What’s Next After Graduation?

by Katelynn Vanderwerff
 

I remember getting pulled from my parents’ car on move in day on my first day of my undergraduate degree, the only thing I was worried about was finding my dorm room. In the flash of a second, I was in my last year of studies when worry began to sink in about my future.

What was next for me?

Many students end up in the same spot. They have taken an undergraduate degree but do not see themselves working within that field.

This is a time for reflection, what are your passions and interests? What career would be best for you? For me, I needed to find a program that would lead me to a career that would allow for my creative and analytical side to thrive. After some reflecting, I decided marketing was the right path for me.

Pathway to Career

I decided to continue my education with a one-year Post-Degree Diploma in Marketing, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I wanted to gain specific knowledge, skills and experience necessary for me to move into a career.

From the first day of class, I was continually able to develop my knowledge and skills taught by industry experts. Class work was very team-based, and it was a pleasure to be able to work with other students from such diverse backgrounds and experiences. My favourite part of this teamwork was being able to collaborate on different projects and see them come to life. For example, in some of our classes we were able to work with real clients in groups to help grow awareness for their business.

After two semester in-class, I was then able to apply all the knowledge I had learnt to a practicum. I was lucky enough to be able to do my practicum with Western Continuing Studies as a Marketing Coordinator. This not only further developed my knowledge but also helped me to gain hands on experience of the marketing world.

The Diploma in Marketing allowed for me to not only develop as an individual but also as a marketer. I was able to gain confidence through knowledge that I was then able to apply to a practicum. In only one year, I was able to completely change my direction of my career. I am now ready to enter the workforce in an exciting career in Marketing.

Each year more than 3000 adult learners enrol in courses for professional development and personal enrichment at Western Continuing Studies.

We are inspired by their passion to challenge themselves, to learn and to succeed. For each student the path to the classroom is unique.

Katelynn Vanderwerff is a graduate of our Diploma in Marketing program.