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Alice Chau

Alice Chau

Chronicle Books

Career Roadmap

Alice's work combines: Design, Food, and Being Creative

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Day In The Life

Senior Graphic Designer

I design cookbooks.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Computer Science

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Graphic Designers:

Bachelor's Degree: Graphic Design

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Loved studying computer science/engineering in college.

  • 2.

    Worked at a software/web consultancy, got laid off due to dot-com bubble. Felt the need to explore.

  • 3.

    Started taking graphic design classes at night while working at a startup. Loved it.

  • 4.

    Decided to pursue design full-time. Worked on portfolio.

  • 5.

    Accepted to Art Center College of Design to study Graphic Design.

  • 6.

    Chosen for Design Fellowship at Chronicle Books.

  • 7.

    Freelanced and worked around the city. Also did volunteer design for food-related organizations.

  • 8.

    Got my dream job as a full-time designer in the Food&Drink group at Chronicle Books.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Parents:

    You should pursue a career that makes a lot of money.

  • How I responded:

    Ultimately, people are happiest if they do what they love everyday, regardless of money.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • My parents were not sure what graphic design is, or why I would want to do that instead of a steady, high-paying job like engineering. Convincing them that this route will ultimately make me a happier person was difficult, but necessary.