10 Contradictory Tips for Surviving Your First Year of CreComm

(Editor's Note: This post doesn't follow the format of my usual sports/pop culture commentary. It's aimed at first-year Creative Communications students. Since this blog is linked to the CreComm Blog Network it seems appropriate to post here.)

We're halfway through August, somehow, which means students everywhere are gearing up to get back to class. I'm entering my second (and final) year of Creative Communications at Red River College. CreComm, as it's known, has built up a reputation as being pretty intense. With terms out there like "Auto Fail", "Streeter" and "IPP" it's pretty common for first-year CreComms to come in a little nervous, scared and unsure of themselves.

I learned a lot getting through my first-year of CreComm. If you're a first-year entering the program, you probably have a few questions, and you might be looking for some advice. Like anything in life, I think the key to succeeding in the program is all about balance. So here are ten tips that I can honestly say will help you get the most out of your first year as a #CreComm, even if they might seem counter-intuitive.


1) Don't be intimidated

It's typical to feel like you're in over your head the first few weeks in CreComm. You probably don't know too much about your 74 fellow first-years, and they all seem more talented and cooler and smarter and holy shit that guy has worked for a newspaper before I don't belong here at all where's the door I'm going back to the UofM.

After feeling overwhelmed by your classmates, you realize that all of your instructors are super successful former industry professionals who are constantly reminding you to use the active voice (what?). Your instructors have all done some great things in the industry and you might feel like you have no clue how to relate to them.

Don't be intimidated by everyone surrounding you. Just remember that you're here for a reason. That entrance exam, the take-home assignment, your (potentially terrifying) interview — they were all designed to make sure that the right 75 students entered the program. You deserve to be here. Don't be scared, keep your chin up, and get to work.

2) Don't be cocky

On the flip side of the coin, don't be too full of yourself. So you think you're a good writer? You won't in two weeks after you get a couple of assignments back. Did you do all your university assignments at the last minute? Good luck handing in something late here. Never edit your work, because you do it well enough the first time? Enjoy that auto fail.

Have confidence in yourself, but be humble. Realize that you have a lot to learn, respect the program and the instructors, and you'll be fine.

3) Take help where you can get it

The most valuable resource that you'll have access to during your time in CreComm is the people you're surrounded by. From your instructors, to your peers, to the second-years, to the people brought in for your seminars, there are tons of bright minds around you. Most of them are more than happy to help out. Bounce ideas off people and you'll not only do better on your assignments but you'll develop skills that will help you throughout your whole career.

4) Don't rely on others too much

The people surrounding you are a resource, but that's it. At the end of the day, it's your name attached to that assignment, and it has to be in on-time and perfect (100%, 100% of the time. Industry Standard. You'll hear these terms a lot.). While your peers and instructors are there to help you out, you're the one that has to put in the work to make sure you succeed. Everyone else around you has their own stuff going on, so realize that when push comes to shove, you're responsible for your own work.

5) Look out for your peers

Just like you're going to be looking for help with your fellow students, make sure to return the favour. I don't just mean helping them out with assignments, but also passing along job opportunities for the summer, or passing along good resources that you think might help people out. I probably don't even have to mention this one, as you'll be best friends with your entire section in no time anyway.

6) Look out for yourself first

You know how when you're on an airplane they tell you to put on your oxygen mask before assisting others? The same thing goes for CreComm. Make sure that you've got all of your stuff figured out before helping out others.

Once again, this applies to job opportunities. I didn't end up applying for a summer job that I really wanted because I thought one of my friends and classmates was better suited for it. Not only did I never have a shot at it, but my buddy didn't get it either.

Realize that while you're all friends, in two years when you graduate you're all going to be competing for the same jobs. Get out there and compete for them. Stay friendly, but don't bow down from something you want just because a friend of yours wants it too.

7) Say "Yes" to everything

You're going to be presented with so many opportunities this year. Try as many of them as possible. Even if you think "I'm going to be a print journalist" (and you might learn that you can't just be a print journalist these days pretty quick) go try being on the radio, or shooting some video, or anything else that comes up.

The great thing about first year is that you learn the skills in all four majors. You have to write ads, you have to write news articles, you have to shoot some video, you have to do a SWOT analysis. When opportunities present themselves outside of the classroom to use and develop those skills pounce on them. Maybe you'll do great and meet somebody that will give you a sweet job one day. At the very worst you'll fail miserably and learn from it (which is a lot of what this program is about).

8) Don't overwhelm yourself

While saying yes to everything is great, you simply can't do everything. Make sure you have control of what's on your plate. It's going to get hectic at times, but it's manageable. Don't ever feel obligated to do optional work if you simply can't do it. Make sure to have your priorities straight and get your school work done first. If you've got that handled, then go out there and write extra articles for The Projector, or go cover some Bisons' games and make a little extra money while getting experience.

9) Throw yourself into the program

CreComm will consume you. You'll start seeing the world a little differently (commercials will never be the same). You'll constantly be talking about it to everyone you know (and probably get weird looks or yawns in response).

That's fine. This program demands your full attention, and if you really want to get the most out of it, let it take over your life.

10) Take some "me" time

Despite what you may have heard, you can have a life outside of the program. You can work (I worked 25+ hours a week in first year) have a relationship (my girlfriend is somehow still with me) and a social life (just ask the bartenders at the King's Head if I ever pop by for beers).

That time is crucial for keeping you sane. It's way too easy to burnout if you don't take a step back, have a breath of fresh air and treat yourself to a beer (or six).

Bonus Round: 

11)  Have fun, and don't be a jerk

While you'll spend a lot of your time stressing out this program is one of the most fun things you'll ever do in your life. Enjoy it, savour it, learn from it. Oh, and don't be a jerk. I know you're all probably great people and it goes without saying, but just remember that first impressions are huge, and you're surrounded by people that you'll potentially be working with for the rest of your life. I have nothing to say to contradict either of these points.


So there you have it, first-years. I'm looking forward to meeting you guys, and I hope that this (contradictory) advice can help you out a little bit. If you ever need help or want to chat about the program, don't hesitate to ask a second-year! We're all (mostly) nice people. Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter @DPernitsky if you have any questions.

Second-years (hey, that's us now!), do you have anything to add? Put it down in the comments if you think there's anything I missed.