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Jae Florence Corales, WIU Graphic Design graduate
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Just Hired: Jae Florence Corales

July 24, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - - Meet Jae Florence Corales, a Western Illinois University Graphic Design graduate, who has been hired by Gray Media, a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, GA.

"Gray Media is a leading broadcast company in the U.S.," Corales said. "It operates local TV stations and digital platforms that deliver trusted news, weather and entertainment to millions of viewers."

During the interview, Corales showcased the skills he had honed at WIU to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.

"They were looking for a multimedia creative producer and my skills in graphic design, motion design, photography and filmmaking matched what they needed," Corales said. "English is my fourth language, so I was nervous during the interview, but the team was kind and patient. After talking with the creative manager and the media team, I was given a final challenge: design and animate a Yard Sale logo in under three hours."

Corales gained essential knowledge through his degree at WIU. It not only shaped his skills but also inspired him to push himself forward.

"My time at WIU taught me resilience and independence. Being introverted and being a non-native English speaker pushed me to figure things out on my own, which helped me grow both as a student and as a creative," Corales said. "My major gave me hands-on experience in design, photography and motion graphics, which all helped prepare me for the role I have now."

Now, as an alumnus, Corales remains connected to the WIU community.

"I still communicate with the art faculty," Corales said. "I'm in the process of making new works to be able to exhibit them in the gallery!"

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

To learn more about the WIU Graphic Design program, visit wiu.edu/cofac/art/ba_graphic_design.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing