The campaign aims to address some common questions and challenges people encounter when thinking about coming to university.
Going to university is not always a walk in the park, but a new campaign launched by Vancouver Island University (VIU) aims to show people that it is worth their time and effort.
The #WorthIt2020 campaign answers some common questions and challenges students encounter, from deciding what to study, to paying for university, to finding employment afterwards. It also includes tips on how to maximize the student life experience, find balance as a university student and make a difference in the community and the world.
“We know university can be hard – and it is a big decision,” says Shari Bishop Bowes, Manager of Strategic Marketing. “On the It’s Worth It website, we’ve collected a lot of resources in one place that showcase all VIU has to offer, and we provide tips on answering these bigger questions students face as they consider post-secondary. We’re excited to help students achieve their goals of becoming a student, and we encourage them to explore the site and take the next step by hitting the ‘apply’ button.”
A key feature of the campaign is offering new, incoming domestic students the chance to win a $2,500 tuition credit (one offered) to use for a full-time program beginning in Fall 2020. To enter for a chance to win, prospective students simply visit the It’s Worth It landing page and enter their name and contact information.
One common question people grapple with is where to start if they are not sure what they want to study.
“When I started university, I was given this advice: ‘Don’t let your program confine you,’” explains VIU Digital Media Studies alum Elissa Doerksen, who stars in a video she produced about deciding what to study. “Almost a third of university students end up changing their major and that’s 100% normal. Don’t be afraid to try new things and new classes. When I first came to university, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or be at the end of it. I took general studies classes in my first year. From there, I was able to learn what I liked and didn’t like and then apply to a specific program.”
Another common question many people ask is, “Will university lead to a job?”
“We’ve got a lot of information that shows how university can help you get started on the path to a career you’ll love,” says Bishop Bowes. “For example, did you know that almost 90% of all VIU alumni who graduate with a bachelor’s degree say the skills they learned during their studies are helpful in their current job, and almost 80% of all new jobs require some form of post-secondary education?”
To learn more tips, get some advice on how to get started, and see how beautiful the VIU campus and surrounding region is, visit It’s Worth It.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Advisor, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6559 | C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews