gained experience and skills in a wide array of disciplines— including print production, packaging, email marketing, motion graphics, event exhibition, and video production. I also gained experience in working on an international team and assisting in developing the global visual branding of subsidiary companies such as Electro-Voice, RTS, and Telex.

“Michael performed well when briefed and brought through very strong first-rounds of artwork drafts; often exceeding project stakeholder's expectations. These strengths opened up new avenues to explore as our team revised our brand manuals and style guides.”

Elizabeth M. Christenson, Marketing & Communications Manager — North America

Quoted from a reference letter written in 2016

After two years, I moved on to a new position as a Designer at a digital agency called ArcStone. There, I was able to focus on work that aligned more to my career goals — web and product design. It was in this position that I quickly jumped into leading and managing projects, which were primarily web but also doing other design work such as brand and identity. I also gained skills and experiences by assisting in other areas of projects such as content marketing and web development. In 2019, I was promoted to Lead Designer in which I was more involved in advocating and directing the agency's design process.

At the same time of being the Lead Designer, from 2019–2021, I took on an ambitious amount of responsibility by undertaking more leadership roles. At ArcStone, I formed and led an internal diversity, equity, and inclusion group. For AIGA Minnesota, I was the Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion. And, I was also a Board Member of a nonprofit organization called The SEAD Project. My work and extracurriculars led me to be nominated and awarded as one of the recipients of Adfed's 32 under 32 Award in 2020.

“I could tell by…his comments in our committee meetings and his eventual leadership of our group that this individual operates on empathy, honesty, and dedication to the cause. Not only does he speak these truths, he also acts upon them. He can be counted on to follow up his intentions and produce results, share knowledge and gentle education, and impact others in the most humane way.”

Heather Soladay Olson, Founder of Soladay Olson | Advisor & Advocate

Quoted from 32 under 32 nomination written in 2020

In addition to actively seeking to learn and grow throughout my career, I also created my own opportunities to expand my skills. This included self-teaching and creating Lao type designs; developing a website, creating content, and managing social media for a Lao language resource called Wow Speak Lao; and doing pro-bono art and illustrations for nonprofit organizations.

Forever a learner with a growth mindset, I enjoy the process of discovery and seeking knowledge. I view every situation and challenge as a learning opportunity, and I love the adventure and journey each path takes me.