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David McKoy Graduate PhotoDavid is doing freelance work and plans to open his own studio with a friend shortly.

The Experience

Q. What drew you to the programs at the Centre for Distance Education?

“I actually saw a commercial on tv and thought it was a good opportunity.”

Q. Why did you then decide to take a home-study college program from the Centre for Distance Education?

“At the time it fit my schedule and the amount of time I had available for study.”

Q. What were your expectations of distance education?

“I’ve taken some online courses before so I know that they are a lot of work and you have to be disciplined to stay on top of your studies. This courses was no different if not it was more difficult because it is a full year of study.”

Q. Was the program at all what you expected? If so, how? If not, why?

“I am really happy with my experience in the graphic design program. I felt it gave me a good base of fundamentals to build upon.”

Q. Have you ever taken other post-secondary schooling? Was this more or less difficult, or just different from in-class learning?

“At the time I took this course I had taken a year off of school from the University of Guelph. Comparing Guelph and the CD-ED I would say they’re both at the same difficulty but you do lose that interaction with classmates with online courses.”

Q. Which part of the course did you find the most challenging?

“The weekly submissions where challenging at times to stay on track with but the instructors were very understanding about students falling a little bit behind as long as you got caught up.”

Q. Which part of the course was the most enjoyable?

“I actually enjoyed the section concentrating on typography. I have actually developed a strong interest in typography because of that section.”

Q. What was the highlight of the program for you?

“As much as I did enjoy the program my favorite part was when I was finished and I graduated.”

Studying

Q. How was the instructor support during your program?

“The support was awesome, any questions I had were answered right away and they were always encouraging.”

Q. How did you schedule your study time to work around your home life?

“I would always try and get into a routine of doing work during once I got home from my job and at night I would read before I went to bed.”

Q. Once you found the time to study, how difficult was the actual material?

“They actual material was not that difficult to understand but it was just a case of staying disciplined and getting down to work.”

Q. Do you feel your program had the most up-to-date materials?

“Without a doubt I had the most up-to-date software, hardware, and books.”

Q. Who contributed the most support towards your completion of the program?

“My fiancé was always there giving me encouragement and helping me stay on track. I also had some friends in other college courses that I would talk to and just compare work and overall school experience.”

Looking Ahead

Q. Do you have any goals/future plans set for yourself after graduation? If so, what are they?

“At the moment I’m doing some freelance work here and there with a friend of mine. We plan on starting our own studio in the coming months.”

Q. Do you offer any advice to other students who may want to begin their search before graduating?

“I think online job listing sites like craigslist are a great way to start finding some freelance work.”

Q. How well do you feel that your program is preparing you for the current job market?

“I think the course did a good job in preparing me for the work force and knowing how to handle clients.”

After Graduation

Q. What was the job hunt like after you finished your course? For instance, what kind of jobs are in the market?

“In the city were I live in there isn’t a lot of opportunity for jobs so finding freelance jobs online and work for friends and family is how I’ve started out my career. Plus I am finishing my degree in studio art at the University of Guelph.”

Q. What is the most predominant skill you use on the job that you acquired with your program?

“Typography is a big part of design for me and knowing how to use it effectively is probably the most predominant skill I learned.”

Q. Do you enjoy working with the skills you learned at the Centre for Distance Education?

“Of course, The skills that I have learned have helped me to bring my design decision making to the next level.”

Q. Do you feel you were prepared for the job by your program at the Centre for Distance Education?

“Yes I do, again the skills that I learned gave me a good base of fundamentals to build upon.”

Q. Would you feel comfortable recommending the Centre for Distance Education to a friend or co-worker?

“Absolutely, and especially if you’re someone who wants to get the education but needs a flexible schedule.”

Q. Do you have any advice for students taking a program with the Centre for Distance Education?

“My advice to current students would be to stick with the program. It’s long and can be discouraging at times but there is a support group and the CD-ED that’s there to help you through it. Also read as much as you can about design or whatever your program happens to be; the internet is a great resource.”

Q. If you have a personal or business website, please list it and we will be happy to link to you.

“I have a personal website that is under construction right now but hopefully it will be up soon. The url is http://www.wastepaperbasket.ca “