Last Updated: 03/27/24

Academic Journey

My name is Emily and welcome to a quick view of my academic journey. I am currently completing the final phases of my studies in advertising and communications as well as event management education and plan to graduate with a diploma in each by April 2025. Now, let us discuss all that I’ve learned and how much I have achieved so far during my time studying.

As a dedicated student, I am so proud of the education I have received, here, in St. Claire’s College.. Multiple schools offer this program, however, St Clair’s Advertising and Marketing Communications program is highly regarded across Canada as having one of the most current curriculums among Ontario's advertising schools. This comprehensive program has equipped me with a diverse range of skills in the field. My expertise spans website design, SEO, media planning, social media strategies, content creation, copywriting, advertising and packaging design. I have garnered proficiency in tools like Photoshop, InDesign, Hootsuite, and Google Ads. Additionally, my development of skills in creating omnichannel campaigns and crafting brand personas only continues to grow from when I started my studies. My passion lies in both creativity and data analysis, with a particular fondness for branding design and media planning, but I find all aspects of my education and skills fascinating. All this to say? I am so thankful for my experience at St Clair, it has been such an exciting and necessary exploration into the multifaceted world of advertising, where creativity meets strategy.

As I approached what I thought was the end of my advertising degree, a twist in my academic path emerged – a delay in completing my final semester. Rather than seeing this as a setback, with a positive attitude, I viewed it as an opportunity for continual growth. During this period, I enrolled in an Event Management program, a decision driven by my passion for creating memorable experiences and my love for working with people and artists.

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty
— Winston Churchill

This dual educational path has been about more than just obtaining diplomas. It offered me a chance to assess my place in this big pond that is the advertising landscape and ask myself, "What sets me apart in such a saturated field?". Well, the answer to this is my passion for the experience of creating. After some reflection, I realized that my passion lies in tying together personal connections between brands and people, with a focus on how brands present themselves and their values. I am an enthusiast about PR marketing, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, branded events, and sponsorships, and their role in making those connections between brands and their consumers. Therefore, I decided to further my education in St Clair’s Event Management program to refine my event marketing and interpersonal event skills. It also allows me to continue honing in my general marketing skills and expanding the knowledge that I have gained from the advertising and marketing program.

I have flourished in my time in the Event Management program and it has only reinforced my eagerness for the potential I have in utilizing my experience, curating skills and I look forward to my graduation this approaching summer.

This journey has shaped me into the dedicated professional I always knew existed within me now equipped with a unique blend of skills for work that I will put my all into. St. Clair has not only furthered my academic success but also prepared me to apply the knowledge I have gained into practical, real-world contexts. I am now at the final stretch of completing both of these programs and I believe it is a testament to my deep interest and passion for what I'm studying as well as my drive for success in my field.

To conclude, I present to you not just my academic achievements, but the journey that began what will be the rest of my career, sharpened my insights, and prepared me to contribute all I have to offer to advertising and marketing.