career snapshots of past student participants

Josh Sigmon

Continuing the celebration of Phoenix Challenge competitions over the past 25 years, Josh Sigmon is well worth highlighting.  After first learning of the Challenge at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), he went on to compete at the College Challenges four years in a row (2014-2017) for two different schools.  He began his educational journey at CPCC then transferred to Central Missouri State University where his focus was on graphic arts and printing.

Of what made the most impact from the Phoenix Challenge Competitions, Josh said, “The real-world application and being able to be a part of every stage from brainstorming to finding a client and ultimately a completed product really helps show you what all the industry has to offer.”  He went on to comment on what was most enjoyable, “Problem solving, team building and learning leadership skills, as well as getting an idea of what parts of the industry I was interested in was very good for me.”

Josh’s working journey has been rewarding and one that he directly attributes to his Phoenix Challenge involvement.  Early on, he worked at Art Litho Craft (ALC) then moved on to Harper Corporation, starting as a Quality Inspector and then grew into an account manager and has enjoyed much success since. He is currently Vice President of Sales for Canada, Europe, Asia, and Corporate Accounts.

The value found in the Phoenix Challenge is second to none according to Josh. “Nothing has more value than networking, as a student, the opportunity to make industry contacts is huge.  The challenge also prepares you with real experience that will give you an edge during interviews for your first job after school. The Competition was the only way to get an idea of what the industry truly has to offer. As a result, you will learn what aspects of the industry interest you the most, this will set you on the best path for a career!”

And today, Josh has come full circle with College Phoenix Challenge Competitions. He has stayed involved and serves as one the judges for the annual program.  His past experience as a competitor has provided great insight and has surely elevated the College Challenge outcomes for all the students who participate.   

Josh’s words of wisdom to future program participants, “The challenge is very difficult, however it’s important to challenge yourself and see what you can accomplish! Every aspect of this challenge will teach you skills that it would take years to learn otherwise. If you give the Challenge 100% you will be amazed at the opportunities that will come your way. I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for this Challenge, I would not be who I am today. The Phoenix Challenge allowed me to push my limits, as a result I learned so much about what I can accomplish when I set my mind to it.”

Courtney (Curry) Lesley

A wonderful talent that emerged from a Phoenix Challenge College Competition is Courtney Lesley. Courtney was exposed to the College Competition through Western Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Graphics and Printing Sciences.  While there, Professor Larry Ahleman urged his students to get involved with in-depth hands-on experience projects. The 2013 semester long College Competition with its final presentations and judging that took place at the FFTA Annual Forum provided Courtney a foundation that helped set her post-college career in motion. 

The competition is a great experience to build a foundation and understanding of what the professional world might be like.  Courtney said of her experience, “This was the first time I got to be involved in taking a big idea and creating something that we were all proud of. It was a great learning experience in project planning, creative ideation, and of course flexographic printing”.

Of the overall intensity of the competition, Courtney continued, “Sometimes the most difficult projects are the ones that involve the most freedom. This competition gives students the room to be creative and allows them to learn along the way.” She went on to express a valuable lesson learned, “(To) Very clearly define the problem statement and how you plan to solve it in a novel way BEFORE you spend a lot of time and energy creating anything.” 

Courtney has gone on to find her career blossom in the flexo and package printing industry.  After gaining exposure from the College Competition and enjoying an internship at G3 Labels in Modesto, California, she went on to accept a position before graduating as Improvement Specialist at Wikoff Color Corporation, soon after relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Since then, she has grown in her experience and has been promoted twice, first to Marketing Coordinator and then to Marketing Manager where she continues to deliver great results for Wikoff. A successful career well on its way.  Since landing in Charlotte, she met her husband whom she married five years after meeting him, during the pandemic, and they have settled into their first home just outside Fort Mill, South Carolina.  

Working with leading colleges and universities with graphics and print production programs, The Phoenix Challenge Foundation is proud to have established and grow the College Competition.  Developing young talent and providing them an avenue by which to enter the workforce is a mission the Foundation takes seriously.

With a real-life project combined with industry exposure, Courtney goes on to tout the experience, “I was so grateful at the time to be included in the networking events. At the time my main concern was finding future career opportunities but looking back it was very surreal to be treated as a peer for the first time among industry professionals.”