Today we are featuring CPCF graduate Marc MacDonald. Marc graduated in 2008 with a BA in Popular Culture and a minor in Professional Writing. Since graduating, Marc has worn many different hats. He is currently working for the City of Welland as the Chief Communications & Engagement Officer and recently published his first novel!
Here is a little bit of what Marc has to say about his experience in CPCF and at Brock.
My career path started in the journalism industry, after spending my undergraduate days working for the Brock Press. From there, I wrote for weekly newspapers before transitioning to a traditional communications role, which began in the Faculty of Education at Brock in 2012. My political calling was answered in 2017 when I shifted to the Town of Pelham before joining the City of Welland in 2021. Moreover, my personal hobbies have taken a significant role in my life, especially writing. This passion resulted in a published novel in October 2024, my first of what I hope will be several.
More than anything, my education taught me to be curious; to uncover what was on the surface and ask questions about what else was hiding – in plain sight or otherwise. It also taught me the ways in which language, writing, and storytelling can be persuasive and enthralling. Storytelling is such a large part of my life – professional and personal – and one area that I think is often misunderstood and under appreciated. But take a look around, stories are being told everywhere.
When asked what advice do have for current students who want to make the most out or their? Marc responded with: be curious. Ask questions to understand. And above all else, follow your passion. What you do for your day job may not perfectly align with your passion but find a way to engage with that passion elsewhere. Give yourself an opportunity to be as complete as possible.
Again, be curious and get involved. For example, if you’re interested in working in a municipality, there are many ways to get involved ahead of submitting an application that will show not only your interest, but that you’re doing your research in the field you’d like to join.
Have I mentioned curiosity? I wholly subscribe to the idea that doing something because it’s the way it’s always been done that way is a colossal waste of time. Dream big, stretch boundaries, and try new things. If it doesn’t work, who cares, you’re leaving with lessons learned. But when you hit the mark on those big ideas? Look out. I look for people who can appreciate this vision. It doesn’t have to be matched, but it does have to be appreciated.
