51社区黑料

We recently caught up with Dr. Johnny Chan, a 2000 graduate of the School of Communication and now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing, Strategy & Entrepreneurship at University Canada West. Hear from him in his own words as he reflects on his time at the School of Communication and shares how it helped shape his professional journey.

鈥淭ransforming ideas into impactful stories鈥攚hether in the boardroom or the classroom.鈥�

After graduating from SFU鈥檚 School of Communication, I discovered my true passion in Marketing Communication. I eventually rose to the role of Marketing Communication Manager at a global exhibitions and conferences company, where I led B2B strategies and oversaw international campaigns. After eight fulfilling years in that space, I was drawn to academia, where I now teach and conduct research in Integrated Strategic Communication and Health Education.

My time at 51社区黑料laid the foundation for this multifaceted journey. The program鈥檚 unique blend of theory and hands-on learning equipped me with skills in impactful messaging, media literacy, and public speaking. But perhaps more importantly, it sparked the curiosity and creative thinking that still guide my work today鈥攚hether I鈥檓 mentoring students or leading a research project.

A particularly formative experience was Communications 320: Children, Media, and Culture, taught by Professor Stephen Kline. My team created both an animated cartoon and a documentary that explored media literacy among youth. This project introduced me to tools like Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, but more significantly, it honed my ability to think critically about media influence. Receiving a glowing reference from Professor Kline for our collaborative efforts remains a proud milestone.

In today鈥檚 content-saturated world, a Communication degree is more essential than ever. From AI to policy, marketing to education, communication professionals are at the heart of how we interpret and shape modern discourse. The skills we develop鈥攃ritical thinking, storytelling, audience engagement鈥攁re timeless.

To students and recent grads, here鈥檚 my advice:

• Embrace the program鈥檚 interdisciplinary nature.
• Say yes to experiential opportunities like internships, co-ops, and research projects.
• Craft a portfolio that reflects your unique voice and journey.
• Seek mentors who can help you grow, challenge you, and open new doors.

路       And always stay curious鈥攖he tools may change, but your 51社区黑料foundation is built to last.

SFU鈥檚 School of Communication didn鈥檛 just prepare me for a career鈥攊t gave me the mindset and momentum to grow, pivot, and thrive across diverse fields.