In 2016, Kiranvir Kaur enrolled in Humber’s Bachelor of Digital Communications degree program to test herself and her creativity.   

“I was already working full-time when I decided to go back to school,” said Kaur. “I knew what I was doing at the time wasn’t the right fit for me, and I’m happy I decided to enroll in the Digital Communications degree program at Humber.”  

Kaur knew she was interested in communications and social media and chose the Digital Communications degree program because of the range of skills it teaches.   

“The program had a bit of everything – communications, public relations, videography, graphic design, and more,” she said.   

The program develops students’ technical competencies in writing, visual communication, web applications and social media. During the program, students must participate in one mandatory work placement, which allows them to gain hands-on experience and meet professionals in the digital communications sector.   

“My work placement occurred during the pandemic. It was difficult to find an opportunity, especially with large corporations,” said Kaur. “I decided to reach out to local businesses that appeared to be lacking a digital presence and offered my skills.”   

After working closely with her work placement administrator in the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts, Kaur secured an opportunity with AAA Four Star Driving School in Brampton, Ontario. Once she began her placement, Kaur identified areas where she could further promote the small business to the local community.   

“I noticed they had a great reputation from word-of-mouth referrals,” said Kaur. “However, they weren’t taking full advantage of social media, which I knew could help increase their business.”   

“I immediately created strategies to enhance their online presence,” she said.   

Kaur worked closely with the business owners to develop digital strategies that would align with their business goals and the capacities of their staff.   

“I recognized they didn’t have another staff member dedicated to social media and engagement,” said Kaur. “I wanted to make sure everything I introduced to their business would be manageable for the team once I returned to school.”   

Kaur encouraged the business to incorporate simple strategies – like displaying their driving school logos on the cars 24/7 - that could positively impact the business with minimal effort.   

Kaur credits the experience with pushing her to step outside her comfort zone and take on a leadership role.   

“Working with people who weren’t familiar with digital communications meant I had to take the lead,” said Kaur. “It was intimidating but ultimately rewarding to take on such a big role as a student.”   

Kaur is grateful she took the opportunity to work with a small business and give back to her own community. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue supporting smaller businesses and may even become an entrepreneur herself.  

Kaur shared her advice for other students considering working for small, family-owned or independent businesses.  

“Broaden your horizons and reach out to your local businesses to see how you can help them,” said Kaur. “I was surprised by how much more I learned from a small family-owned business.”  

“You’ll never know what you can learn and where life will take you if you’re not open to different opportunities,” she said.  

Learn more about the Bachelor of Digital Communications program at Humber.