Jenna Lawrence is a graduate of the three-year Graphic Design program, class of 2008.

Jenna Lawrence Algonquin College's Graphic Design Program 2008 Graduate.


My International job placement took place in the spring of 2008 from March to May. Through networking I had the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world.
The company I worked with was The Church Ltd. in Wellington, New Zealand. My program, Graphic Design, requires graduates to do a job placement to develop a professional portfolio.

I chose to do my placement internationally because I wanted an experience that I would remember. I found that my work experience was minimal and I wanted to diversify. In my life I have always done things in a radical way and I was hoping to get a job abroad.

In my opinion I learned a considerable amount when travelling and working abroad. I learned about cultural and social differences between countries and that I need to be thinking above and beyond what I have been exposed to in the past. Traveling to a place where no one was like me made me realize that there is something special about me that is truly unique.

I was seen as a treat for the people I worked with because they had never worked with a Canadian, and didn't know much about Canada. It was an adventure that I embarked on alone and was required to be stronger because I was alone.

I was exposed to people from all over the world because I was living in a hostel with international travelers from everywhere. Working in a small design company made me learn just how little I know about the social structure within businesses and among cultures. I realized how diverse my skill set is in comparison to others who have spent years specializing in one thing.

I would recommend that other students take any opportunities they may have out of country because it brings an awareness of how lucky we are to be in Canada. I learned things about myself and other people that I couldn't in any other way. I believe that students should continue getting funding for programs like this because without the funding I would never have had all of the experiences that I encountered.

I believe that this opportunity has made me more successful at what I do because it has brought me an awareness of myself and my surroundings. Without my friends and acquaintances my life as an artist wouldn't be possible.

Jenna Lawrence

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