Is there a future in the Creative Industries?
Not an unfair question when one considers that many of New York, Milan and Cape Town's restaurants are being tended by Law and MBA graduates.
A few current statistics
- From 2008 to 2018, the US Labour Statistics predict there will be 13% growth in Graphic Design jobs available within the US.
- From 2008 to 2018, the US Labour Statistics predict there will be 19% growth in Interior Design jobs available within the US.
- From 2008 to 2018, the US Labour Statistics predict there will be 12% growth in Photography jobs available within the US.
- Since 2004, the number of Fashion events held across the world have more then tripled.
- In 2010, apparel sales in India have increased by 10% over a 5 year period to boast a massive expenditure of over $25 billion.
- From 2010 - 2014, the world textile and apparel industry will grow by 25% to an industry valued at $800 billion from $300 billion in 2005.
- A Sustainable Designer has been listed as one of the top 10 Green jobs of the future.
- The median annual salary for an Interior Designer is $46 000 according to global benchmarks.
- The Australian Government has identified Interior Design as a job that will grow strongly over the following 5 years with Interior Designers earning above average salaries.
- Landscape Designers boast one of the highest job growth outlooks over the coming years with an expected job increase of up to 20%.
- Multimedia Designer comes out tops in terms of the Labour statistics with a projected growth of 29% in available jobs.
- The creative industries in the UK and India are the fastest growing sectors of their economies. In the UK, creative industries account for 7.3% of their GDP.
- According to the South African Bureau of Standards, design is one of the most important tools for competitiveness in the new economy.
- Even during the economic crises that commenced in 2008, the fine art industry has boasted record high sales in art auctions conducted around the world with paintings fetching record prices.
Selecting a Program of Study
A common problem for many applicants fresh out of high school is that they do not know what they want to do. Some are at the age where the realities of adult life are not quite comprehensible while others lack ambition and direction.
SDC interviews students who are un-decided and unsure of career path every year - our admission offices double-up as career guidance councillors often and are happy to assist applicants and their parents in choosing a program that will best suit their interests and aspirations.
It's never too early!
SDC encourages Grade 11's and even earlier grades who are at the stage of choosing subjects at high school to make informed decisions by simply arranging an interview with our admissions personnel. Our counsellors will firstly outline the various programs of study and fields of practice and take the student on a tour of the college and programs. Very often when young applicants are able to see a program and the students in action, they are able to immediately identify what interests them.SDC is able to provisionally secure a student's place within a program based on a student's last report and results. This place is further confirmed once the student accomplishes all the required admission criteria.
First Year of College
The first few months for freshman students can be challenging for students just out of high school. It can also be an exciting time to get serious about the future, have a bit of fun and focus and show the world what they're made of.
With thousands of SDC alumni, over the years we have established a few keys to success:
Goal Setting
Many students have no idea why they are studying? Establishing a goal is something parents can be involved in.
Career Goal
Firstly a student needs to understand what careers are available to them with their study path. It helps to aim for a career but students should not fix their minds on this career as while they progress through their program and are exposed to various industry professionals their eyes will be opened to the many, different opportunities and careers within each field.
Lifestyle Goal
Imagining and visualising a lifestyle goal has been proven to aid in focus and achieving success. Students should observe their industries and the lifestyles of these people who form these creative communities.
Creating ideas such as - what the student wishes to do, where they wish to live, what they wish to drive and how they wish to spend their time begins all helps to create a more tangible idea of what a career in their path will provide for them. Parents should not discourage un-realistic or exaggerated ideas of fame and fortune. There is nothing wrong in wanting to be the best and enjoying the rewards of such success. Students should however be aware that fame and fortune comes to those who sacrifice and work allot and then in some cases it does not come at all. Hopefully by that stage alumni would have found the joy of careers they feel passionate about and for many this is the ultimate fulfilment
Short-Term Goals
Discussing short term goals with a student and providing incentives for excellent work provides incentives for students who may see a long term 3 year program as distant goal and lose focus along the way. Providing short term goals such as a 80% pass on a Progress report or Annual report with an incentive of a gift or reward may prove more achievable.
Skill Goals
For many students setting a skill goal such as (I want to learn and be fully confident in making my own garments) is a huge motivation and whether the skill is included in their program or requires additional study this form of goal setting is proven to out-perform financial reward.
Every program includes a multitude of new and professional skills that every students will acquire. Skills taught within each program are the skills required by industry to perform in a certain career. There are however many more skills that can be acquired within a students study career. Many extra courses are taught at SDC either in short workshops, the free Open Lectures or by online, correspondence study.
Students should always try to aim high and constantly improve their skill base. When striving for a top job the most successful candidates are those who possess the skills and experience that the other applicants don't have.
Students should aim to add to their portfolio and resume's throughout their college years and beyond them.
Time Management
A recent survey suggests that many adults over the age of 30 do not practice successful time management which leads to unnecessary stress. By simply managing one's time and duties in a simple way - each task is accomplished more effectively and more time is available for leisure.
SDC offers Time Management training within each contact program and includes a time management online study program developed by our International developers.
Discipline
Some freshman start off with great enthusiasm but slowly lose focus as they get distracted by the new and exciting social life that college students enjoy.
