Kristina Fiedrich
Manager of Credential Programs, ECU Continuing Studies
Shi Won Jang
Continuing Studies Instructor, ECU
Atif Mahmud
Continuing Studies Instructor, ECU
The continuing studies program at Emily Carr University of Art + Design gives students a leg up by staying industry-current.
Located in Vancouver, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is the only public post-secondary university in British Columbia dedicated solely to art, media, and design. The university’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning faculty and graduates have forged successful paths in all creative industries.
ECU proudly offers students a variety of interesting, forward-thinking programs in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing studies — ranking them as the top art and design university in the country. The institution is resolved to adapt and grow alongside ever-shifting industry standards and practices to best prepare its students for the workforce.
That’s why ECU is investing in providing innovative continuing studies programs for students and industry professionals alike. It’s for people who want to make a career shift, obtain skills employers are looking for, or try their hand at something new.
Supporting all students
Encouraging personal and career growth, ECU’s continuing studies courses have included a range of disciplines, from drawing, illustration, communication design, user experience design, and more.
“With the development of our new Creative Tech Fundamentals courses, we’re adding animation, visual effects and game development to our ever-expanding learning pathways,” says Kristina Fiedrich. As Manager of Credential Programs, she’s led the strategic planning, development, and implementation of this new program area.
“Our goal in developing these courses is to build flexible pathways for individuals to see their creative skills flourish, find jobs that allow them to activate their unique perspectives, and work with dynamic teams that foster creativity in the workplace.”
Find success in tech
In particular, ECU has been paying attention to the rapid growth that the creative technology sector is experiencing. Vancouver is a technological hub and jobs in this field are projected to be some of the most in-demand, highest-earning positions over the next 10 years.1 This includes roles in areas such as video game design and development, interaction and motion graphics, visual effects, 3D modeling, and animation.
Earlier this year, ECU received funding from the provincial Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training Micro-credential Initiative to develop a brand new program focusing on Creative Technology Fundamentals (CTF). Working in partnership with DigiBC, a non-profit creative technology industry association whose members are some of the largest tech companies in the country, ECU was able to identify key learning opportunities.
To succeed in the creative technology industry, workers require a unique skill set — they must be creative, knowledgeable in specific technology, and able to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.
“This is an exciting new initiative for ECU Continuing Studies,” says Fiedrich. “We have been working closely with content experts and industry professionals to develop the courses and learning pathways.”
“With many instructors experienced in varying industries, they often bridge in-class lessons with industry-standard practices,” says Shi Won Jang, an ECU continuing studies instructor. “This helps to inspire and to set trajectories for students launching into their careers.”
Many are also keen to teach the courses and help shape the next generation of talent.
Fiedrich is optimistic about the futures of current students.
“This is a great opportunity for students, as they can connect with industry professionals who are up on current trends, learn real-world experiences about working in teams and the day-to-day, and build a great network before graduating.”
The program is positioned to be one of the school’s most interesting, in-demand continuing studies programs.
Unique learning opportunities
“Micro-credentials are smaller, more focused programs where students will gain specific skills through hands-on, competency-based learning,” says Atif Mahmud, a continuing studies instructor at ECU. “They make it easier for students to reskill or upskill by offering flexible, recognized training that can suit their schedules. They’re hugely popular because they’re the most agile, responsive way to enter the industry.”
The success of its continuing studies programs is one of the ways that ECU has established itself as a leader in development and public education.
