GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT RYERSON UNIVERSITY
@RUGCM
WWW.RYERSONGCM.CA
416-979-5050
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPPORTUNITIES What exciting opportunities are available to GCM students? Discover our scholarships and international exchange program. Get involved with extracurricular student groups unique to GCM and attend engaging industry and student events.
ALUMNI PROFILES WHY GCM?
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Discover what makes the country’s only degree-granting program in print management stand out.
PROGRAM Find out how GCM combines technology, creativity and business to create a compelling, hands-on undergraduate degree program. Learn about the flexibility offered by the curriculum, Concentrations and Minors, as well as internship and Job Fair.
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What’s life like after GCM? Read Q&As with a diverse group of alumni working in dynamic fields of the printing industries. Learn first-hand what the GCM experience is all about and discover a few of the employment opportunities available upon graduation.
STUDENT WORK
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A visual showcase of student work completed throughout the GCM program. Take a look at how our students are applying technical, creative and business skills acquired in courses to create inspiring projects.
WHY GCM? 9 Reasons to Choose GCM at Ryerson
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A MODERN, FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM A new, modern and flexible curriculum remains relevant while providing plenty of elective choice. Students have the option to pursue a Concentration in packaging, digital graphics, publishing or leadership. Many students choose to add a Minor in a second area of interest.
PAID INTERNSHIPS
SMALL CLASSES
Students complete an internship between third and fourth year. Most of these positions are paid. Interns work with leading employers to gain valuable work experience and put learning into practice.
Small class sizes and hands-on lab courses allow students to build personal connections with instructors and classmates. Developing a professional network for the future comes naturally here at GCM.
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
LEADING LEARNING LABS
Students benefit from an extremely high graduate placement rate. Many receive multiple job offers prior to graduation. Placement assistance for interns and grads is centered on the School’s highly successful annual Job Fair.
COMBINE CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS GCM combines the high technology and creativity of graphic communications with the analytical and strategic principles of management. Liberal elective courses add breadth to the curriculum to prepare graduates for employment in a wide range of careers.
Learning labs feature state-of-the-art computer, imaging, printing and finishing technologies. Generous industry support lets students learn using up-to-date software and equipment found in leading printing companies.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT Industry leaders and successful companies support GCM students with generous scholarships and awards, company tours and guest speakers. Industry outreach gives students the opportunity to attend major industry shows and events.
GREAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES GCM students have many opportunities to get to know each other and their profession. A wide range of GCM student clubs attend industry conferences, competitions and seminars in locations around North America and the world.
RYERSON IS CANADA’S INNOVATION LEADER In national surveys, Ryerson is consistently ranked one of the most innovative undergraduate universities in Canada. GCM students gain knowledge, experience and skills to help them become leaders in the printing industries.
GCM OFFERS AN UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. DAN RAFTIS Design Consultant at RBC Bank Alumni Profile Page 38
PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION Graphic Communications Management in the modern, high-tech Heidelberg Centre is Canada’s only degree program for the printing industries. Our four-year degree offers incredible opportunities in all areas of digital imaging and print production, providing education for a management career in the dynamic and growing printing industries.
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS IS ALL AROUND US We come into contact with hundreds of printed and graphic products every day: Packaging and labeling for food, beverages, cosmetics and household products Magazines, books and newspapers Signs, posters, billboards and transit wraps Boxes, bags, tags, tickets and printed containers Printed money, credit cards, gift and phone cards Gift wrap, wall coverings and printed fabrics Websites and electronic communications
The printing industry is Canada’s fourthlargest manufacturing employer: it is an eleven billion dollar industry with over 60,000 employees working in more than 4,000 different establishments. Graduates of Canada’s degree program for the printing industries enjoy outstanding internship and career opportunities across the country and around the world. Technology continues to change the way we receive and process information. The printing industries have been at the forefront of this revolution. The GCM program at Ryerson recognizes the dynamic nature of technology and its relationship to graphic communications; our curriculum is constantly revised to reflect and lead this change. The GCM program is advised by top visionary leaders in the printing industries. The Advisory Council is instrumental in supporting and assisting the program and in connecting industry and the University.
