Haylie Tsang, former CP student, Renaissance College, Hong Kong, China.
Ever felt like you just know what you’re meant to do? That was me with art and design. I’ve always been the person who needs to love what I do—like, really love it. So when I saw older students thriving in the Career-Related programme (CP), doing what they cared about, I thought, “Yep, that’s the path for me.”
Getting an art scholarship at Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK) sealed the deal. I wanted to dive deep into creativity, and CP gave me the space to do that. It wasn’t just about ticking boxes but about building something tangible that felt like me.
What was CP like?
Honestly, it was intense, but in a good way. I had to juggle deadlines from two schools, which meant learning to plan, manage my time, and stay flexible. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) taught me technique, while Visual Arts at RCHK pushed me to think big and explore ideas. That mix helped me find my own style and made me feel ready for university before I even got there.
Joining CP at 16 was a bit of a leap. I was suddenly in a more grown-up environment, surrounded by people who took their work seriously. It made me step up, speak up, and believe in what I had to offer.
Life after RCHK
After graduating, I attended the University of the Arts London for a foundation year in communications. There, I experimented with graphic design, illustration, and even animation. It was a creative playground, and it helped me build the portfolio I needed to move forward.
Then came Central Saint Martins (CSM), my dream school. Studying Graphic Communication Design felt like a natural next step. CP had already taught me to be independent and meet high standards, so I didn’t feel out of my depth.
“We are incredibly proud of Haylie’s achievement. Gaining admission to Central Saint Martins, one of the world’s most prestigious art schools, is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the strength of the CP programme. Haylie has shown that with dedication and hard work, the CP pathway can unlock extraordinary opportunities and equip students with the essential skills for a thriving creative career.” — Wilma Shen, CP Coordinator, Renaissance College Hong Kong
What I do now
These days, I work as an Events Executive at Connections Luxury in London. We run international networking events for the luxury travel industry. Sounds fancy, right? It kind of is.
My job is a mix of creativity and logistics. I design signage, solve problems on the fly, and build relationships with clients, from tourist boards to government ministers. What I love most is that I get to combine my passion for travel with making meaningful connections. Every event is a chance to make something special happen.
The funny thing is, my CP experience was all about connecting people. That theme stuck with me. It gave me the confidence to trust my ideas, the grit to push through challenges, and the drive to chase work that excites me. Honestly, it feels like I’m living the dream my 17-year-old self would have imagined.
Lessons I’ve learned
One big lesson? Find your edge. CP wasn’t the typical route, but it felt right. I stopped comparing myself to others and focused on doing my best. That mindset helped me stay grounded and keep my standards high.
I wanted to make interactive art at university, but I wasn’t into coding. So, I used textiles and yarn instead, working entirely by hand. It was my way of staying true to myself while still pushing boundaries.
CP also taught me how to communicate clearly, which is handy when I work with clients worldwide. It showed me the power of adaptability. Whether experimenting with materials or solving last-minute problems, I’ve learned to stay calm and focused.
My advice?
Enjoy it. Seriously. Work hard, but also soak it all in. Time flies, and those CP years will shape you more than you realise.
“If you know what field you want to explore, go for CP. It’s a brilliant way to build your skills, dive into your interests, and prepare for what’s next. You’ll walk away with knowledge, confidence, and a clear sense of direction.”
Quick takeaways
- Love what you do, it makes all the difference.
- CP helps you grow up fast (in a good way).
- Time management is your best friend.
- Stay true to your style, even if it’s not the norm.
- Connections matter; build them with heart.
- Don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled.
