Toronto City Hall
Fishbowl Conversation: Social Purpose Real Estate
From Jul 16 to Dec 17, 2019 Ryerson University Creative Industries student Rachel J. Vrecic joined ArtsPond as a Communications Intern. The following are some reflections on her experience working with us. The featured image is an example of some of Rachel’s visual design in progress. We wish she didn’t have return to school!
As is required for all Creative Industries students, I needed to complete an internship after my third year at Ryerson University. I was excited, yet I didn’t expect much, given how competitive the creative industries can be. I spent many months emailing companies, applying and interviewing for jobs to no avail. In a last-minute decision, I decided to apply for the position of Communications Intern at ArtsPond – a decision I would not regret. This would mark the beginning of an experience of learning and creativity with ArtsPond, which would exceed all expectations I had for an internship.
Before joining ArtsPond, I had never worked in an office setting before, and wasn’t sure what to expect. However, the work environment at ArtsPond is relaxed and comfortable. Jessa and the ArtsPond team made me feel at home right away. I even got my own desk! In terms of my daily work, Jessa always wanted to ensure that I would have the best learning experience possible throughout my internship. She provided me with a variety of tasks, allowing me to choose which projects would be of most interest and benefit to me, while still contributing to the organization. Throughout my internship, I created graphic design works, edited videos, made motion graphics, and even did some photography. I also had the privilege of engaging with the Toronto arts community at a Focus Ontario event. Seeing work that I helped develop being published on the ArtsPond website has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am glad I was able to contribute to an organization that does good for the arts community. After six wonderful months with ArtsPond, I now have a variety of materials that I can add to my portfolio.
Not only did I help develop many creative works with ArtsPond, I also gained a multitude of new skills thanks to Jessa’s mentorship. Jessa often took time out of her days to teach me in-depth about graphic design. In fact, I now realize that my initial knowledge of design before I started with ArtsPond barely scratched the surface of what there is to know. Jessa also taught me about production and marketing timelines, how to use a camera for photography, and she provided all her interns with highly beneficial Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word training sessions. I know that the skills I gained with ArtsPond will be useful to me for the rest of my life.
Jessa’s patience and caring attitude has helped me to gain the confidence I need to enter the world of work once I graduate. Although my internship has come to an end, I am extremely grateful to have been a part of ArtsPond, and to have worked with such kind and knowledgeable people.