CERTIFICATE IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS Ryerson’s Chang School of Continuing Education also offers a Certificate in Graphic Communications. This certificate is of interest to individuals who wish to advance professionally and to those seeking the knowledge and skills required for a career in the graphic communications industry. Students may enroll directly into entry-level courses. No interview or portfolio is required. 11
TECHNOLOGY & CREATIVE FOCUS 12
The GCM program prepares students to become well-rounded managers in the printing industries, with a high level of technological and creative literacy. Throughout your four years as a GCM student, core courses will build a strong foundation for your technical knowledge and skills. Professors are well-connected to industry and the skills you gain throughout your studies are applicable once employed in industry.
The modern Heidelberg Centre is home to GCM students. The equipment and applications used here reflect what’s common in industry. GCM offers modern labs equipped with high-end Mac computers. Students have access to labs during class time and open lab hours, including select evenings and weekends. In premedia labs students use professional digital cameras in a photography studio, as well
FIRST YEAR LABS HAVE 20-25 STUDENTS, WHILE LECTURES TYPICALLY HAVE 75-90 STUDENTS.
as photo-quality proofers and printers. In production labs students work with digital, offset and flexographic printing presses, binding and finishing machines, computer-based simulators and specialized material testing equipment. You are welcome to visit and tour our labs. Many GCM courses have a combined lecture and lab format. Lectures focus on concepts while small-group labs offer practical, hands-on testing and application. Small class sizes allow students to interact closely with their professors.
BUSINESS FOCUS Students will develop the technical and business skills required of successful managers in the printing industries. GCM graduates are well-rounded and possess a diverse range of skills. The interdisciplinary program prepares students to effectively manage projects from concept to completion. Required courses include marketing, global management, professional communication, accounting and project management. Course content prepares students to become effective communicators and
decision-makers; the curriculum is designed to enable quick transition into management roles. Business courses in the upper years have a strong management focus and students are thoroughly prepared to build a successful career in the printing industries. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit may elect to take GCM’s business plan course. Many of the school’s past graduates have gone on to start their own business, wellequipped with the knowledge and skills required to be an entrepreneur.
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YEAR 1
GCM CURRICULUM Customize your degree with elective courses
GCM 110 INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (Lecture 3 hrs)
GCM 120 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSES 1 (Lab 3 hrs)
GCM 130 DESIGN & LAYOUT (Lecture 1.5 hrs, Lab 1.5 hrs)
MKT 100 PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING (Lecture 3 hrs)
LIBERAL ELECTIVE (Lecture 3 hrs)
YEAR 1 GCM 111 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (Lecture 3 hrs)
GCM 121 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSES 2 (Lab 3 hrs)
CMN 279 INTRO TO PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS (Lecture 3 hrs)
GMS 200 INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT (Lecture 3 hrs)
SSH 105 CRITICAL THINKING 1 (Lecture 3 hrs)
OPEN ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
YEAR 2
YEAR 2
GCM 230 TYPOGRAPHY
GCM 210 CONSUMER PACKAGING
(Lab 3 hrs)
(Lecture 3 hrs)
GCM 240 MATERIAL SCIENCE FOR PRINT
GCM 220 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSES 3
(Lab 3 hrs)
GCM 250 BINDING & FINISHING (Lab 3 hrs)
MKT 300 MARKETING METRICS & ANALYTICS (Lecture 3 hrs)
LIBERAL ELECTIVE (Lecture 3 hrs)
(Lab 3 hrs)
GCM 260 DIGITAL PREMEDIA WORKFLOWS (Lecture 1.5 hrs, Lab 1.5 hrs)
ACC 100 INTRODUCTORY FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (Lecture 3 hrs)
LIBERAL ELECTIVE (Lecture 3 hrs)
OPEN ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
