"Through the SFU affiliated Centre for Digital Media, I found a program that would directly teach me these management skills whilst also giving me a foray into the worlds of game design, UX/UI, and a slew of emerging technologies like XR. I think myself incredibly fortunate to have been admitted to the Master of Digital Media program."

Meet More Students in Communication, Art + Technology

SEE MORE PROFILES

Curate your digital footprint

Want to be featured on our website? Complete our online submission form.

Submit your profile

Student Profile: Mzwakithi Shongwe

March 16, 2022
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
SMS
Email
Copy

Digital Media master's student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

In my previous roles, I have been a data analyst, monetization lead at a digital publishing company in Kenya, and a digital transformation advisor/entrepreneur working with clients in North America, and East and Southern Africa. I enjoy walking, curating music (mixed in with a few years working part-time as a DJ), and fine-tuning my cocktail mixing skills whilst linking up with friends. I occasionally run, but walking is more my speed.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I was at a point in my career where I wanted to learn how to manage technology teams. I initially thought the route of an MBA would help me readily meet this goal, until I discovered I would only get to this level post-program. Through the SFU affiliated Centre for Digital Media, I found a program that would directly teach me these management skills whilst also giving me a foray into the worlds of game design, UX/UI, and a slew of emerging technologies like XR. I think myself incredibly fortunate to have been admitted to the Master of Digital Media program.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

I get to work with talented programmers, developers, 3D artists, and UX/UI professionals to turn nascent ideas into tangible prototypes/digital artifacts.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

The intense intellectual and experiential diversity of the people I get to work and create with at the Centre for Digital Media.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am a recipient of the Centre for Digital Media Scholarship, which has greatly enabled me to be able to afford my studies.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

If you are looking for a program to prepare you to work in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural technology teams, then the Master of Digital Media program was tailor-made for you.

 

Contact : mzwakithi_shongwe@sfu.ca

Additional Links