Metalworks Institutes Back to School Basics

You are opening a new chapter in your life and are on your way to your dream career! These next few months are going to be jam-packed with networking, events, new friends, hands-on training and… oh right, schoolwork! At the end of your program, you will walk out of our doors with a wealth of knowledge, an array of new goals and the tools to achieve them. Be excited for what is to come! The post-secondary road into the entertainment industry nurtures individuality and creativity, where personal fulfillment and enjoyment take centre stage. 

Here are some helpful ‘Back to School’ tips from Metalworks Institute students and alumni:

1.    “Make business cards and always have them with you. Don’t leave the house without them and don’t be afraid to give them out. You never know who you might run into. On that same note, while networking, always get whomever’s card and keep it for reference.” Janel Edwards, 2011 Entertainment Business Management Student

2.    “Organization. Be organized and stay on top of the things that you need to do, especially schoolwork. Use your iCal and any other educational tool. Don’t be shy, sit up close in class and get involved!” Scott Green, 2009 Entertainment Business Management Alumnus

3.    “Networking. Every individual that you meet is a perfect opportunity to network.” Yolanda Do, 2011 Show Production and Event Management Student

4.    “Networking. It’s important to network not only with staff, but with fellow students. Your former classmates will be a part of the industry upon graduation and are great networking resources. Keep everyone close and try not to burn any bridges along the way.” Danielle Laplante, 2010 Entertainment Business Management Alumnus

5.    “Be ready to adjust your lifestyle to school, including your diet. It’s your decision and it’s important that you make the right one. Benefit from class breaks by having a nutritious snack to keep you energized for the day.” Dylan MacIntyre, 2010 Two-year Professional Sound and Business: Studio Production Major Student

6.    “Attitude. Always have a good attitude; it is the most important thing. Be prepared to learn from everyone. Every one of your classmates can teach you something new; always be open to learning new things from fellow students.” Steve Luxton, 2010 Audio Production and Engineering Alumnus

7.    “Have an end goal of what you would like to do before the program. Be prepared to take the necessary steps to get there – nothing will be handed to you. Take your ego out of the equation, put in the time, show-up to class, work outside and seek extra help when necessary.” Daniel Johnston, 2010 Two-year Professional Sound and Business: Studio Production Major Student

8.    “Learn to open-up and don’t be afraid to network. The people that you meet here are some of the most important people that you’ll meet in your entire career; don’t be shy to go out and introduce yourself, it will be worth your while.” Cory Revesz, 2010 Two-Year Professional Sound and Business: Studio Production Major Alumnus

9.    “If moving out of your parents’ home -- be prepared. Don’t spend all of your money all at once. Create a budget, and stick to it! There is no one to look after you but yourself at this point; you will have to adjust accordingly. Make a schedule for cooking and cleaning to stay on top of things.” John Brooks, 2010 Two-Year Professional Sound and Business: Studio Production Major Student

10.    “Work hard in every class. Each instructor teaches differently and be prepared to adapt. Every test structure will be different, be prepared to adjust to all different styles.” Lindsay Fotheringham, 2009 Entertainment Business Management Alumnus