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YEAR 3 GCM 350 ESTIMATING & SELLING FOR GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
GCM 320 DIGITAL & VARIABLE DATA PRINTING
(Lecture 1 hr, Lab 2 hrs)
(Lecture 1.5 hrs, Lab 1.5 hrs)
GCM 360 COLOUR MANAGEMENT FOR GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
GCM 362 WEB AND CROSS-MEDIA
(Lecture 1.5 hrs, Lab 1.5 hrs)
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YEAR 3
(Lab 3 hrs)
GCM 370 MANAGEMENT STUDIES
GCM 372 OPERATIONS & PROCESS MANAGEMENT
(Lecture 3 hrs)
(Lecture 3 hrs)
GCM 375 PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
CORE ELECTIVE
(Lecture 3 hrs)
CORE ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
LIBERAL ELECTIVE (Lecture 3 hrs)
(Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
OPEN ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
INTERNSHIP WKT 608 GCM INTERNSHIP (Work Placement)
YEAR 4 GCM 420 ADVANCED PRINT PRODUCTION PROCESSES (Lab 3 hrs)
GCM 460 ASSET MANAGEMENT FOR GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (Lecture 1.5 hrs, Lab 1.5 hrs)
CORE ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
OPEN ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
LIBERAL ELECTIVE (Lecture 3 hrs)
YEAR 4 GCM 470 BUSINESS PLAN
OR
GCM 490 THESIS
(Lecture 3 hrs)
(Lab 3 hrs)
GCM 461 WORKFLOW AUTOMATION (Lab 3 hrs)
CORE ELECTIVE (Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
OPEN ELECTIVE 19
(Lecture or Lab, 3 hrs)
LIBERAL ELECTIVE (Lecture 3 hrs)
For more details about curriculum and courses, visit:
WWW.RYERSONGCM.CA
*Approved curriculum subject to change
CONCENTRATIONS & MINORS Concentrations are another way for students to customize their degree and graduate with a unique skill set. By focusing on a specific area within graphic communications, students are able to study topics that interest them in more depth. Currently there are four Concentration topics to choose from. Completion of a Concentration is optional, doing so allows students to achieve a level of expertise beyond the core curriculum and sets them apart from others when entering the workforce.
Ryerson offers over 50 Minors. With a Minor GCM students get to explore a secondary area of study, outside their GCM Major. A Minor is awarded at graduation upon completing a specific number of elective courses, usually six, outside the Major field of study. The completion of one or more Minors is optional.
GCM STUDENTS CAN PURSUE CONCENTRATIONS IN: Digital Graphic Output Leadership Packaging Publishing
SOME OF THE MINORS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO GCM STUDENTS ARE: Accounting, eBusiness, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Environmental and Urban Sustainability, Fashion Studies, Film Studies, Finance, French, Global Management, Human Resources Management, Information Technology Management, International Business, Law, Marketing, News Studies, Occupational Health and Safety, Organizational Leadership, Photography Studies, Professional Communication, Spanish.
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INTERNSHIP 22
GCM students participate in a work placement between third and fourth year. Most are paid, however some students opt for a volunteer position. The goal of the internship program is to allow students to apply classroom concepts in a professional context while broadening their understanding of the printing industries.
Many employers continue to employ interns part-time through fourth year and hire them full-time after graduation. A majority of students find an internship through our annual Job Fair and career postings. GCM students have access and connections to a wide variety of organizations including design agencies, print houses, magazine publishers and many more. Students have completed internships in diverse areas of interest such as project management, design and sales.
JOB FAIR In an industry of over 60,000 employees, GCM grads are in high demand, working in rewarding and engaging positions around the world. Like all fields, employment prospects vary from year to year and student to student. Those who get the best job offers are those who excel in their studies and are flexible and engaged. Our annual Job Fair is successful in connecting students with potential employers in the printing industries.
