George Brown College Speciality : Art & Design
programme: Design

Overall, I would rate my experience in the Design Management program at George Brown College as mixed. While I made the most of the opportunity—gaining valuable insights, expanding my professional network, and taking initiative on new projects—the structure and delivery of the program differed significantly from the way it was presented online.

When I enrolled, the program was described as consisting of two full semesters followed by a co-op or internship opportunity. In reality, the first semester was the only fully structured academic term. The second semester was largely independent study combined with an internship, which left a gap in guided instruction and academic content.

Additionally, the program marketing indicated that graduates would be prepared to apply for design management-specific roles. However, in practice, there were no defined roles in the market under that title, and even our instructors advised us to return to our original design disciplines when job hunting. The course content itself was relatively limited and could have been more robust, especially given the evolving demands of design leadership and strategy in the industry.

That said, the campus experience at George Brown College was excellent—modern facilities, a well-equipped learning environment, and access to helpful student services. Some of the professors were very supportive and understanding, and I appreciated their willingness to guide us through challenges and offer insights from their professional experience.

Despite the short-comings, I remained proactive. I took the opportunity to supplement my learning, engage with classmates from diverse backgrounds, and participate in a variety of projects that broadened my perspective on design and business. These experiences helped me build both hard and soft skills, and I value the connections and growth that came from my time in the program.