What to Get Used to as a Creative Industries Student
So you’re interested in Ryerson’s Creative Industries program? It’s a great program unique to Ryerson—it’s the first program of its kind in North America! If you’ve looked into this program, you definitely know that. That’s not the only thing you’ll get to know as a Creative Industries (CRI) student. As a second-year student, I haven’t been here that long, but I’ve learned that there are some things to get used to during your time in the program.
“Wait, what’s that?”
Since CRI is such a unique program, most people outside the Ryerson community aren’t sure what it entails. Whenever someone asks me what my program is, it’s always followed by the above question. I’m not even sure if my friends and family back home really know what my program is about. With each time you get asked this question (which will be often), you’ll be able to formulate a standard response.
Business
Once I got asked about how much business is actually in Creative Industries and my answer was “a lot.” You take all kinds of business courses throughout your four years, from management to accounting to entrepreneurship. Business is advertised as a main point of the program, and it definitely is. And yes, you’ll need to do some math.
“What’s your module?”
Whenever two or more CRI students meet, it is the law that the first question they ask each other is “what’s your module?” It isn’t actually law, but it happens so often that it may as well be. Especially during the first weeks of school, you’ll be asked this question a hundred times and you’ll ask it back just as many. It’s a good way to get to know your peers.
Nicknames and merchandise with “CRI”
The short form for the Creative Industries program is “CRI”, which bears a large resemblance to the word “cry.” This has resulted in nicknames like “CRI babies,” merchandise that says “Don’t CRI” and features teardrops and drawings of people crying. Designs are made by students so it’s a great way to either get creative and submit a design or support your peers!
“Networking”
I think it was my first-year CRI orientation day in August 2019 when I first heard the word “network” during my time in Creative Industries. And I have heard it at least once a week since then. Professors and upper-year students emphasize the importance of networking. Networking is also a term of importance that comes up in your first-year business classes, BSM 100. I’ll admit I have to work on my networking skills but I figured I have time, right?
Group work
In all of my core, mandatory Creative Industries classes, there has been at least one group project. Collaboration and teamwork is an important skill to have when working in Creative Industries. Group work is even more difficult to carry out in university than high school because no one has the same schedule and it’s more difficult to get to know your classmates. I had my first issue with group work on my second-ever day of university. My tip to you: create a group chat the moment the project starts.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you get to know in Creative Industries. Don’t worry—you’ll be a pro in no time!