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OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE Each year, select students participate in international student exchanges. GCM has exchange agreements with universities abroad in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Belgium. Study at other universities is also possible. In most cases, GCM students who are going abroad on exchange travel during the second semester (Winter term) of their third year.
Photographed: Linkรถping University in Sweden.
GCM also welcomes inbound exchange students from a range of international universities. International exchanges give students the chance to meet people from other countries and cultures, learn about printing as a global enterprise and develop a network of contacts around the world.
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SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS GCM students are eligible for a number of awards, scholarships and bursaries. These include entrance scholarships awarded by Ryerson University, in addition to university, faculty and program specific awards. Certain awards are provided for and available exclusively to GCM students. Each fall at Awards Night, successful students collect awards totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Many of these awards are donated by generous individuals, companies and organizations from the printing industries. Instructions and application forms are announced each September to current students.
CANADIAN PRINTING INDUSTRIES SCHOLARSHIPS Multiple awards, currently $1,250 per year per student, renewable for all four years of study. This scholarship is for qualifying students entering their first year of GCM with a high school average of 80% or higher. Dozens of GCM students receive this generous scholarship every year. Students apply directly to the Canadian Printing Industries Scholarship Trust Fund in the summer before first year. Learn more at www.printscholarships.ca.
*All scholarships and awards are subject to change or cancellation
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STUDENT GROUPS 30
GCM students are active in a range of extracurricular teams and clubs. Students work together, meet new friends, have lots of fun and enhance their academic experience.
GCM COURSE UNION The Course Union represents GCM students within Ryerson. The student-led Executive and Class Reps organize social activities, trips, intramural athletic teams and academic events.
LETTERPRESS CLUB The Letterpress Club is an interdisciplinary club with members throughout Ryerson who collaborate to complete a project each semester. Club members get hands-on experience while learning about typography, composition, layout and printing. Students involved with the club learn the fundamentals of letterpress printing: type casting, movable type, the uses of various inks and paper and more.
PHOENIX CHALLENGE The Phoenix Challenge is a flexography competition which takes place at the annual FTA Flexo Forum conference each spring. Past teams have competed in Baltimore, San Diego and Las Vegas.
RYETAGA
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RyeTAGA is the Ryerson student chapter of the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA). TAGA is an important technical research association in the printing industry. The student chapter publishes its own journal of research annually and RyeTAGA students have won several top prizes at conferences in Portland, San Francisco and Pittsburgh.
RYEPACK RyePack is Ryerson’s student group dedicated to creating opportunities in learning about packaging. Students can participate in field trips, speaker events and design competitions.
XPLOR RYERSON Xplor Ryerson helps connect students who share an interest in digital documents to industry professionals from the Xplor International network. Xplor provides networking opportunities for students by hosting industry events.
OTHER GCM STUDENT GROUPS Grad Book Team Colloquium
GCM GAVE ME COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD GENUINE CONNECTIONS AND GAIN HANDSON EXPERIENCE.
Drupa Group Interpack Group
ANDREA LO Project Manager at Cundari Alumni Profile Page 44
INDUSTRY EVENTS 34
Working with industry is a big part of being a GCM student. Students meet instructors and guest speakers from industry and participate in plant tours. Respected professionals attend events at Ryerson and invite students to industry dinners, seminars, plant tours and open houses. Students can join industry associations and attend trade shows and conferences. Industry supports GCM because our grads are important to them. We receive generous support from our partners in the form of equipment, software, materials and other technology.
NETWORKING: IT’S NOT WHO YOU KNOW, IT’S WHO KNOWS YOU.
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From top: students attending the Graph Expo trade show in Chicago, opportunities for networking occur at trade shows such as Info Flex, students visit the Toronto Star during a midnight plant tour. Photos courtesy of Emily House.
