The Extend Project

A New Path

A good friend of mine asked my advice a few months back, "If I wanted to learn about photography would it be better to go to Henry's Camera or to Ryerson University?" I honestly didn't know what to advise her - so being the native researcher and web monkey I am, I looked them up. I got back to her with my answer (take the course at Henry's to see if it was what she was looking for, then sign up for Ryerson if it met her needs) but that didn't stop my own curiousity from being slightly piqued.

I suddenly had to take a look at my own qualifications and my background and really figure out if the path I was on was going to get me to where I wanted to be. I've been down a few career paths already (at the age of 34 I have been an accountant, a tax collection officer for the Canadian government, an IT team manager, a network engineer, a software product manager, a marketing assistant, an agency-side CPG account co-ordinator and now am an account manager in a different agency having worked in both CPG, promotions and some strategy) and was going down the route of food media (styling, chef training and writing being part of my curriculum doing the Chef Training program and the Food and the Media Certificate at George Brown College). While each has been somewhat fulfilling in their own rights, none of them have fully expanded or even (haha!) extended my reach to match my grasp.

Perhaps another kick at the cat would do the trick? I wondered, I consulted, I fretted and finally made the move to enroll at Ryerson University in the Marketing Management program.

I've started down the road of the Marketing Management Certificate, leading to a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing. I'm making plans for the next 8 - 10 years but one step at a time, n'est-ce pas?

What is the Extend Project?

The Extend Project is just that - a project meant to extend my reach to match my grasp - perhaps to inspire others to do the same, and present progressive methods of marketing, communications, education, strategy and community.

Here you will find my experience as a marketer, a student and an insatiable appetite for information and stimulation. I'll be reading, writing, discussing, promoting and dispelling as needed - but more than anything I'll be sharing my passions.

I've blogged before about various topics (Zen Buddhism, my trivial life, food writing, book clubs) but its time to get moving on to the next level. The focus here is not on the trivial details (how many coffees I've bought from Starbucks) its on the larger topics (is Starbucks a company worthy of my dollars and why?)

I tend to use a lot of foul language in person but since I'm setting the rules for this little community, I'll abide by them as well.

1. No foul language.
2. Make a point and defend it - no general statements here. If you don't, be prepared to be questioned.
3. Lurk if you like, but send me an email if you want to say something privately. I don't bite, promise.
4. That's it - too many rules are a total turn off.