Student Spotlight
Creative Industries alumna, Sarah Elaine McLay, is creating sustainable careers in the arts and promoting Indigenous culture in her new role as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the full-service, award-winning Canadian record label, Hitmakerz (external link) . You can read more about her success in our recent news article. (opens in new window)
Congratulations to Creative Industries alumni whose start-up was acquired by Quill Inc.! During their undergrad at Toronto Metropolitan University, Stephanie Andrews (CI Alumnus, 2018), Alison Osborne (CI Alumnus, 2019), and Brittany Nguyen (RTA Alumnus, 2018) co-founded Origins Media Haus. In September, 2020 the business was acquired by Quill Inc. You can read more about the acquisition in our official press release official press release (external link) , or check out betakit (external link) and the message (external link) .
What about this program is most interesting to you? What are the most valuable new skills you've developed, so far?
Actually, it’s not so much the program as it is the people this program attracts. Even though we’re all in the same program, each student’s interests and career goals are so unique. I’ve been able to learn from my peers and professors with different competences, and that is something I really value. Every single class has included group work, so I’ve developed both my teamwork and leadership skills. Business is a core aspect of the program, so I’ve also been able to learn crucial lessons in fields like accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurship. I’ve been able to take courses in public speaking, participatory media, video and image editing, and much more. Even if I can’t name every single skill I’ve acquired and developed, I know I have and will apply them subconsciously in the future.
What was your experience like working with Mass Exodus, Toronto Metropolitan University's annual fashion show?
As Communications Director for Mass Exodus, I oversaw the Public Relations & Marketing and Visitor Experience committees. My job was to make sure the Mass Exodus brand was communicated consistently, our social media accounts were engaging, guests were seated quickly and enjoyed themselves, and we received adequate sponsorship and media coverage. Located in Ryerson’s Student Learning Centre for the first time, this experience was both challenging and exciting, and allowed me to work with a diverse team and exercise and develop my professional skills.
"We are able to network early on in our professional careers, learn from each other, and exercise our teamwork skills by working with people who have different experiences and perspectives.
How did you wind up at Toronto Metropolitan University? Why did you choose the Creative Industries program?
I chose the Creative Industries at Toronto Metropolitan University because it was a program I felt was unique to me. It was the perfect opportunity to not only expand on what I already know and love but to learn new things as well. With that said, what I have learned so far fits perfectly with my future career path.
What makes the Creative Industries program at Toronto Metropolitan University unique?
What makes the Creative Industries program unique is the people in it. Many of my peers come from different backgrounds with different interests. There's a lot I can learn from them, and a lot they can learn from me. Because of this, not only have I been able to work with many talented people, but I have also built strong friendships.
You're currently in your internship, how did the program prepare you for your role this summer?
Through the Creative Industries program, I have learned the skills and knowledge necessary for my desired career path. Several of my courses have tied into real world examples that have provided valuable insight into the graphic design and advertising industry. I was able to build a portfolio that ultimately landed me an internship at Buchanan Group. For this, I am extremely grateful to the program for allowing me to gain such valuable work experience.
"Through the Creative Industries program, I have learned the skills and knowledge necessary for my desired career path."
How did you wind up at Toronto Metropolitan University? Why did you choose the Creative Industries program?
At the age of eight, I had visited Toronto with my family. That day on the car ride home I told my mother that when I was old enough I was going to move to the city; from that moment on I was dedicated to researching the best universities in Toronto and instantly Toronto Metropolitan University became my dream school. By the end of my last year of high school, I was confused about whether I wanted to study Film or Radio Broadcasting. I had applied to both programs at Ryerson and was scrolling through the programs list online one last time when I saw ‘Creative Industries’. A program that promised the opportunity for me to study both Film and Radio Broadcasting; it was a no brainer, it truly felt like the program was specifically designed for each individual who was accepted.
Not many people know about the Creative Industries program. What would you want to tell people who are considering applying to the program?
Creative Industries is a fantastic program that is constantly pushing you to think outside the box to achieve goals and succeed at your passion. It is a very broad program that leaves room for endless opportunities and networking connections. When building your schedule it almost feels custom made and the perfect fit. I think teaching creative students how to make profit and connections based on their passion is a necessity. It won’t be long until we make a big splash and become known as Creatives!
