Behind the scenes: Student field placement with Georgian’s Marketing, Communications and Recruitment team
May 15, 2025
Georgian is a recognized leader in student work experience with most programs offering formal work-integrated opportunities. Advertising and Marketing Communications student Ryan Dumais shares how his experience was on his field placement as a Social Media Assistant with Georgian’s Marketing, Communications and Recruitment team.
A month of real-world learning
Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Karen Cann, Georgian College’s Social Media Specialist, as part of the Marketing, Communications and Recruitment (MCR) team. The experience was fast-paced, deeply creative and highly structured. It was the kind of environment where you learn quickly and grow even faster.
My role covered everything from content creation and account management to brand enforcement and audience engagement. I filmed and edited videos, wrote optimized YouTube descriptions, monitored analytics, and responded to messages, comments and reposts. Throughout it all, I ensured alignment with Georgian’s brand guidelines. I also had the chance to explore Georgian’s virtual and mixed reality simulations, gaining exposure to the innovative tools that enhance student learning.
What did you work on?
Day to day, I was responsible for crafting content for social media, writing captions that matched Georgian’s tone of voice, and ensuring that all posts met accessibility and SEO best practices. I contributed to the closure communication plan for The Last Class and supported time-sensitive content rollouts such as Days of Significance and institutional announcements.
During April’s Campus Experience Week, I interacted with prospective students face to face and attended the annual College Forum, where I met guidance counsellors from across Ontario. These experiences gave me a broader view of how MCR’s work supports student recruitment and engagement, and how content truly connects people.
How did you grow personally and professionally?
Before this field placement, I worked as the Marketing and Advertising Manager at The Last Class through the Work Study program. That role taught me the basics of content creation and student engagement. However, stepping into the MCR department felt like entering a new world.
The level of precision and expectation was intense. Every comma, every post and every detail mattered. At first, it was overwhelming. But those high standards taught me discipline, accountability and how to operate in a professional setting. I finished the placement with sharper communication skills, a better grasp of digital strategy and a deep respect for what it takes to represent an organization at scale.
What was the most exciting part?
Watching the content I helped create go live and seeing the audience respond to it in real time was the most rewarding part of the experience. Whether it was a quick Reel or an event photo, the engagement gave me a tangible sense of community impact. Social media isn’t just a platform. It’s a powerful bridge between the institution and its people.
What surprised you the most?
I learned that creativity and structure can, and should, coexist. Following brand guidelines doesn’t mean compromising authenticity or fun. On the contrary, thoughtful boundaries help enable stronger storytelling. I also realized how much collaboration goes into every decision. Working with Karen and the broader team showed me that behind every polished post is a group of people making smart, intentional choices.
What did you learn here that you can’t in a classroom?
Adaptability. The pace of institutional communications is fast, and priorities can change quickly. I learned how to juggle multiple projects, stay organized and meet tight deadlines. These are skills that only come from real-world experience. Most importantly, I learned to trust my creative instincts while remaining open to feedback, which made my work stronger and more intentional.
What made your experience so rewarding?
The team culture made all the difference. Karen was a generous mentor who gave me the space to ask questions, make mistakes and grow. Her guidance helped me build confidence in both my creative abilities and my professional judgment. Knowing that my work served a greater purpose by helping students feel seen, informed and connected made it all the more fulfilling.
Any advice for future co-op students?
Show up curious. You’re not expected to know everything, and that’s the point of a co-op or field placement. Embrace the learning curve, stay humble and pay attention to the details. Be open to feedback, even when it stings. Don’t shy away from tasks that feel outside your comfort zone, because that’s where real growth happens.
Field placements offer a rare window into the professional world, where theory meets practice and even the smallest decisions can shape how an entire institution is perceived. I will carry the lessons, feedback and behind-the-scenes insights with me as I take my next steps, wherever they may lead.