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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)
What is the difference between CAM Institute of Design, and a generalist school?
A generalist program is suitable for those interested in the design industry but unsure of what stream of design they are passionate about. However, students enrolling in a generalist program typically find they have to supplement their education with a specialised degree or certificate to build the specific skills needed for work.
We understand that design studios are made up of specialised departments working together with each individual an expert in their field. Our instructors have more than two decades of experience and understand what skills are needed to prepare our students to be hired right after graduation. Our priority at CAM Institute of Design is to prepare students to enter the workforce masters of their chosen design branch.
Do you offer job placement assistance?
We pride ourselves on our network of international industry connections and are excited to work with recruiters worldwide to find placements suitable for each individual student. Our in-house design company, CAM Studio, offers placements for students to smoothly integrate their studies into real-world design work in a studio environment. The team at CAM Institute of Design is dedicated to ensuring our students find meaningful work during their internships, if applicable, and a career in which they are passionate about.
What level of experience and creative skills do I need to have to apply?
Since all of our programs are structured to be project-based, we can modify students' level of difficulty based on their past knowledge and experience. Our instructors are looking for students who are passionate, patient, and creative. Although we welcome all levels of experience, we do require students to have some basic knowledge of 3D or image manipulation.
When deciding what projects to include in your portfolio, we suggest submitting the work you are the most proud of. Each element of your portfolio should be related to the program you’re applying to. For example, a student interested in UX/UI & Graphic Design should demonstrate their understanding of design fundamentals, attention to detail, knowledge of user-research, and passion.
We want to emphasise that prospective students should not let the recommendation of including 8-10 projects prevent them from applying or sending us work that is in progress. Please include a sentence or two about each submission with an explanation on why you chose the piece and how you think it relates to your selected program. Feel free to contact us if you want to see some examples of previous submissions or have any other questions!
How do I know which diploma program to enrol in?
The best way to decide which program suits you is to think about your strengths and what part of design you feel passionate about. Check out our Pick Your New Career section on our homepage, and carefully read through each program’s description and semester layout.
Prospective students are always welcome to contact the Admissions Team at any time for a more in-depth discussion of the program you are interested in. We are happy to guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested, you could send us some examples of the work in your portfolio and explain what parts of the process you enjoyed most so we can give you a more educated suggestion based on your strengths and interests.
How soon can I enrol?
We always encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible to secure a seat in their desired program and year. Our recommendation is to begin your application as soon as possible to allow yourself time to develop a strong portfolio. We also strongly recommend that all students paperwork be sent no later than 2-3 months before the program begins. If you are an international student, processing your study permit takes about 6-8 months. International students should contact the admissions team to discuss dates and timelines before enrolling.
Are students required to have any specific technology or software prior to beginning their studies?
All students are provided with everything they need to succeed in their in-person classes. We recommend that students may want to purchase an external hard drive if they plan to take their work home. Additionally, students may want to ensure they have a laptop ordesktop at home in instances where they have to attend classes remotely such as illness or weather.
Do I have the opportunity to participate in a practicum/internship and are the companies selected by students or predetermined?
Students must be able to maintain a grade of 80%+ to participate in a practicum during their studies. Our goal is to prepare our students to be confident entering the workforce and believe students struggling with their classes will gain more from work-placements when they have begun mastering their skills.
Our Program Instructors will introduce qualified students to a variety of studios so each student can choose an internship that will benefit them the most. If you have any questions or want more details, please contact us.
What is your Covid-19 policy?
CAM Institute of Design is aligned with the Provincial Government of New Brunswick and the City of Saint John’s Covid-19 policies.
To protect yourself and others, Public Health recommends that you self-isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Based on New Brunswick's current COVID-19 guidelines, masks are optional in our facility.
Should you test positive for COVID while studying at CAM Institute of Design you must:
Please do not hesitate to reach out to admissions@thecam.ca if you have any questions.
Do you provide student accommodation?
Currently, CAM Institute of Design is unable to provide student accommodation, however, our dedicated team is fully committed to supporting students in their quest to secure housing within the city.