Careers with a film animation degree
Studying film animation means bringing stories to life frame by frame while developing your unique artistic voice. You’ll explore the limitless possibilities of animation as a trans-disciplinary art form, learning from award-winning professor-practitioners who are active in Montreal’s vibrant animation community.
What can I do with my degree? Film animation opens doors to creative industries – from film, television and streaming to gaming, visual effects and digital media.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Apply creative concepts like storyboarding, compositing, sound design and editing to produce polished animated works.
Communication:
Use visual storytelling to convey emotion, narrative and information.
Management and organization:
Plan animation projects from start to finish, balancing creativity with technical requirements.
Teamwork:
Collaborate with artists across disciplines to create projects that experiment with new artistic approaches.
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Identify challenges in the animation process and develop practical, creative solutions.
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Join Cinema Student Alliance or explore other student groups and initiatives that interest you.
- Experience Montreal’s vibrant film culture and its diverse creative community.
- Consider applying for scholarship and awards offered through the department.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Consider a Career Edge internship to gain professional work experience during your program.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
- Volunteer with an organization for a cause you care about.
- Bring your creative projects to life using the department’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
- Take part in Concordia Film Festival, the largest student-run film festival in North America.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
Final year
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Explore the department’s innovative research labs and diverse areas of study.
- Prepare to showcase your portfolio or pitch your independent practice with storytelling and entrepreneurship bootcamps from FutureBound.
- Explore leadership opportunities in the Cinema Student Alliance.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group.
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
- International Animated Film Association
- Animation Career Excelerator
- Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
- Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec
- Association québécoise de la production médiatique
- Alliance of Image and Sound Technicians
- Motion Picture Association - Canada
- Ontario Creates
- Telefilm Canada
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
