Something very cool is going on in the Professional Development Program (PDP) classes at the Kelowna Campus and the impact extends well beyond the classroom. For those not familiar with PDP, this program is designed to set students up for success in a big way.
The program covers everything from how to network, how to utilize social media to boost awareness of their work, how to write a killer resume and showcase their accomplishments. In other words, to ensure that upon successful completion of their program, students not only have the technical knowledge and the skills they need to be successful in a career but also that they come away equipped with poise, confidence, self-awareness, professionalism, and other important life skills that will help them stand out, get noticed, and be successful in whatever career path they choose.
Last week students in instructor Randal Typusiak’s PDP 0210 class were hard at work pulling together some projects that were designed to collaboratively apply their skills. The students hailed from many programs at CAT—from Graphic Design and Web Development to Audio Engineering & Production, and everything in between. The results of this mash-up of talents were not only impressive—they were incredibly inspiring:
Epic Battle of the Bands for a Great Cause
The first group of students, led by team leader Camille Craig, is organizing a “Battle of the Bands” Fundraiser event on February 8th from 6:00-9:00pm at Okanagan College. The group is pulling out all the stops to coordinate partnerships and sponsorships, coordinate logistics, sign up bands, promote the event, engage media, and do everything they can to make this event a success – and all for a great cause.
Proceeds will be donated to the Shriners Hospital For Children. The spark for this wonderful idea came from team leader Camille, who was diagnosed with
Arthrogryposis, lack of muscle in the legs caused by nerve damage in the spine during prenatal development. Camille credits her time at the Shiner’s Hospital for Children as an experience that changed her life and gave her some incredible positive memories even during a difficult time, during which she received terrific care. Camille wanted to help raise awareness about the important work done by the Children’s Hospital and to spearhead a project that would help give back to this organization.
The students would like to invite everyone to come on out to Okanagan College on February 8th. They would also ask that that people please help spread the word about this great event for a great cause. Tell your friends! Tickets will be available early in the New Year in Students Services at Centre for Arts andTechnology Kelowna.
Remarkable Multimedia Children’s Book
The second group of students embarked on an equally inspiring project – planning, writing, illustrating, and even recording audio for a children’s book
entitled “The Lost Animals”. Each student was responsible for illustrating several pages – an incredible feat of flexibility when you consider that few of them are trained artists, as again, these students come from a variety of different programs! The book is an insightful and big-hearted look at the importance of friendship, collaboration, and ingenuity, which is fitting given that these qualities are exactly what were demanded of the students to pull off such an ambitious undertaking! Stay tuned! We’ll announce it on our Facebook page when the book has been printed and hard copies are available.