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Ask a Grad

Ask a Grad allows you to email a Print Futures graduate to find out more about our program. It's a great chance to talk with someone who has a similar background or similar goals.

Grads can't answer questions about admission requirements, schedules, and deadlines. For those questions, contact the coordinator .

Here are 16 of our grads to help you:

Writer, editor, and certified proofreader Barbara K. Adamski
Sales communication specialist Crystal Auffray
Freelance writer and editor Jenn Farrell
Freelance writer and editor Pamela Findling
Writer, editor, and communicator Lynne Graham
Magazine editor-in-chief Stuart Harries
Technical writer Rob Hughes
Editor Catherine Jones
Technical writer and freelance magazine writer Rob Klettke
Communications coordinator Kate Lancaster
Technical writer James Lee
Copywriter Duncan MacKinnon
Executive director Terry-Lynn Stone
Freelance writer Heidi Turner
Freelance copywriter John Vigna
Freelance business writer Tashon Ziara

Writer, editor, and certified proofreader Barbara K. Adamski (Class of 2005)

Barb Adamski WHILE I HAD WRITING AND EDITING EXPERIENCE before attending Print Futures, the program gave me much-needed skills with computer software, the elements of design, genre study, and the finer points of editing. In fact, not a day goes by when I'm not reminded of one of my classes, whether I'm working with a designer to fine-tune a brochure or studying the genre of annual reports.

I did most of the program as a part-time student, first while working with the provincial government, then later as a freelance writer and editor. By the time I graduated, I had some great clips, a strong network of fellow writers and editors, and a few regular clients.

I'm very much a generalist, and my clients like that. I enjoy seeing how connections form between the various types of work I do: the way writing an encyclopedia entry on lacrosse leads to editing a website about the legacy of a local botanist; how grabbing an editor's attention with an article on an ultramarathon through Death Valley results in a profile of a chocolatier. These connections allow me to transition between genres, subjects, and tasks, which keeps me on my toes.

Before Print Futures: Resume consultant, columnist for a Japanese newspaper, Japanese agent/interpreter for an international airline, deputy sheriff
After Print Futures: Self-employed writer and editor , working on fascinating projects such as writing copy for interactive kiosks, conducting photo research on aviation history, editing and fact-checking encyclopedia entries, and writing articles and radio scripts on topics ranging from healthy cooking oils to blood-donor dogs
Member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and the Editors' Association of Canada

Ask Barb about Print Futures.

Sales communication specialist Crystal Auffray (Class of 2009)

Crystal Auffray PRINT FUTURES WAS THE BEST INVESTMENT I've ever made in my career. Before enrolling in the program I was teaching high school students and wondering if I'd ever again work in a civilized environment with adults my own age.

Thanks to the program, I gained valuable writing, editing, and communication skills that allowed me to transition to the exciting world of marketing and sales communications. Because I am a generalist, I was prepared for everything that came my way, from copy editing, substantive editing, proofreading, and copywriting to media releases, media kits, enewsletters, promotional campaigns, and corporate blogs.

One of the best elements of Print Futures is the ability to learn from passionate professionals alongside like-minded peers. I met some great friends in Print Futures. They are the best group of people I could have chosen to work with and learn from. At the end of the program, I had developed solid relationships and a network of contacts I regularly keep in touch with.

Before Print Futures: High school English & French teacher
After Print Futures: Communications specialist, Aviawest Resort Group; now, sales communication specialist, Air Canada
Recipient of the Julia Broderick Scholarship for Technical Writing
BA Education (Simon Fraser); BA English (University of the Fraser Valley)

Ask Crystal about Print Futures.

Freelance writer and editor Jenn Farrell (Class of 2002)

Jenn Farrell A FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE PROGRAM a day before the application deadline, and I ran down to the college without knowing exactly what I was getting into. Print Futures knocked my socks off. I learned how to write and edit, and do research, and write some more. I wasn't great at everything, but I grasped the concepts and the gist of things, and applied them in ways that worked for me. Print Futures students learn enough to walk into just about any entry-level writing job and not stay entry level for long. You'll become the go-to generalist: the person in the office who can generate fresh newsletter article ideas by looking at previous issues; track down and interview an association head for the next article using some great research-based questions; write, edit, and proof the piece in record time; then lay the whole darn thing out yourself because the design guy has a hangover, again.

