For Renying (Renee) Chen, pursuing a Master of Digital Media (MDM) at Centre for Digital Media (CDM) was a transformative step in her career. It allowed her to explore new paths in digital media, eventually propelling her to a successful role as a Senior Product Designer working at the intersection of AI and B2B solutions.
Renying’s decision to apply for the MDM stemmed from her ambition to grow both creatively and professionally. "I wanted to expand my skills in the ever-evolving digital media landscape," she says. “MDM's unique opportunities in emerging technologies like AR and VR stood out to me. Typically, focusing on UX design might mean missing out on these fields, but here, I felt I could blend these interests.”
“The biggest advantage of the MDM is that it provided industry experience, which I valued. One key reason for my growth were the real world industry client projects, which prepared me for the innovation sector and helped me gain valuable experience in collaborating with professionals across different industries. I really feel this is an important skill for career success”.
During her time here, Renying and her team worked with the Justice Institute of British Columbia and law enforcement professionals on a VR simulation project designed to help train new police recruits to respond to an active shooter scenario. This project was awarded the 2022 Horizon Interactive Gold Award. “This project is a perfect example of how the MDM brought together a multidisciplinary group of people from around the world to build something meaningful.”
One of the most significant aspects of Renying’s time at CDM was the strong network of industry professionals and alumni. "My job offer after graduation came directly from a guest speaker invited by CDM," she says. "I’ve also benefited from alumni support in every job transition, whether it was receiving portfolio advice, coffee chats, or mock interviews. This kind of mentorship is priceless for me."
After completing the MDM, Renying joined a design agency, where she quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment. "Agency life means juggling multiple projects simultaneously," she explains, describing how this experience helped her hone her ability to innovate and manage diverse client needs. It also taught her critical skills in stakeholder management. "As a designer, you’ll often find stakeholders who may not be entirely clear on their vision. Learning how to navigate those conversations, propose solutions, and collaborate effectively has been critical," she says.
Her entrepreneurial drive eventually led her to co-found Silver Koi, a blockchain startup. As the founding designer, she built the company’s brand from scratch, managing everything from logo design, website, and building their desktop and mobile product. Her leadership contributed to the startup’s early success. "In early 2024, we secured accelerator funding from Outlier Ventures, gained over 100,000 followers, and secured 77.2k users within the first seven days after launching on testnet," says Renying.
Throughout her career, Renying has emphasized the importance of personal growth alongside professional development. "I have come to understand the value of learning from others, remaining humble, and being receptive to constructive feedback," she says. She believes that humility and openness are essential traits for any designer and have helped her thrive in collaborative environments. Courage has also played a key role in her success. "Opportunities often arise only when one is willing to take risks, and even in the face of failure, the result is no worse than not attempting at all," she says. “I encourage all students reading this to embrace challenges, build resilience, and push through difficult moments—this is how you can continually grow both professionally and personally.”
Afterwards, Renying worked as a Senior Product Designer at Raydaint, a San Francisco based tech company that focuses on AI-related B2B products for retail businesses. She credits her time in the MDM with developing the collaboration and communication skills she now uses every day. "The biggest help was learning how to collaborate effectively in a team setting," she says. “I remember the 360-degree reviews in the MDM that fostered open, constructive communication—skills that I continue to benefit from in my role.”
“What I enjoy about my job is the opportunity to make an impact on product development and explore cutting-edge technologies. As a Senior Designer, I can see the positive impact my work has on the product’s development. It blends my passion for design with my interest in AI—plus I get to learn something new every day. I really value the supportive environment our team has built together. I’m proud to work alongside people who are so dedicated to creating a great product.”
For recent MDM graduates, Renying’s advice is simple: be bold. "First, be courageous. I know the job market might not be easy right now, but don’t let that stop you. Utilize MDM’s network of industry professionals, staff, and alumni. Life is a marathon, not a sprint," she says, reminding recent graduates to stay patient and persistent.
Renying’s journey, from MDM student to Senior Product Designer, reflects the power of community, courage, and seizing opportunities. Whether she’s navigating cutting-edge projects or leading design efforts at a growing startup, her path serves as a testament to persistence, risk-taking, and continuous learning.
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