When Nina Mgrdijian decided to be part of Creative Day for Social Good (CD4SG), little did she know she would benefit both personally and professionally.
While she says she has gained more professional skills, it is her confidence in herself that she values the most as a result of the event. “The overall experience has been challenging, but I have gained so much more in terms of having confidence in myself and my skills,” says Nina, a design student with George Brown College. “At the beginning of Creative Day for Social Good, I was inexperienced and felt unsure of myself. However, through constant communication with my art director and fellow designers, I have worked on my skills and developed a better understanding of myself and my expertise in the workplace.”
She further adds that being part of the event has given her a clear picture of what life in the workplace would look like. “I understand the importance of deadlines now, and I have gained life skills to cope with uncertain circumstances in the workplace.”
Capacity Canada, in collaboration with Intertek Catalyst, Conestoga College, George Brown College, Manulife, Him and Her, and Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, recently hosted Creative Day for Social Good on October 26, 27 and November 13, 14. As part of the event, over 100 graphic design and public relations students from George Brown College and Conestoga College partnered with art directors, account managers and other industry professionals who volunteered their time. A yearly event, the primary objective is to create free-of-cost marketing tools for charitable non-profit organizations across Canada that would otherwise not be able to budget for these services.
“I often found myself holding back my ideas for fear of being shot down. But CD4SG made me realize that every idea holds its worth. It has taught me to see my value. As a student, I might not have enough experience in the industry. However, I can still use my skills to have an impact on real-world projects,” says Emily Preiss, a second-year Bachelor of Public Relations student at Conestoga College.
Preiss adds that though it was initially intimidating working alongside industry professionals and real clients, the support she received from everyone helped her be more confident and comfortable. “The event has allowed me to create new connections and network with experienced professionals.”
For Anna Do, George Brown College, she values the feedback she received at every step of the design process and the connections she made. “I have learned so much by just listening to some of the top professionals in the industry. Because of the pandemic, we could not meet in person. But I made some meaningful connections with other students and the Klick Marketing team.”
However, one of the most significant takeaways for her was to be able to do something for social good. “It’s not every day that you get a chance to do something that would have a social impact on the community. I am pleased that I am part of this event,” she adds. Anna is part of the team that created marketing tools for the Grand River Hospital Foundation.
Over the years, the event has made it possible for cash-strapped non-profits to access professional resources for building their brand while helping participating students gain work experience, and networking skills. “We help charities that don’t have a budget to invest in marketing tools, including designing a website, social media, and brochures, among others,” says Matt Miller, Executive-in-Residence, Capacity Canada.
He further adds, “The event not only boosts student’s skills but also provides a possibility for recruitment in future. It’s a great networking opportunity for all those who are part of it. In the past, Creative Day for Social Good has led to some great job opportunities for students.”
Tatjana Dudas is participating in the event for the second time this year. A third-year graphic design student, Conestoga College, she was offered her first freelancing opportunity through CDGSG. “I have been able to immerse myself in what it’s like to work in a studio, under the guidance of great creatives and art directors. Their leadership has helped me learn how to navigate team dynamics, ask the right questions, and think-on-my-feet. It is because of CD4SG that I was offered my first freelancing opportunity at Moore Creative Consulting.”
Her mentors unanimously decided to award Dudas for her outstanding work ethic during the project. Her team was involved in re-designing the website for Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region Foundation. They also created a logo for the non-profit while streamlining their social media presence and assets.
For most students this year, CD4SG was all about stepping out of their comfort zone. “Don’t’ be shy to share your ideas and push your creative boundaries. My biggest takeaway from this event was the courage to step out of my comfort zone and show everyone what I can do,” says Sarah Baldassarre, second-year student, Bachelor of Public Relations, Conestoga College.
Like other participants, Baldassarre also found virtual networking challenging for the most part. For the first time in its history, Creative Day for Social Good was hosted virtually. Participants from both colleges, mentors, and clients used videoconferencing to connect with each other.
“I personally believe the most important conclusion of this event is the client’s trust in us. Although we are still students, we have enough potential to fulfil our client’s request. This has opened different paths for us. We also had a great team of professionals as mentors, who were enthusiastic about listening to my ideas, support my initiative, and take into account my opinions,” says Erik Londono, design student, George Brown College.
Overall, the event proved to be a great learning experience for the students involved.