Although Print Futures was serious and challenging, my memories include a lot of laughing and horsing around with other students. Working alongside and sometimes in partnership with my classmates was tremendously valuable. I made friends and met my husband in the program, and I now count several instructors as friends. I also found out that I could write stories, and the pieces I worked on were the beginnings of my first book, Sugar Bush & Other Stories.

Before Print Futures: Waitressing and retail; wife and mom; co-owner of a Victoria clothing consignment store
After Print Futures: Freelance editor, mentor/facilitator, and writer; former managing editor, subTerrain magazine; author of Sugar Bush & Other Stories (Anvil 2006) and The Devil You Know (Anvil 2010)
Grand prize winner, Maclean-Hunter Endowment Fund for Creative Non-fiction (2002)
Member, Board of Directors, British Columbia Association of Magazine Publishers
Diploma Publishing (Langara)

Ask Jenn about Print Futures.

Freelance writer and editor Pamela Findling (Class of 2008)

Pamela Findling I'D WANTED TO BE A WRITER since I was a kid, but I didn't know how to turn writing into a career. Fiction writing seemed risky and journalism didn't appeal to me. Discouraged, I became a computer network administrator instead. After years of complacently plugging away in IT, I finally found Print Futures.

What do I love about Print Futures? It gave me the real-life skills I needed to succeed as a writer while exposing me to thriving writers, editors, and communicators. I still refer back to lessons learned in Print Futures, quote my teachers to clients, and flip through my notes to jog my memory. Best of all, my classmates and teachers now form a valuable network of friends and resources.

By my last semester, I knew I had lots of options and the confidence to pursue them. The Monday after my portfolio show, I started work as the communications coordinator at Science World. For two years, I honed my skills, gained some experience, and made connections before venturing out as a freelancer.

I love the variety of my work. One day I'm doing employee communications at FortisBC, and the next I'm writing for TodaysParent.ca. Thanks to Print Futures, I have what I need to move from project to project without missing a beat.

Before Print Futures: Computer network administrator
After Print Futures: Communications coordinator at Science World
Recipient of TELUS Innovator of the Year award; presenter at Editors' Association of Canada's 2011 national conference

Ask Pamela about Print Futures.

Writer, editor, and communicator Lynne Graham (Class of 2006)

Lynne Graham MICROBIOLOGY WAS MY FIRST CAREER, but it was not long before I landed in a town with no need for microbiologists. In self-defence, I became a potter and, later -- just as mental arthritis was setting in -- discovered Print Futures. It seemed the perfect route back into science. It turned out to be far, far more.

Print Futures was transformative. University degrees had stretched me academically, but Print Futures provided both a solid theoretical foundation and a set of transferrable technical skills. And then it forced me to apply both. The process was as exhilarating as it was challenging and, most important, it rebuilt confidence that had dissipated over the years.

It was only when I had to let go the dream of returning to science that I truly recognized the value of my Print Futures skill set. Armed with minimal administrative experience, I became executive director of the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce and found I was well equipped. While writing was not the primary function, communication was, and I drew extensively from every course I'd taken.

Since leaving the chamber to concentrate on writing and communication, I have edited a 400-page historical manuscript, created presentations and reports, and written successful grant applications. My next challenge is to complete the Royal Roads University MA in Professional Communication -- an exciting, if somewhat daunting prospect.

Before Print Futures: Research biologist, potter, mom
After Print Futures: Writer and editor (teaching manuals and business documents), executive director, communicator
Scholarship winner, Editors' Association of Canada (BC Branch), 2006; valedictorian, Douglas College, 2006; student, MA in Professional Communication, Royal Roads University (expected date of graduation 2013)
Trustee, Prince Rupert Public Library; memberships: Editors' Association of Canada, Canadian Public Relations Society, Rotary Club of Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce

Magazine editor-in-chief Stuart Harries (Class of 2001)

Stuart Harries FOR ME, THE BENEFIT OF PRINT FUTURES was the opportunity to focus my attention on my passion -- writing. Thanks to the program, I get to apply my passion every day in numerous and ever-changing ways. I'm happy to say that the days of mind-numbingly boring assignments are long behind me.

Currently, I am editor-in-chief of alive magazine, Canada's natural health and wellness magazine. We also produce alive Australia and other publications. The Teldon environment is stimulating and diverse. Each workday, I enjoy encounters with new writers, interesting researchers, and a team of dedicated professionals keen to be the best publishing group they can be.

