Connections Matter: How one Conversation led to a Meaningful Placement

Submitted by Trevor Sicard, 2026 Graduate, Advertising Marketing Communications Management
 
I recently finished my final placement with Hayabusa Fightwear Inc., closing out three years in the  Advertising and Marketing Communications Management (AMC) program. But for me, this experience didn’t start on day one—it started in second year. 

We were given a task to connect with a professional. I treated it as an opportunity, not an obligation. I reached out to many people, some didn’t respond, others led to short conversations, but one connection stuck. I connected with Kyle C., Community and Relationships Manager at Hayabusa. We had a call, stayed in touch, and continued to check in over time. So, when placement season arrived, I wasn’t starting from scratch; that connection led me to where I am now. 

Walking into Hayabusa on day one felt different. The expectations were higher, and the work felt real, you’re representing a brand, and your work is public. I came in with one goal: get the most out of the experience. That meant showing up, getting involved, and finding ways to add value beyond expectations. 

What stood out right away was the culture. It didn’t feel like a typical workplace, there was a strong sense of connection and trust. Weekly meetings, led by different team members, brought fresh ideas and perspectives. One session on Radical Candor especially stuck with me. It reframed feedback as something positive: clear, direct, and rooted in care. It’s something I’ll carry forward in how I work and communicate. 

Kyle played a huge role in my experience. From the beginning, he challenged how I think, pushed me to explain the “why” behind my work, and helped me build confidence in my ideas. The time we spent developing and refining my final presentation are moments I’ll always remember. 

I also learned a lot from Creative Director Ross Ayling, also an AMC graduate. He spoke about storytelling, how once you understand it, you see it everywhere in marketing. It’s not just about what a product is, but what the customer takes from it. Hearing that from someone who started where I am made it feel real, and achievable. 

Throughout the six weeks, I gained hands-on experience across different areas, from competitor research to time on the production floor, to sitting in on wholesale discussions focused on understanding customer needs. 

One idea that stayed with me was accessibility in combat sports. I noticed there’s often a standard user in mind, but not everyone fits that. It made me think about the opportunity for brands to be more inclusive, not just in product design, but in how they communicate and position themselves. That perspective is something I’ll carry into my future work. 

Later this year, I’ll be heading to, Ireland, to pursue a Bachelor of Business in Marketing, an opportunity made possible through my experience at SLC and a previous study trip to Ireland. 
Looking back, my biggest takeaway is simple: don’t wait. Start building connections early, stay in touch, and take every interaction seriously. This placement didn’t start when I walked through the door—it started with a message I chose to take seriously.