"It was a no brainer, it truly felt like the program was specifically designed for each individual who was accepted."
How did you wind up at Toronto Metropolitan University? Why did you choose the Creative Industries program?
My initial interest in Toronto Metropolitan University stemmed from discovering the Creative Industries program. I hadn’t seen anything like it and was enticed by the idea of studying the things that I’m passionate about, such as music and film, while also learning about the challenges professionals face in these industries and how the industries, as a whole, are changing. I grew up in a pretty small town, and knew for a long time before my last year of high school that I wanted to experience life in a major city. Since moving to Toronto in 2013, both Toronto Metropolitan University and this city have really helped to define my personality and goals.
What about this program is most interesting to you? What are the most valuable new skills you've developed, so far?
I’ve definitely learned to define my work ethic and develop a process for being productive. Creative Industries requires me to think critically about creative work and encourages me to strive for innovation in my assignments. What I think is most interesting about the program is that it is specific enough to each student that you can only get out what you put into it. I’ve always tried to choose courses, even my electives, based on what will complement my academic interests but also reflect the work I do in my mandatory courses. I’ve found that because of this, Creative Industries has taught me a lot about my own tastes.
"I grew up in a pretty small town, and knew for a long time before my last year of high school that I wanted to experience life in a major city. Since moving to Toronto in 2013, both Toronto Metropolitan University and this city have really helped to define my personality and goals."
You mentioned doing an exchange in Copenhagen - can you tell us about that experience?
It was the most rewarding experience I've ever had in my life. Since I live in Toronto and was commuting to and from school, it was kind of tough to meet new people and explore the city. If you're from the city you've lived in your whole life, that stuff becomes less exciting. So, if you're someone who wants to see the world, I would highly recommend doing it through school. The experience is priceless; you get to meet lots of friends, and it really pushes you out of your comfort zone. It made me a more confident person, and being able to bring that trait back with me to work was an asset. I found that employers were really impressed when I told them that I moved to a country by myself, not knowing anyone. To me, it doesn’t seem that challenging, but to everyone else, it looks really good. TMU has great exchange partners, and if you have the funds or you're willing to work a lot and save up those funds, I would highly recommend going abroad!
What was your number one accomplishment or highlight from your internship?
The highlight was getting to see all the cool projects that were made at the studio. Nelly Furtado came to do a FASHION Canada photo shoot; we had Simu Liu, Nicole Byer, the famous comedian, Glen Powell, Joe Jonas, and more. It was fascinating to observe that much of the prominent content seen around the city was shot in the studio. For example, while walking through Chinatown, I saw a billboard of Simu Liu for Cheetos, and that was something our company worked on. Just getting to play a small part in that is nice, and being given the freedom to bring my ideas and brainstorm ways to grow the business has been really exciting.
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“I think a lot of people in Creative Industries enter the program knowing exactly where they want to end up and at which company. I don't necessarily have that, and I think that's okay. It’s exciting to have all these possibilities, and with graduation approaching, we're blessed to have the choice to be whatever we want.”
Where did you do your internship, and what was your biggest accomplishment or highlight from it?
I interned for a fashion, sales, and marketing agency called Plus Plus, based in New York City. Plus Plus intentionally hires and fosters a team of young creatives, and there are a lot of exciting individuals coming in and out of the office. My favourite aspect was the relationships I developed while working there. Specifically, I enjoyed meeting buyers and wholesalers and gaining insights into the industry from their perspective. It was fascinating to observe how wholesalers reacted to the clothing and the brands they either liked or disliked. I internalized the feedback they provided so that I could apply it to my own brand and approach design from a wholesale perspective. Eventually, I would love to build Secretaries to a point where I have wholesale accounts and operate at a higher level.
What modules are you in, and how have they contributed to molding your fashion career?
My modules are fashion and media business. Right now, I'm enjoying Managing Creative Enterprises a lot because a significant role of the creative industries program is to train new managers and leaders of teams. Even for myself, as I run a clothing brand and am responsible for managing shoots and liaising with other creatives, that class has provided me with an amazing foundation for doing so. I also loved Design Leadership since I learned a lot about designing systems for the right people.
(google doc) Link to full article (external link, opens in new window)
"I believe the Creative Industries program excels when you are actively putting in work outside of school in the industry you're trying to be a part of. This approach places the classes in a more meaningful context."