Get the inside story from the Magazine Publishing program

by Don Hauka

Ever wonder what it’s like to create a sharp, professional magazine? One that grabs readers’ attention, captures their imagination – intrigues, even infuriates them? Want a career in this vibrant industry, but don’t know where to start?

Get the inside story from Rick Staehling and the other seasoned professionals in the new Magazine Publishing program at Capilano College.

Staehling and his fellow instructors have the experience and connections to give students in the program a competitive edge in the magazine job market. If you’ve got a degree or diploma and are looking for a way into the industry, this intensive full-time, 16-week program can jump-start your career.

“What's in it for you? A foot in the door,” says Staehling.

“You'll learn the magazine basics — writing, editing and design — from industry professionals. And you'll follow your intensive seven-week program with a real-world internship where you can put your new skills to work at a top publication in preparation for a challenging career in magazines.”

Students will get the benefit of Staehling’s vast experience as writer, broadcaster and educator. CBC listeners know him for his film reviews, but he’s also worked for Time/Warner, Travel Etc., Western Living, Vancouver Magazine, Equity Magazine, Douglas & McIntyre and Black Press Ltd. In 2005, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Western Magazine Awards Foundation.

The program, which starts in early July at Capilano’s North Vancouver campus, prepares students for a 10-week internship at a magazine where they can get hands-on experience, putting what they learn in the classroom into practice.

During the first seven weeks of the program, students learn about editorial and layout skills, magazine format, concept and theme, audience preferences, advertising issues, media ethics, and publisher control. This practical program will also teach participants how to write assignment letters, edit manuscripts, design layouts and deal with images, colour, picture searches, layouts and typography.

Students will be part of a small class and will receive individual attention from Staehling and his fellow instructors. The other professionals teaching the program are:

Sue Dritmanis, a senior editor and writer with over 20 years experience, former chair of the Western Magazine Awards Foundation;

Anne Rose, award-winning editor and writer, Executive Editor of Westworld magazine and Director of the Canada Wide Magazine Internship Program.

Elizabeth Rains, Publisher and Editorial Director of Pacific Rim Magazine, experienced in both editorial and art direction;

Carla J. Wolf, multimedia artist with Whistling Girl Media with 15 years experience working with production media and software. Her enthusiasm, patience and positive attitude in the classroom make her classes a joy.

The program is designed to help university graduates in general arts, fine arts, business and science programs find jobs in magazine publishing. Some 700,000 people across Canada work in the industry. Talented, energetic individuals with a strong interest in media and a broad educational background can find positions in editing, production, circulation, design, sales and marketing.

For more information about an exciting future in magazine publishing, e-mail the Communications department or call 604.990.7976.