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Student Interviews

Graduate PhotoGraduate David McKoy

David 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 CD-ED?
    • “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 CD-ED?
    • “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 collage 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 CD-ED?
    • “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 CD-ED?
    • “Yes I do, again the skills that I learned gave me a good base of fundimentals to build upon.”
  • Q. Would you feel comfortable recommending CD-ED 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 CD-ED?
    • “My advice to current students would be to stick with the progarm. 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 www.wastepaperbasket.ca”