What did you study at Ryerson and what year did you graduate?
Fashion Communications ‘09
What made you choose that program? Was it related to the career you envisioned?
I chose that program based on my interest in apparel, art and technology. I hadn’t quite nailed down my career path but knew that this program offered the most opportunity to figure that out.
Were you involved in any clubs or societies as a student? What did you enjoy most about them? Do you think they provide benefits for students?
I was involved in sports and in my second year I started forming the Ryerson Women’s Hockey team (originally called The Stingers). Together with other student-athletes, I enjoyed building a future for women’s hockey at Ryerson and being undefeated in our first season! I know this has provided many benefits for students as we now have a team that competes in the OUA and offers the chance for female hockey players to come and study at an innovative institution.
What did you do immediately after graduation?
I continued working at my full time job as a Graphic Designer for Joe Boxer Canada. I landed this position in my third year.
What is your job title?
Owner and Lead Creative
What personal qualities or abilities are important to being successful in your current job?
Communication, goal setting, critical thinking paired with a creative mind, openness to change and a desire to keep learning and updating skills.
Highlight some of your past work experience.
I worked as a Graphic Designer for Joe Boxer Canada for 4 years at which point I transitioned into retail marketing for a national beauty company working as a Senior Designer and Art Director. Following this, I did some Brand Management work for an outerwear brand exclusive to The Bay. Over the years, I also managed a small freelance business. Having made connections along the way, it led to a great opportunity to transition into self-employment. I now own a small multi-faceted design company that provides design and brand consulting to businesses. My clients range from national apparel brands, to insurance organizations and small local businesses.
How do you see jobs in this field changing in the future?
There will be more of an emphasis on well-rounded skills and abilities. With technology progressing quickly, the expectation will be for designers to be more knowledgeable in areas that relate to digital design.
What special advice would you give a student entering this field?
Don’t ever think that you have your degree and that’s it! A good designer stays current by continuing to learn and their update skills. If owning your own business is in the cards, be prepared to work hard not only in your work but also in the relationships around you.
Describe Ryerson in three words:
Focused, innovative and ambitious.
What is the most important thing you took away from your experience at Ryerson?
The most important thing I took away from Ryerson is that there are many opportunities in front of you – you just have to make a choice, work hard and good things will happen.
Is there anything you wish they’d taught you at Ryerson?
At the moment, I can’t think of anything else.
How do you stay motivated?
I set goals and the feeling of crossing something off my list is enough motivation to keep going.
What, in your opinion, are the keys to success?
Integrity, good work ethic and adaptability
Do you have any final advice for students?
The best advice I ever heard and that has stuck with me since I left Ryerson is the following:
There is no such thing as being ‘lucky’ in your career. ‘Luck’ seems to follow the people who work hard.
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