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The School of Communication is proud to feature the award winners for the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology (FCAT) June Convocation, including undergraduate graduands Olivia Wong and Naomi Agbebaku, and PhD graduand Rowan Melling. We sat down with them to ask them a few questions about their time at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úand future plans. Read below! 

Another highlight was my role as Vice President External in the Communication Student Union. I joined the CMNSU because I wanted to find a strong community of peers that shared similar academic and professional interests, and this experience did exactly that.

Finally, I completed the Communication co-op program with three co-op placements in three completely different sectors—transportation, life sciences, and foodservice. Having these diverse experiences across different areas of communications helped me gain a much clearer vision of my career goals.

-What does it mean to you to receive the Governor General’s Silver Medal?

Receiving the Governor General’s Silver Medal is such an honour. It has encouraged me to reflect on everything I’ve learned since my first year at SFU. I’ve developed strong academic and professional interests, and I’ve made a wealth of connections along the way. Throughout my courses, I’ve grown tremendously in my ability to ask questions, analyze complex issues, and assert my own ideas with confidence. I know that the depth of knowledge and sense of purpose I’ve acquired at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úwill shape how I move through my future.

-What advice would you give to other Communication students?

I would encourage other Communication students to embrace the diversity of this major and try everything they can. I took a wide range of courses and would urge students to do the same. The theory-based courses helped me gain a strong sense of my values and beliefs so I could build a clear moral compass. I balanced these with practical courses in topics like audio and video editing and communication for social issues. These courses allowed me to discover my professional interests, and they gave me the skills to secure co-op positions, and eventually, my first full-time role.

Beyond campus, there are so many career possibilities within communications, so I would encourage students to approach professional development opportunities and co-op positions with an open mind. By trying different experiences, I discovered passions and interests I never knew I had. I carried this same mindset into my other elective courses, and ended up supplementing my degree with a minor and a certificate. I would definitely recommend experimenting with different courses in completely different programs to discover new interests.

-What are your plans now that you are graduating?

I’m currently working as a sales and marketing coordinator at one of my previous co-op positions. I actually just got back from my first work trip in Chicago and have really been enjoying my experience so far! I plan to continue down the path of marketing and communications, eventually growing into management positions.

I also have a feeling that my schooling isn’t over yet—I’m just not sure what it’ll look like. I’ve been considering an MA in Communication, an MBA, or maybe even a PhD. I’m taking these recent life transitions one step at a time, but I’m staying open minded toward any opportunity that comes my way.

-Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank the many people who made my undergraduate experience such a fulfilling and meaningful one. I’m extremely grateful to my parents for their constant support and encouragement over these past five years. I was also fortunate to have learned from many professors, advisors, and mentors who have guided and inspired me throughout my degree. Finally, thank you to all my friends and peers for defining so many memorable moments and for making my time at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úso special.

Read the bios of all June convocation speakers and award winners >>>