Real-life experience and a professional portfolio is every student’s dream. However, not many can boast of a good portfolio as soon as they graduate. Capacity Canada’s Creative Day for Social Good (CD4SG) ensures students who participate in the event are ready to take on the world with real-life experience, good connections, and a professional portfolio.
Every year, Capacity Canada selects 10-20 charitable non-profit organizations from across the country to be part of CD4SG. Around 100 students pursuing Public Relations and Graphic Design from different colleges team up with industry professionals to create free-of-cost marketing tools for the participating charitable non-profits. These tools include website design, posters, brochures, and templates for social media posts.
This year, over 100 students from Conestoga College pursuing Graphic Design and Public Relations participated in CD4SG to make it successful. The event was hosted in partnership with Intertek Catalyst, Conestoga College, Him & Her, and Manulife. Capacity Canada selected ten charitable non-profit organizations from across Canada as participants for CD4SG.
“It gives students the perfect opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained while pursuing their degree. The result is a professional product that non-profits are going to use for several years,” says Matt Miller, Executive-In-Residence, Capacity Canada.
CD4SG gives students a clear picture of what life in the workplace would look like. Understand the importance of deadlines, and gain life skills to cope with uncertain circumstances in the workplace. “While non-profits benefit from Creative Day for Social Good in terms of receiving quality marketing tools, the event is all about the students. CD4SG helps students create a good portfolio and prepares them for the job market,” Terry McGuire, Vice-President, Intertek Catalyst.
“You rarely get a chance to collaborate with professional designers and art directors on a project while pursuing your undergraduate degree. I got to experience the real-world scenario with other designers, writers, art directors and an actual client. The event allowed me to practice communication and be efficient in what I do, says Angela West, a second-year Graphic Design student. Angela’s team, which included ten more students, developed material for The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth. The marketing material had a new logo, slogan, brochure and infographic for their fostering programs. These deliverables are meant to promote, inform, and bring awareness to the organization’s programs and what they can do for the individual and the community.
Creative Day for Social Good went virtual for the second consecutive year. At the same time, many were worried about how a big event would pan out on a virtual platform. The event was successful. “There was some confusion and worry, but on the day, everything was well planned within my team. It led to a very successful outcome,” adds Korey.
The New Brunswick Lung Association was looking for updated marketing materials that included infographics and social media content for various lung health-related topics. Korey Jamieson, a fourth-year student pursuing Public Relations, was part of the team that developed infographics suitable for home printing and templates for social media graphics and posts. One of the most significant takeaways for Korey was to be able to do something for social good. “This is a valuable day for both the participating students and the non-profits. It feels good to be part of something that helps charities share their message and have a greater social impact,” says Korey.
For Tommy Bui, the opportunity to network with industry professionals that stood out the most. “I think this event is a great opportunity to promote yourself to everyone. If clients and your mentors are impressed with your skills and the work ethic you bring to the table, they will likely contact you to work with you in the future in a professional environment. Networking is essential in today’s job market. CD4SG allows you to build those important connections,” says Tommy.
In the past, Creative Day for Social Good has also led to several job opportunities for participating students. Tatjana Dudas, a graphic design student who participated in CD4SG last year and the year before, was offered her first freelancing opportunity through CDGSG.
This year, one student from every team was awarded $100 gift cards for going that extra mile during the event.
- Erin Wilson
- Ryan Breen
- Rupsha Mutsuddi
- Mike Coles
- Evan Stanton
- Brandon Read
- Sandra Vo
- Alvin Fardy
- Jordie Neumann
- Cassidy Borges
Why should students participate in CD4SG?
- Gain real-life work experience
- Perfect opportunity to apply the knowledge you have gained over the years pursuing your degree
- Opportunity to network with professionals in the industry and build lasting relationships that will help secure a job in the future.
- Increased professional confidence
Over the years, the event has provided cash-strapped non-profit organizations with valuable design and marketing expertise for no cost. It has made it possible for charitable non-profits to access professional resources to build their brand and have a more significant social impact. At the same time, it has allowed students to gain professional experience and prepare them for the real world. This year, more than $100,000 worth of pro bono work was created.
Learn more about Creative Day for Social Good here.