Before alive , I was employed right after graduation as the managing editor of Tactics Magazine and soon became its editor. Tactics has nearly 2,000 subscribers in 24 countries; it's a subscription-only, high-gloss trade publication that examines and supports shopping-centre marketing around the globe. For the International Council of Shopping Centers, I've acted as a media industry expert, leading roundtable discussions and speaking at numerous conventions in the United States.

Before Print Futures: Pursuing a mind-numbingly repetitive and desperately boring career in finance
After Print Futures: Editor, Tactics Magazine ; senior editor and then executive editor, alive magazine; now, editor-in-chief, Teldon Media Group
Member, Editors' Association of Canada

Ask Stuart about Print Futures.

Technical writer Rob Hughes (Class of 2002)

Rob Hughes ENROLLING IN PRINT FUTURES WAS THE BEST DECISION I've made in my life. My experience in the program was intense and transformative, as only two years spent living well outside my preconceived "comfort zone" could be. I laughed, I cried, I grit my teeth to meet deadlines in the company of the finest classmates I've ever worked or drank with.

Print Futures isn't just about learning how to write. It's about learning how to communicate effectively -- in print or in person -- to just about any audience, from the casual magazine reader to a boardroom of corporate executives. I'd recommend the program to anyone who thought they could write but wasn't sure where to take that ability or how to make a living from it. My primary goal was to become a technical writer, and I was hired for my tech-writing job just a couple of months after graduation. Away from the office, I've pursued my passion for arts writing by contributing numerous features and reviews to an internationally distributed music quarterly.

Before Print Futures: Closed caption writer for television post-production -- an enjoyable, dead-end job
After Print Futures: Technical writer, Xantrex Technology, Counterpath Corporation, Sierra Wireless, and now VTech Technologies
Senior member, Society for Technical Communication; former editor of Coast Lines , the chapter newsletter for Canada West Coast STC, which received a Distinguished Technical Communication Award in the STC Newsletter Competition (2004)
BA English (British Columbia)

Ask Rob about Print Futures.

Editor Catherine Jones (Class of 2004)

Catherine Jones 2009 FOR 16 YEARS, I WORKED AS A CORPORATE LEGAL ASSISTANT for the same lawyer doing the same tasks day after day. While the pay and benefits were good, the thrill of the job was definitely gone. Now I'm the managing editor in a busy business-to-business publishing company, Bongarde Media, that specializes in workplace safety material. My responsibilities include overseeing the production of weekly ezines, monthly newsletters, and a quarterly full-colour 32-page magazine. I write a daily enewsletter, compile special reports, and edit several annual products. I've also tackled video production and manage the company's annual safety-industry awards. I'm especially proud of SafetyXChange.org . It's the only international safety community of its kind, and we have over 17,000 very loyal members who tune in every day and who regularly tell us how invaluable they find our site. You can't get that kind of love in a law firm.

Simply put, my job as an editor would not be a possibility for me if I hadn't gone through Print Futures. There are many B2B publishing companies out there, each requiring a university degree or many years of journalism and editorial experience. I had neither. With my Print Futures diploma and freelance work acquired through my Print Futures contacts, I was able to offer both relevant experience and a publishing-focused education.

Before Print Futures: Corporate legal assistant
After Print Futures: Managing editor, Bongarde Media
Scholarship winner, Editors' Association of Canada (BC Branch) Award for Outstanding Graduate in Print Futures (2004); in Washington, DC, SafetyXChange received third place for Best Interactive Content from the Newsletter & Electronic Publishers Association Foundation (2006)

Ask Catherine about Print Futures.

Technical writer and freelance magazine writer Rob Klettke (Class of 2007)

Rob Klettke THE PROGRAM IS CHALLENGING. There were times when I thought I had wandered into the wrong classroom. But when I got out there in the real writing and editing world, I realized I had learned a lot. I learned how to quickly assess a writing task, do the appropriate research, and then produce something coherent and appropriate. I learned how to start a draft (unfortunately I'm still learning how to finish). I learned how difficult it is to write well, but also how rewarding it can be.

Before Print Futures, I had been a semi-retired designer who was expected to use a designer's sleight-of-hand to distract people from the content of poorly written documents. After Print Futures, I am a communicator who can skilfully combine writing and design into an effective, communicative document. A few months after Print Futures, I was hired to be a technical writer for a multinational company. This daytime job allows me the freedom to moonlight in magazine writing, one of the many interests I picked up along the way.

