Zayden Tomson, a graphic design senior, currently interns with the Shocker Career
Accelerator, where he creates promotional materials for student career resources and
events. His professional design journey with the Shocker Career Accelerator began
in Summer 2025, and since then, he’s been refining his skills while making a visible
impact across campus.
Before joining Shocker Career Accelerator, Zayden interned with No Choice but Action, a local business that celebrates Kansas’ 90s punk rock scene. There, he began developing
a strategic design mindset—creating posters and merchandise that authentically reflected
the era’s aesthetic.
“This internship helped me to put myself in a more consumer-oriented mindset,” Zayden
said. “My designs had been for practice up until that point, so having an audience
that would be promoted towards was a great change of pace and a useful learning curve.”
This Spring 2025 internship was funded by Wichita State’s Applied Learning Fund, which supports paid, career-relevant student experiences. That same fund now supports
his current role at Shocker Career Accelerator.
In his current position, Zayden designs materials that are marketed to fellow students.
He consistently prioritizes audience needs while adhering to brand standards to maintain
a cohesive visual identity. His final designs appear across Wichita State campuses
and social media, helping students engage with career development opportunities.
“A moment that meant a lot to me was getting my designs for the On-Campus Job Fair
sent out,” Tomson said. “It’s amazing to see my work somewhere other than a drive
or my portfolio.”
Through his internship, Zayden has also discovered the kind of work environment where
he thrives—one that encourages creativity and collaboration. He enjoys bouncing ideas
with his supervisor, Kim Kufahl, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications.
He also values the structured work environment that challenges him to meet design
standards and deadlines.
“I have grown so much as a person as well as an artist and designer,” Zayden said.
“I’ve become more confident in my decision to pursue design—and in my abilities.”
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience
with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact theShocker Career Acceleratorat (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visitwichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita
State campus.
