This story is written by Digital Business Management students Jensi Patel (LinkedIn) & Ananya Bhasin (LinkedIn)

As students from Humber College’s Digital Business Management program, we had the privilege of attending the AdClub Student Day, one of Toronto’s premier networking events. What started as a day to connect with industry professionals quickly became a transformative experience, leaving us inspired to think bigger, aim higher, and redefine our career paths.

Creativity: A Personal and Collaborative Journey

The event opened with a fireside chat led by Sabaa Quao, MBA, Chief Creative, and Innovation Officer at Cossette. Sabaa emphasized that creativity is deeply personal, shaped by the unique aspects of who we are. He also emphasized that our backgrounds frequently influence the majority of our opinions. He encouraged us to protect our creative energy by carving out time for activities that inspire us. Bringing together diverse ideas can lead to
innovation and solutions that no one person could achieve alone. Strong presentation skills, paired with storytelling and decision-making, are vital to effectively communicate those ideas and make them actionable.

Creativity, he added, is difficult to quantify, but that is exactly what makes it so powerful. Sabaa further emphasized how AI could never steal human jobs since creativity is fundamentally different from artificial intelligence. AI can only duplicate patterns and produce the same material over and again, but human minds are capable of generating fresh and unique ideas, which technology can never replace.

Growth Mindset: Your Foundation for Success

Next, Kaaren Whitney-Vernon, serial entrepreneur, and executive producer, shared her insights on embracing a growth mindset. Her advice? Be intentional with your career. Instead of sending out countless resumes, focus on a handful of companies you’re passionate about, research them deeply, and articulate why you are the perfect fit. Kaaren reminded us that failure isn’t an endpoint but a steppingstone to growth. Feedback, curiosity, and persistence are essential ingredients to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

She also emphasized the value of seizing chances, taking comments, and being interested. Kaaren urged us to keep learning, regardless of our job status, and gave a personal insight: as a youngster, she felt creativity was limited to drawing talents. She gradually realized that creativity presents itself in a variety of ways, and that we must all find our own unique method to express it.

Building Your Brand: Standing Out in a Crowd

The final panel, featuring Ivan Pehar, Audrey Ansah, and Zachary Richman, left us with practical tools to shape our careers. Ivan highlighted the importance of personal branding, emphasizing that companies invest in who you are, not just your experience. Audrey encouraged us to sharpen transferable skills, build meaningful connections, and stay informed on industry trends. Zachary inspired us to pair creativity with responsibility, focusing on solving real-world problems while staying innovative.

Key Takeaways to Fuel Our Future:

• Creativity thrives in collaboration and is powered by individuality.
• A growth mindset transforms challenges into opportunities.
• Personal branding and networking are as crucial as experience.
• Protect your energy and let inspiration fuel your creativity.

One of the most exciting elements of the AdClub Student Day was the almost two-hour networking session, during which we got the opportunity to speak with over 25 industry experts from a number of sectors, including creative agencies, marketing, printing, and digital media. This was more than simply an opportunity to exchange business cards; it was a chance to engage in intriguing discussions with experts who are defining the future of these
sectors. We investigated several career paths, identified new trends, and acquired firsthand experience with what it takes to thrive in a fast changing market. The wide mix of experiences and expertise not only increased our awareness of the different positions available, but also fueled our own goals, providing us with the clarity and motivation to step boldly into the future of our careers.

Leaving the AdClub Student Day, we felt a renewed sense of purpose. It wasn’t just a networking event—it was a day that reframed how we see our potential and equipped us with the tools to pursue meaningful, impactful careers. For students considering this event in the future, go for it. You’ll walk away not only with new connections but with insights and inspiration to take your next steps with confidence.

In the photos: Andrea Agila, Kashish Shah, Ananya Bhasin, Jensi Patel, Artem Malyi, Anton Lewis, and Arina Volkova.