It's hard as a parent to enforce rules with students who are young adults and are wishing to be recognised as individuals. Yet in many instances, SDC has had no other option but to contact parents and request intervention when we can see a student has lost focus and is on a path of self-destruction. Each family dynamic is different and though the Institute offers counselling services, many student problems can be avoided by parents setting some ground rules and barriers that ensure students, especially in their younger years, have defined parameters of expectation, trust and regulations.
On Campus the college environment is free and stimulating but college rules and restrictions ensure that all can enjoy the creative atmosphere, have fun while learning but always ensuring that respect is maintained for staff, professors and their fellow students.
SDC & Parent Partnership
At SDC we understand the importance that parents and guardians play in a student's tertiary education. By incorporating the following points of connection, we can ensure that parents are up-to-date and involved in their child's study progress.
Progress Report
This report is issued after the first semester (6 months) in each year. The report includes assessments, credit allocation and Professor comments. Every report is analysed by the Head of Department and further signed by the Dean.
This report provides a valuable indication of a student's success or challenges of the 6 months. It has been inserted within the syllabus at a convenient time to still allow improvements that can determine passing or failing the year of study.
The Dean's List
This is not a desirable list to be on and one that students try the hardest to avoid. The Dean's list includes the fail and near failures of the Progress report and final year report. If a student happens to find themselves on this list the parent/guardian or student (in the case of mature students) is invited to a meeting with the Dean and HOD to discuss challenges facing the student, discuss options available and devise a plan to ensure the student's improvement and success.
Health, Safety and Security
SDC is regulated by National Health and Safety laws which ensure annual inspections of facilities.
SDC maintains a comprehensive Health and Safety Policy (view file).
SDC also maintains a Crises Management Plan for each Campus (view file).
Every Campus completes safety drills which are analysed by our safety offices and reports are filed and on-record for every drill.
Every Campus employs a safety officer, usually a member of staff, who is trained in First Aid. Signage indicating medical kits, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and where our safety officer can be located can be found throughout each Campus.
Security
Often considered one of SDC's top advantages, is its safe Campus locations. Apart from central locations for easy travelling, we have also chosen locations that are safer. Safety of our students and staff is our top priority and so every campus is fitted with alarm systems and a few of our SA Campuses even have Campus security.
Accreditations and Affiliations
In a world with so many options in higher education, it is important to make an informed decision when choosing your child's higher education. Sadly there have been some horror stories over the years of 'fly by night' institutions, which is why SDC has sought the very highest form of accreditations and affiliations, not just nationally but internationally as well.The way in which the world's economies are progressing and industry is developing means that creative careers are now available around the world - making an international accreditation vital for any graduate.
To view SDC accreditations and affiliations, click here.
How to spot an authentic Institution
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Is the Institution registered? SDC is registered by the Department of Education and each campus is nationally and municipally registered as a Higher Education College. |
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Can you meet face-to-face? We strongly encourage parents to visit any of our colleges and meet with the Dean for personal tours to gain an understanding of what makes SDC such a success. |
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What are the entry requirements? Any college that has none or very little entry requirements should be considered suspicious. SDC operates stringent admission processes and entry requirements governed by our admission policy, all of which is indicated or available on request. |
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Check the accreditation SDC encourages parents to verify accreditations and affiliations. |
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Does the Institution have an online presence? SDC maintains an active presence in social media where parents can see and engage with many current students of SDC. |
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Have you heard of the Institution via word of mouth? Ask around and you will hear from many other parents of their children attending an SDC program. |
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Is there a physical office for e-learning / long distance programs? SDC e-learning and long distance programs maintain a physical office with some tutors that teach from this office while others are based internationally. Anyone can call or visit this office. |
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Is there campus support for e-learning / long distance programs? SDC e-learning and long distance programs are run as part of the SDC college group, which include physical colleges and campuses. In some cases, professors from colleges teach as online tutors as well. |
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Is there tutor support for e-learning / long distance programs? SDC online tutors are able to communicate with students via Skype, telephonically or by the SDC messaging service. Instant and day-to-day communication with SDC professors sets the college apart from other institutions. |
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Is the certification legitimate? SDC certification is strictly managed whereby each certificate is recorded and printed with a unique identification code, linking the graduate to that specific certificate. If lost or queried, the college is able to easily identify each certificate's rightful owner. |
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Can a qualification be obtained based on life experience? SDC does not award certificates based on life experience. The student has to study the set tuition and meet the college's requirements in order to pass and gain a certificate. |
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Is the advertising truthful? SDC advertising adheres to Department of Education restrictions and is therefore truthful and transparent. SDC never advertises by spam. |
SDC Family
Since its inception, SDC has maintained a family and community atmosphere on Campus and virtually for our online learners. Started by a family it runs like a family where professors and students become part of a community of creative's where friendships last for the rest of their lives.
How do we do this?
- Open door policy
Students have direct access to the Dean and their Heads of Department to discuss anything that concerns them.
- Communication
Transparency and free communication extends to the college founders who communicate with parents and students via social media or in person on a daily basis.
- Showcase
SDC hosts regular exhibitions and shows not only for talent scouts and industry but also for parents, friends and family who are interested in seeing students' progress.
- Family social events
SDC plans regular family socials where students and parents are able to engage with college professors and industry members in a light social atmosphere.
- SDC network
Each college and online student is linked with the SDC network, social media and SDC messaging service ensuring international student co-operation of projects and presentations which build cross-border relationships useful for future work collaborations and friendships.
- Alumni program
SDC manages a successful alumni program that keeps alumni informed and connected.
