gdmaanon

[gdmaanon]

Applying.

First things first, the application process.

 It’s a pain, we all know that. I’m sure it ends up turning away quite a few kids due to the fact that it is a lot of work. At the end of the day the program is looking for well rounded people. They interview you for this reason specifically. Your portfolio can be absolutely gorgeous but they want to know the person behind the work. What’s your resume like? Any volunteer experience? What do you like to do outside of the program? Are you well spoken? My logic for this is that they are not looking for “flakes.” You have to be committed to the program, and sticking it out for the four years. Because if someone drops out, that spot could have easily been filled by someone who was going to be there till the end.

 I’ll try and answer some questions that I’m sure someone may have going into the application process.

 What should I have in my portfolio?

Variety. Everyone has their strengths and you should absolutely showcase yours, but don’t focus on one area. The whole purpose of GDMA is at the end of the four years, you are walking out of the front door as a well rounded designer that could fit into a variety of roles. You may be really good at illustrating, or Photoshop but I guarantee there’s other kids applying that are strong in those areas too. Don’t pigeon hole yourself, if you come into the application process well rounded your increasing your chance of getting an interview.

 Can you give specific examples of what should be in my portfolio?    

I can’t specifically tell you what you need to have but this includes things that myself and my classmates put in our portfolios:

·      Illustrations

·      Photoshop manipulations

·      Logos or concept logos (you can make up fake stuff for your portfolio, ie. A fake company that you made a logo for.)

·      Photo editing or retouching

·      Any design work you’ve done ie. Business cards, posters, flyers, brochures, book design, etc

·      Some kids put in their video editing skills

·      Website or blog design (coding if your good at it)

·      Photography if your into it

·      Typographic work

·      Sketching (you do a lot of sketching and drawing concepts in design school, like a lot more than you think)

 The KPU website outlines this in more depth so I don’t need to bore you to death with information you already have.

 How long did it take you to hear back from the GDMA Faculty?

 This varies. For me personally it was 3 weeks. I’ve talked to other people in years above and below mine and some heard back quickly, others it took longer.

 When you heard back from faculty, what was next?

I don’t remember specifically what information I was given; I was just told I had been granted an interview. My next step was to book an interview time, and prepare for the interview itself.

 The interview? What was it like?

My interview was later in the afternoon on a weekday. I arrived to sit next to a few other people waiting for interviews. I was escorted into an empty room to begin my design challenge which was pretty simple. They just want to see your thought process and how you are able to explain it. I think I had 45 minutes to complete it (lowkey feels like you’re on a game show, kinda stressful not gonna lie.) After it was complete I went back to the waiting area before being escorted by one of the faculty to the interview itself. I was interviewed by three faculty members and my interview lasted around 35 minutes. They asked me various questions about my portfolio, work experience. Very similar to a job interview.

 How long until you received word that you were accepted?  

I can’t remember exactly but it was 2-3ish weeks after my interview.

  I know it may seem like a pretty daunting task especially with all the work involved. But if you really are interested in the GDMA program- don’t let the application process turn you away.

 As always if you have any questions- my ask box is open.

 -  Anonymous

[gdmaanon]

Hey there.

Welcome to GDMA Anonymous. A resource for those looking for information about the Graphic Design for Marketing program offered at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This blog was created due to the fact that there is no information about the program available besides what is offered officially through the school. I hope to inform and educate those interested in the program from a student’s perspective. I will not say if I am a current student or if I’m graduated, that’s up for you to decide. You will find things on here that I wish I knew before applying, information about the application process, what you will learn, what is expected of you, etc. If you have any questions, my ask box is always open.

I hope you find the information on this blog beneficial,

Anonymous.