Alumni Stories – Mark T. Phillips

Business Administration, Marketing

Graduated 2007

Choosing a downtown-campus school to pursue studies in marketing proved an advantageous choice for Mark Phillips. In 2004, his first year at George Brown College’s Business Administration - Marketing Program, the Dundas, Ontario-born student was granted a unique opportunity to see the inner project management workings of the Trump International Hotel & Tower before its construction. In subsequent years, taking part in extracurriculars such as the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition saw him place as a medal finalist twice.

“The ability to learn and benefit from being in downtown Toronto with great proximity to industry was a valuable experience,” says Phillips, who works at JWT Canada, a full-service marketing solutions firm based out of Toronto, as director of business and corporate development. “It’s a role I’ve always wanted, and one I’ve had the good fortune to be able to define.” He takes on chief of staff-style responsibilities for the firm, which he started out at as an account coordinator in 2007—just months after graduating.

“It’s a fact I’m proud of,” he says. “I graduated officially in June 2007 after completing my courses in April, and started at JWT in early July. That’s ‘George Brown gets you the job’ in action.”

Mark’s Advice for Success

“What you take out of your education—wherever that is—is a direct result of what you put in. Regardless of the name on the outside of the building, it’s your career that’s ahead of you. I had a fantastic time at George Brown College and I’m proud of my education there. I’m proud of it because of what I invested in the process.”