Before Print Futures: A disenchanted graphic designer moonlighting in restaurants
After Print Futures: Technical writer (graphics specialist and photographer), Honeywell Video Systems; freelance magazine writer, alive magazine and Vancouver Review
BA English (Simon Fraser); Diploma Graphic and Visual Design (Kwantlen University College)

Ask Rob about Print Futures.

Communications coordinator Kate Lancaster (Class of 2007)

FOR 20 YEARS, I CHASED THE ACTING CARROT. I had some successes, a lot of failures, and a lot of dead-end jobs to pay the rent. Once I finally realized that the odd nibble at fame wasn't enough to sate my creative needs, or my bank account, I began the search for a new career.

I had always been interested in writing, but worried that I'd be jumping from one creative (read non-paying) career to another. It wasn't until I attended a Print Futures information session that I discovered the myriad ways to make a living as a writer, besides crafting the next great Canadian novel. In fact, it appeared that I could make a better living as a writer than I had as an actor and still be creatively fulfilled -- who knew?

Print Futures gave me the tools I need to write in any genre and style, and for any audience. Upon completion of the program, I immediately found employment as the communications coordinator for Place des Arts, an integrated arts centre and music school in Coquitlam. I have been able to combine my experience in and passion for the arts with my newfound love of writing and communication.

If you love to write, but also love a decent paycheque, Print Futures is the program for you.

Before Print Futures: Actor, stand-in, background performer, waitress, store clerk, Friday
After Print Futures: Communications coordinator, freelance writer, editor, and document designer
Scholarship winner, the BC & Yukon Association of Community Newspapers (2007); Beth Anderson Memorial Bursary winner (2006)

Ask Kate about Print Futures.

Technical writer James Lee (Class of 2009)

James Lee I ENTERED PRINT FUTURES with a vague idea that I wanted to write for a living, but without any notions of what I wanted to write about or how to get started. Did I want to be a copywriter? A technical writer? Did I want to write stories and novels, be the next Great Canadian Success Story? These were just some of the questions that flowed through my unsettled mind in the early weeks of the program. But as the courses progressed, I learned not only about the various facets of writing and editing, but also about, as cliché as it sounds, myself and what would best suit me.

It turns out that I'm a technical writer, and Print Futures did a great job of preparing me for the role. I gained practical experience through using software, preparing instruction manuals, and working for a well-regarded telecommunications company during my work term. I also learned about the academic side of things -- why we communicate the way we do, and the very varied ways that we do it.

Print Futures isn't magic; there's work involved, but it prepares you for the work that you're going to get after you graduate. And it's a great feeling getting paid to do something that comes naturally.

Before Print Futures: sales in financial services -- an individual less suited to sales you will not find
After Print Futures: Technical writer, Central 1 Credit Union
Member, Society for Technical Communication
BA English Literature (UBC); Accredited Mortgage Professional (Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals)

Ask James about Print Futures.

Copywriter Duncan MacKinnon (Class of 2008)

I CAME TO PRINT FUTURES AT AGE 38 after 15 unsatisfying years working in funeral services. I learned about the program after finally taking the plunge and getting career counselling. The program is demanding and exhausting, but make no mistake, you will emerge from it a writer.

Since graduating I have worked as a freelance copywriter and creative director in Toronto, working on campaigns in every medium, from radio and television to print and online. Along the way I discovered that I have a particular talent for writing taglines, but my experience also includes creative concept strategy, media releases, web writing, brochure copy, billboard copy, and radio and television scripts. The best part of my job is that it changes from day to day with clients ranging from grassroots organizations and not-for-profit groups to multinational corporations and government agencies.

Print Futures is not for the faint of heart -- it's writing boot camp -- but if you want to make a living as a writer this program is for you. I use the tools Print Futures equipped me with every single day. For me, it was the best decision I ever made.

Before Print Futures: More than a decade spent working nightshift in a crematorium, miserable
After Print Futures: Creative director for Shinola Creative, award-winning copywriter, all around happier person

Ask Duncan about Print Futures.

Executive director Terry-Lynn Stone (Class of 2002)

Terry-Lynn Stone IN MY OTHER LIVES, I was a registered nurse in England where I worked in accident and emergency. There I learned to think on my feet, pretend I wasn't panicked and work until I dropped (all great skills for working in publishing). In my next life, I was a full-time mom, 4-H leader, and volunteer with the Cancer Society. I even worked on a mink farm -- great reasons to get further education. I went to university to earn a BA in English, which taught me how to think critically but didn't equip me for the working world in any practical way. So I came to Print Futures.

