Student Profile: Kenneth Fernandes

Where did you complete your Undergrad Degree/Diploma and in what subject area?

I completed my Bachelors in Management Studies back in Mumbai, India at St. Xavier’s Autonomous College, with a specialization in marketing. 

When did you first discover an interest in advertising?

After I finished my marketing post grad at Sheridan, I was pursuing a co-op as a digital marketer at a start-up. It was during my co-op that I worked on Out of Home advertising in Toronto and became interested in advertising, so I decided to learn more about the industry.

Why did you choose Sheridan’s Advertising Account Management program?

When I felt the need to learn more about advertising, I immediately thought of Sheridan. It has an outstanding reputation for providing a great education and includes industry learnings that help students gain knowledge and grow in a professional setting. 

How are you finding your experience at Sheridan?

It has been a wonderful journey from the start. The knowledge gained from faculty gears you to work both on the agency and client side. I wish I could stay for a couple more months to absorb all the amazing information Sheridan has to offer. 

What advice would you give someone who is considering our post grad program?

If you are sure about specializing in advertising and want to work at an ad agency, stop reading this blog and go apply. Now. 

Student Profile: Jessica Sels

Jessica Sels

Where did you complete your Undergrad Degree/Diploma and in what subject area?

I completed my degree at Brock University in St. Catharines and graduated with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Visual Arts.

When did you first discover an interest in Advertising?

I first discovered my interest in advertising when I was researching courses to take following my degree. I wanted to focus on something that I was passionate about and I wanted a challenge – a program where every client/situation would be different day-to-day. I wanted a job that would offer a chance to meet new people, explore new innovations through my creativity, and build my business acumen, which is why I was immediately drawn to Sheridan’s Advertising Account Management Program.

Why did you choose Sheridan’s Advertising Account Management Program?

I chose Sheridan because many graduates are employed right away and they had amazing feedback from what they learned both in the program and in the industry itself. It made me confident in my choice!

How are you finding your experience at Sheridan?

I absolutely love Sheridan! Not only are the professors great, but the classes are extremely knowledgeable and I learn more and more every day. I wanted to begin a career in an industry where I could continue learning, and with an ever-changing industry like Advertising you are always discovering something new. I love that! Sheridan is great because the classes are not too big so you get to know all of your classmates and professors one-on-one, which makes the experience all the more beneficial since you start networking there! The professors are always willing to help, even on a Sunday over the phone! 

What advice would you give to someone who is considering our post grad program?

Every course in this program is different, so you learn about the ENTIRE industry and it is quite amazing! I fully recommend taking this program if you love exploring your creative side but also have the business mindset! Every project is different but they all connect and build upon each other. This past year has been one of the best in my life. I absolutely love this program and I am extremely grateful as I now have a Co-op right out of school with a promise of a career in advertising! 

7 Reasons To Complete A Post Grad

Many graduates find themselves questioning why they should continue their education beyond a university degree. From someone who went through a similar situation, this is my advice.

Post graduate studies have a ton of benefits:

JOB PROSPECTS

We all get that wide-eyed deer in the headlights look when considering our next move after university. We're told to apply for jobs ASAP. Well, in doing so how will you differentiate yourself from the graduates you are competing against?

Completing a post-grad program gives yourself a one-up on those classmates. You have specialized education for the jobs you are applying for. Some post grad programs like Sheridan's Advertising Account Management offer co-op that may lead to a job opportunity within the company.

PASSION

Immerse yourself into a subject you are passionate about. Some people enjoy learning, so keep going. There are skills and life lessons you learn through a post grad program that you will not receive in university. From smaller classes and dedication to student success, you will always feel the support of your classmates and faculty.
You are not just a number.

SUBJECT SWITCH

First beginning your journey, you may not have known what direction to take. Post grads offer an opportunity for a career change. For example, I went from a Media, Information and Technology program at Western University to the post grad Advertising Account Management program at Sheridan.

Post grad studies can open the doors you need to lead you to the job you want.

SPECIALIZE

You will increase your knowledge in a chosen area, making you an ideal candidate for your dream job. You will receive enhanced skills and a deeper level of knowledge.

Specializing in your area will not only benefit you, but the company you work for. It shows initiative. For a competitive industry, it shows how much you want to be there.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEEEEY

Yes, university costs a lot. You likely have debt up to your ears that you want to pay off before you consider more education. Maybe you don't want to consider further education at all.

I'll tell you right now - that's a mistake. Extra qualification can lead to an increased pay packet when you enter the working world. The investment can be well worth it.

Also, post grad programs can cost less than you think. Of course this depends on your chosen course, but there are always scholarships and bursaries available to help you out.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

A career switch can be difficult, but a post grad study can help in the way of experience. Some programs include placements or co-ops where those positions can be hard to come by. These opportunities can lead to a full-time position once you've completed your studies.

NETWORKING

The faculty will have connections and networking opportunities that you can benefit from. Your fellow classmates will end up in similar jobs. You may end up working alongside them one day! That happened in my co-op.

Meet people interested in the same industry because they will remain your contacts for years to come.


For more information on why you should consider post grad:
http://www.savethegraduate.org/post-grad-study/10-reasons-to-go-onto-post-graduate-study.html
http://elitedaily.com/life/lessons-learned-from-college/1582239/
http://odeccaordonez.blogspot.ca/2016/01/why-did-i-decide-to-join-advertising.html