With commercial printers, advertising agencies and other employers in the graphic arts industry in Canada calling the shots, we thought we’d present an incisive look at hiring from a graduate student’s perspective. Traditionally, the most successful companies in this industry not only hire the best talent, they make their companies much more attractive to the top candidates than their competition.
A special “thank you” to Jeff Bezbrozh of Ryerson’s Graphic Communications Management (GCM) program for this article.
The printing industry is experiencing rapid change. As technologies evolve, so do printers and their needs. Students in the Graphic Communications Management (GCM) program at Ryerson University in Toronto are in the midst of this change, and with graduation looming, they’re beginning to think about what they’re expecting from employers at GCM’s annual job Fair this March. I interviewed soon-to-be graduates to get their perspectives on the job market today.
Many students interned this past summer at a variety of companies and have come to learn what they find most fulfilling in a workplace or employer. Student responses ranged from discussing their personal gratification, to office environment, impact made, and recognition awarded. “I enjoy friendly co-workers, approachable managers, happy customers, knowing that I’m making progress, and doing a good job,” said one respondent. None of this is surprising, however, a common thread between all respondents was definitely office culture.
Another student sought “advanced technology, a bright office, and a task-oriented employer” to have a fulfilling job. Technology is essential in today’s world, and students may have a greater sense of job security when their employer is up to date on changing industry trends. “I’m attracted to companies that are keeping ahead of the game in terms of technology, trends and employee development,” said the student. “Working for a company that noticeably invests in its employees and keeps them ahead of the technology curve is important to me. But if they don’t, I may also take this as an opportunity to make a huge difference.” Generally, students are highly conscious of technology, but are also very adaptable if they need to be.
Students also know exactly what they’re NOT looking for in an employer. “My biggest turn-off is lack of employee development with little or no growth within the company,” another student said. Students are hungry for opportunity, and will typically stay with a company much longer if there is a greater chance for continual training and potential upward mobility. Education does not cease once one has completed his or her undergraduate degree – and graduates today realize this and will typically be much more eager to receive additional training.
A couple of suggestions for employers
After chatting with soon-to-be grads, there were two main points that stood out to me. Although office culture may not always be communicated to possible candidates during the interview process, discussing this initially may encourage grads to become employees. Also, it could be advantageous to advertise new technologies if they’ve been recently introduced at your company – since new grads are looking for companies with growth potential and technical expertise.
With regards to the current state and future of the industry, students had varying opinions when asked where printing would be five years from now. One student commented that “the printing industry will have to adapt to the continuous changes in customer needs or else it will decline. Companies must get used to change.” Other students said that the printing industry might not be their final destination – and that employment trends may need to stabilize before they know if they’ll stay with any particular company. A final respondent added: “I’m excited about working in print. I’ve had a strong love for print for a long time, and I know that’s where I want to be, and that I will find a place in the industry. I’m not worried.”
Overall, students in the Graphic Communications Management program at Ryerson are an eager group, looking for opportunities to build and grow their careers. Knowledge gained within the program is technical, business oriented and above all, practical. In fact, students have worked in cross-functional teams for the last four years and yearn for the same level of fulfillment and opportunity to contribute in their workplace.
For printers looking to hire GCM graduates, I respectfully suggest that you step into their shoes and provide them with the opportunity to fulfill their goals and aspirations. When this happens, I guarantee you that this highly driven graduating class will soon be “working wonders” at your company.
Special Feature: What today’s graphic communications graduates are really looking for