This program is all about getting ready for a great job. I am constantly amazed that everything -- the formal learning of the program and the informal discussions and interaction with students and staff -- is so relevant to the work I do. My advice? Take Print Futures seriously and get out of it everything you can.

Before Print Futures: Registered nurse, full-time mother
After Print Futures: Editor-in-chief, Alive Publishing Group and Teldon Publishing; now, executive director, Kamloops Brain Injury Association
Board of Directors, University of the Fraser Valley; Board of Directors, BC Association of Charitable Gaming; member, Kamloops Mayor's Advisory Committee

Ask Terry-Lynn about Print Futures.

Freelance writer Heidi Turner (Class of 2006)

Heidi Turner TAKING PRINT FUTURES WAS THE BEST DECISION I've ever made. Yes, there were tough days and days when I wondered what I'd got myself into. But I also know I would never be where I am today -- a self-employed writer -- without Print Futures. I was lucky to get into Print Futures because the application deadline had passed but the program was not full, so the deadline was extended. I went to the information session thinking I'd learn all about writing the next great novel. What I got instead was information about the range of writing jobs and opportunities available to me; jobs I had never considered before.

Through Print Futures, I learned about what I would need to be a successful freelance writer. The skills included not only writing and editing skills, but skills to market myself, to work with clients, and to operate my own writing business. I was exposed to a variety of writing styles, including technical, public relations, creative non-fiction, and report writing, all of which I have used since graduating from the program. It was challenging , but surviving those challenges prepared me for work as a writer.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a writer. Thanks to Print Futures, I can actually say that I am a professional writer.

Before Print Futures: Underemployed -- I had an undergraduate degree but worked mainly in customer service and office management (including mall jobs and a plumbing company)
After Print Futures: Freelance writer; regional director, Professional Writers Association of Canada

Ask Heidi about Print Futures.

Freelance copywriter John Vigna (Class of 2001)

john-vigna THE FIRST THING I DID AFTER GRADUATING from Print Futures was take a two-month trip to China, Mongolia, and Russia. I called it a reward for completing the program, but it probably had more to do with avoiding the job market, or fear, or both. When I returned to Canada, I tried to work as a technical writer -- right when the dotcom bomb hit. So I combined my skills as a technical writer with my creative writing interests and became a self-employed copywriter, which is what I am today. It's been an exhilarating, uneven process.

Print Futures armed me with the skills, confidence, and know-how to enter the job market in a variety of communication-related jobs. The program provided me with the security and support of a built-in network of like-minded communicators: fellow classmates, instructors, and working professionals. Mostly, though, the program challenged me not just as a writer and reader, but as a careful listener -- skills that have proven to be indispensable.

Before Print Futures: Various jobs (pro basketball player, treeplanter, surveyor, bookstore manager, and more)
After Print Futures: Freelance advertising/marketing copywriter for high-end real-estate projects across North America; writing and editing teacher for Vancouver Community College, Malaspina University-College, and University of the Fraser Valley; professional readiness instructor, Print Futures
Member, Society for Technical Communication; member, Editors' Association of Canada; award winner, Entrepreneur of the Year, Business-to-Business Category, Lower Mainland Self-employment Programs (2002)
BA English (Calgary); MFA Creative Writing (British Columbia)

View John's video clip .

Ask John about Print Futures.

Freelance business writer Tashon Ziara (Class of 2000)

MY LOVE OF THE WRITTEN WORD has led to a satisfying (if unpredictable) career. I've interviewed and written about the CEOs of many of Canada's leading companies, politicians (including a few prime ministers), foreign dignitaries, community leaders, and everyday heros. Today, my clients include The Vancouver Board of Trade, Spirit of Vancouver, and 2010 LegaciesNow.

Print Futures is a very demanding program, and I was the single parent of two children under the age of three when I entered Douglas College. I found the program to be timely, relevant, and thorough in preparing me to compete for work in a market where many of my colleagues have degrees in journalism, English, or communications.

In the years since graduating from Print Futures, I've established myself as a sought-after business writer with more than 500 published pieces; written four books (including the Canadian bestseller The Power of Tact ) with Peter Legge, publisher of Canada Wide Magazines & Communications; and developed a diverse group of clients who do their best to continually keep me on my toes.

Before Print Futures: Construction labourer, traveller, securities trader, obituary writer
After Print Futures: Business writer

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