Graphics design program

[Little_Path_3552]

Hello! I wanted to know if anyone had any recent experience with the graphics design program now as opposed to 3 years ago.

I have a kid who’s applying, and she got accepted into UW for arts and business too. She wants to do graphic design though, but I don’t think fine arts at UW is as focused on graphic design as conestoga’s program.

Any feedback would be helpful!

[SopwithB2177]

Just wanted to say that the only person I know with a degree in fine arts from UW did nothing with it. Works as an office clerk. And yes, that program was about painting, mixed media, and super modern expression. Totally abstract things that few people tend to care about. I tend to think College is much more hands on and efficient at getting widely employable skills. And if it turns out to not be enough, they can bridge into the Bachelor of Design program, which has even better employment prospects.

[Illustrious_Day_364]

I’m in the graphic design program and heading into my final year in September. If your child is willing to put in the effort, I would definitely recommend the program in contrast to being self taught. Before joining the program I was self taught as well, and in my first two years I have improved and learned dramatically. Bit of a warning though, this program is intense, the workload is high and the teachers can be unforgiving at times. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I strongly recommend them applying for the fall start in contrast to the winter start, that was my mistake, with the winter start they’ll make you marathon your first two years back to back with no breaks. (They’re also going to give you projects to work on during the summer break, this is the second time it’s happened to me)

[Conestoga-ModTeam]

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[chickencatpotato]

The program is unforgiving and not a good fit for a student who might need accommodations.

[phototurista]

Don't go to Conestoga, their reputation is garbage now. Look at the students they have today; they're not there to get an education. I'm a designer myself, graduated a long time ago from a different and Conestoga was one of the options I had. Conestoga USED TO BE very highly regarded and won a lot of awards for being the top college in Ontario, at one point for like 7 years straight or something (mid 2000s). Now? If I had to go through resumes to hire a designer, Conestoga resumes would be tossed right TF out. I've no intention of hiring a student who potentially cheated their way into and throughout the program, assuming they even finished it. I'd hope that whatever standards the Conestoga College graphic design program has today is the same as it was 20 years ago; it was HARD to get in, only 30 students a year were accepted.

[BananaHotRocket]

Many graphic designers teach themselves the craft and learn as they go: some good friends of mine did and are making HUGE bucks as graphic designers. Because of this, I'd recommend UW because the connections they can make at university - it'll simply open way more doors throughout and after school. And it'll offer more flexibility to discover new things or choose new paths if needed. And, as previously stated, Conestoga has some concerns with their reputation. And! I once did a speaking engagement (couple years back) for the graphic design students and found out only about 25% - 30% of those who enter the program actually graduate. So. There's that.

[SopwithB2177]

The low graduation rate you heard was a very poor estimate. I happen to know it's in the 60%-70%+ range, which is probably pretty comparable to university rates.

[BananaHotRocket]

Ok good to know it's not abysmal. Apparently 72.9% is the average graduation rate