SOCIAL EVENTS GCM students consider themselves a part of the “GCM Family.” Students, professors and staff interact on a first-name basis. Student groups create community by running numerous social, athletic and academic events throughout the year, starting with Orientation Week in the fall. Many students join our various extra-curricular student clubs and teams. You will have many opportunities to get involved. Social events have included: Parade & Picnic, GCM Halloween, Student Choice Awards, Graduation Formal, Acoustic Night and much more.
WELCOME TO THE GCM FAMILY.
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Opposite page: GCM students from all years marching together as part of Ryerson’s annual Parade & Picnic, held during the Week of Welcome. Photo by Emily House.
ALUMNI PROFILES
DAN RAFTIS Design Consultant at RBC Bank The role of Design Consultant at RBC is primarily geared towards designing end-to-end experiences across all RBC branded products and services, which includes both print and online solutions. A portion of the day is spent listening in on and participating in brainstorming sessions with different sectors of the company to strategize how we can deliver the best solutions for a problem. We solve these
problems by using a variety of design tools and skills, all while wearing the hat of a brand champion. Having an excellent understanding of past, present, and future print and web technologies are a must to really thrive in an environment of rapid change, shifting priorities, and multiple projects. You really have to have a curiosity for new technologies in this industry.
How did the GCM program help prepare you for your current role as design consultant? GCM offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of art, science and technology. You will learn countless methods on how to develop solutions and deliver content through print, web and other mediums. Once you understand the fundamentals, you can really tailor your studies through electives and personal projects... and that’s sort of what I did with my interest in art direction and design.
If you could name one lesson or piece of advice that led you to be where you are today what would that be? My sincerest advice to students would be twofold — be honest and be authentic. I’ve always made an effort to have relationships first and colleagues second. People go to bat for their friends and at the end of the day, we all want to work and invest time with good people.
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Having worked in the industry for many years what advice do you have for new GCM students?
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What were your favourite courses as a GCM student? Courses that had some creativity involved, not just technical or pure theory were my favourite. That being said, I really do have some fond memories of mixing inks, ripping paper to test grain direction and even manually binding a book! Layout and typography courses were very interesting and to this day I still refer to a lot of the principles and processes I learned way back when. Have an open mind with all your courses, as you never know which ones may surprise you and truly feel fulfilling and fun.
I will provide creative direction to partners or other teams within the company. It’s a bit of a roller coaster ride! Our entire team wears multiple hats and that’s one of the best parts of the job. Never a boring day.
Try to study with, intern for and/ or work alongside someone you admire. Remember to be humble. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Keep a pulse on what companies are working OUR ENTIRE TEAM on. Work hard. I think it’s WEARS MULTIPLE extremely important for HATS AND THAT’S students to get involved by ONE OF THE supporting and challenging BEST PARTS OF the creative community, THE JOB. NEVER because we’re all in this A BORING DAY. together. It’s equally important to find meaningful ways to give back. Keep helping out friends and family. Most of all, just have some fun. Oh and give a great handshake.
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How would you describe a typical day? Honestly, it’s hard to say what will happen in a typical day as working for such a large company puts me all over the map. Some days ‘fires’ need to be put out and on others
Photographed are projects Dan completed in his previous position as Art Director & Visual Designer at Contempo Media. Previous page: Bombardier Experience iPad magazine. Right: interactive iPad experience for H&M.
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FARIS ABU-KWIEK Packaging Specialist at Canadian Tire As a Packaging Specialist for Canadian Tire, Faris creates all of the content that appears on the packaging for privatelyowned Canadian Tire brands. He then passes this content to a designer, who creates a mock-up of the package artwork for approval. Faris works alongside
branding teams during this process to ensure the artwork supplied by designers follows branding guidelines. The role of Packaging Specialist requires strong skills in project management, such as attention to detail, time management, communication and organizational skills.
What was your most memorable experience at GCM?
How did GCM help you get to where you are in your career? The neat thing about the GCM program is that you get to take a wide variety of courses. Doing so helps you get a better understanding of the different fields that make up the graphic arts industry and allows you to explore the areas you are interested or excel in.
