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The MDM program is unique in that, rather than focusing on hard skills like coding and design, the program focuses on soft skills such as collaboration, teamwork and leadership, and how to apply these skills to the digital media industry.
Soft skills were have been identified as key success factors for people entering the digital media workforce.
However, for international students, it is extremely difficult to build skills like collaboration and teamwork without strong English language skills. For students who want to take the MDM program but don’t have the English requirements, the Centre for Digital Media offers the Pre-MDM program, a program that helps students whose second language is English prepare for entry into the Master of Digital Media program.
Students admitted into the Pre-MDM program receive a conditional offer to the Master of Digital Media program as qualifying students. Once they complete Pre-MDM and all conditions have been met, students enter the MDM program the following Fall.
Since starting the program in 2016, the success that former Pre-MDM students have seen in MDM has been tremendous. They are more confident, are better prepared and, rather than spending time struggling with the language, they can engage and focus on the program itself.
Meet two students who took Pre-MDM before the MDM program. Below they share their experiences in the two programs, how Pre-MDM prepared them for MDM and what they’re up to now.
Eric Huang
A User Experience Designer from China.
1. What was your experience in Pre-MDM? Was it what you were expecting?
I think Pre-MDM is definitely a very unique program that pushed me to who I am now. I was a bit hesitant when I was told that I was in the Pre-MDM program [not MDM] because at the same time I had already been admitted by some other schools in Ontario, which didn’t require me to go through [a qualifying course]. I still decided to come to the CDM because I really wanted this opportunity to transition my career. After finishing the program, I was actually surprised by the takeaways, as it’s not just a series of English improvement classes, but [is a ESL program specific to the MDM] that combines the core of the MDM program, English improvement lessons and opportunities to explore your career interests.
2. What was your experience in MDM? Was it what you were expecting?
Busy but fulfilling! I had the best MDM experience as I not only got the chance to work on some great digital products with great talents from both CDM and the industry, but I gained friends who I can always hangout with and continue learning from. MDM for sure gave me more than what I was expecting.
3. How do you think the Pre-MDM program prepared you for the MDM program?
Pre-MDM gave me a chance to really think about what I wanted to do as a career. I actually didn’t really treat it as a English class but an opportunity to transition myself into the tech world. Along the way, I discovered my career interest as a Digital Product Designer and I expanded my network within the industry. I also got to know more about how to work within teams, which I believe is crucial as a MDM student. Pre-MDM prepared me well for my MDM life.
4. What are you currently doing and what are your plans for the future?
I co-founded Davos [a fundraising app] with Ian, Natalia and Nancy from C12 and am currently working as a UX design lead on the team. At the same time, I’m working at CDM as a industry event coordinator. In January 2019, I’m joining Copperleaf Technology, an enterprise software development company, as a UX designer.
See MDM projects Eric worked on:
Thalita Karina
A Computer Graphic Artist from Indonesia.
1. What was your experience in Pre-MDM? Was it what you were expecting?
I was expecting something like an ESL program at first, but it was more than that. It’s true that we primarily focused on English in the first semester, but all of the content for our discussions were taken from MDM readings. So basically, we were introduced very early to MDM subjects. The second semester was when the fun began. We were split into 2 groups, and we had to work on our very first ‘MDM’ project together.
2. What was your experience in MDM? Was it what you were expecting?
Yes, because Pre-MDM gave me a clear idea of what was waiting for me in MDM—tons of collaborative projects where the ability to adapt is key. I had to take several roles (one main role and 1-2 subroles) for each project. I am a Motion Graphic Designer but in MDM I was also a 2D/3D Animator, Concept Artist, and/or Technical Artist.
3. How do you think the Pre-MDM program prepared you for the MDM program?
Advanced English is a must to be able to enjoy MDM life. I mean, we did presentations every week to faculty, clients and fellow students until it became a habit—and it can be very tough if you are not fully prepared. MDM is full of excellent speakers and communicators, and pre-MDM prepared me to be one of them.
4. What are you currently doing and what are your plans for the future?
I am doing internship as a Motion Capture Animator at Sawmill Studios Inc. and also making comic books on my free time. I want to work on big projects and make a name for myself in the industry.
See MDM projects Thalita worked on:
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