My most memorable experience was being involved with different extra-curricular clubs at GCM, specifically RyeTAGA and RyePack. I will always remember the long nights of working on the RyeTAGA journal and projects for various RyePack packaging competitions. I am also grateful for the opportunities to travel throughout my undergrad. For example, I greatly enjoyed my trip to Germany to attend Drupa with fellow GCM students.
What makes you passionate about the packaging industry and about your role with Canadian Tire? It’s one area of the printing industry that is constantly growing and expanding. I’ve always loved packaging as it has many ties to the retail industry. This is why I was attracted to my current job as packaging specialist — I get to help develop the packaging for privately-owned Canadian Tire brands that appear on our shelves.
What do you find are the most enjoyable parts of being a packaging specialist? I work with a variety of different teams and products, not knowing what to expect next is always fun and exciting. It’s also very rewarding to see the products that I’ve worked on sitting on Canadian Tire shelves!
If you could name one lesson or piece of advice that led you to be where you are today what would that be? I would not be where I am today if I didn’t keep my options open. I think it’s also important to be willing to venture out of your comfort zone and try something different. More specifically related to student life, make sure to get involved with clubs and organizations — there are so many different groups that cater to such a wide range of interests. Doing so allows you to meet other students from different programs, which will make your university experience that much more enjoyable.
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ANDREA LO Project Manager at Cundari As a project manager Andrea is the central hub of every project, connecting and supporting Accounts, Creative and Studio teams in order to complete the project. Andrea works specifically on the BMW Account, focusing on print, online and radio advertising. Her role is to ensure the correct planning and development of projects throughout their life-cycle
ensuring that all milestones are met while satisfying the client and staying within budget. This includes the scheduling and negotiating of all internal and external production for clients. She sees the creative process through from beginning to end, giving her a chance to share her creative opinions as well.
How did GCM help you prepare to work in industry? GCM gave me countless opportunities to build genuine connections and gain hands-on experience. More specifically, completing an internship gave me a glimpse into the real world and enabled me to apply people skills, work ethic and a positive attitude in my current role.
What attracted you to the advertising industry and to your position as Project Manager? Advertising is full of excitement, passion and creativity. What captivated me about being a Project Manager at Cundari was getting to see both ends of the spectrum. On one hand, being at an agency meant immersing myself in an environment full of energy and inspiration. At the same time, being a Project Manager allows me to learn the ins and outs of the actual business, providing me with practical knowledge.
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What were your most memorable experiences at GCM? My role as Vice President of the GCM Course Union provided me with some of my most memorable moments. Being involved in extracurriculars allowed me to forge some lifelong friendships and attend many noteworthy industry events. Being open-minded and getting involved makes an enormous difference to your undergraduate experience. 48
What advice do you have for new GCM graduates? Never stop learning. Whatever you choose to do, take the passion you have and carry it forward in your life. It may not appear like it at first, but any job or opportunity you are faced with will play an important role in your future. You are slowly carving your path with the skills you gain and people you meet.
During your undergrad you completed a Minor in Marketing. How has it helped you in your career?
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NEVER STOP LEARNING. WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO, TAKE THE PASSION YOU HAVE AND CARRY IT FORWARD IN YOUR LIFE.
A Minor in Marketing helped me diversify my skill sets. It allowed me to focus and pursue a specific area of interest that I greatly enjoyed and provided an opportunity to develop my understanding of the theory and improve my skills.
Photographed: Billboard advertisement projects for BMW on display at the Don Valley Parkway (previous) and Montreal Airport (right).
STUDENT WORK
PACKAGING DESIGN
BRANDING
BUSINESS PLAN
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN & LAYOUT & LAYOUT
COLOUR RESEARCH
HAND-BOUND BOOKS
@RUGCM
WWW.RYERSONGCM.CA
416-979-5050