Education is a lifelong journey, and for someone hailing from a country where competition is fierce, the quest for knowledge never truly ends. My professional journey in the media industry was fulfilling while working at some of the well-known media agencies like GroupM, Denstsu and IPG Mediabrands, but I often felt that my skills needed further refinement to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape globally. This realization led me to explore various continuing education opportunities, eventually bringing me to the York University School of Continuing Studies.

The Search for the Right Institution

The decision to return to academia after a seven-year hiatus was not at all easy. I explored several universities in countries like Ireland and Germany along with Canada before discovering York University. What stood out about York University was its commitment to providing a broad perspective on digital marketing, exactly what I was looking for and feel glad to take this decision.

Despite my initial skepticism about balancing professional responsibilities with academic pursuits, I decided to take the plunge and applied for digital and content marketing course at York university for a greater future.

First Impressions and Initial Experiences

It was intimidating to return to college after a huge gap. Equipped with certain affirmations for instance, I faced my colleagues and seniors asking to stay back in the organization which sent me back to thinking and contemplating my decisions and encountering a maelstrom of doubts and anxieties. But as time passed, my first opinions changed, and I concluded that following my gut was one of the best choices I could have made.

The Digital Studies program was engaging and filled with innovative teaching methods that made learning both fun and impactful. The course specifically focuses on practical and Interactive elements of learning rather than theory part; for example in my final semester learning automation marketing course helped me understand how I can reduce my workload by automating my tasks with the help of various platforms like HubSpot CRM and Hootsuite. In addition, and this is the icing on the cake, the university offers us the extra benefits of using these programs without charging subscription fees.

Despite my role as a director in a multinational company, I found the coursework to be incredibly relevant and beneficial. All the subjects and classes were not just informative but also highly interactive, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Distinctive Educational Setting

The School of Continuing Studies at York University is well known for its innovative, accessible, and accelerated programs that are made to fit the ever-evolving demands of the job and educational landscapes. The school provides a range of courses, spanning from Product Management and UX design to dispute resolution and mediation, all of which are designed to provide students the tools they need to succeed in their chosen industries.

Because of the school's cohort delivery style, students can advance through their courses with their fellow classmates, friends and faculty members, creating deep ties and long-lasting professional networks. My approach to delve into networking and approaching people has transformed since I joined York university which helped to gain confidence and significantly improved my public speaking and addressing skills in conjunction with the school's emphasis on experiential learning.

The balancing act of work-life and mental well-being

It can be very stressful for an international student in Canada to juggle employment, budget, and preserve mental health. The same thing happened to me. Being a student who came to Canada primarily for my education, I had to overcome obstacles like accommodation and scheduling my commute so I wouldn't miss any classes.

York University's flexible course scheduling was what caught my attention. Students can select class sections from the institution that best suit their schedules by selecting from a variety of options. Managing job obligations and allotting enough time for assignments is made simpler by this flexibility. A more efficient balance between work and study is made possible by the programs' special design, which caters to the demands of working students.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

Flexible class scheduling with online classes taught by professors at York University

Interactive lectures with professor taking us through practical learning and data driven understanding 

My time at York University has been transformative. I feel that the knowledge I gained here will surely reflect when I board my professional journey not only that, but it will also contributed to my personal growth for example one true skill that I have learned here with so much travelling and coming to university on time is time management skill. My experience counts the interactive and engaging nature of the classes which made learning enjoyable and impactful. The diverse community of learners and industry experts provided a rich learning environment that fostered both academic and professional growth.

The school's commitment to diversity and inclusion is also noteworthy. Programs like the certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion in action are designed to equip the students. The school also offers flexible pathways, specialized streams, and accelerated timelines, allowing students to customize their education to fit their unique goals and schedules.

The Future of Education at York University

The school's focus on experiential learning, combined with its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, ensures that students are well- prepared to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing world.

The programs are regularly updated to reflect industry changes and student needs, ensuring that graduates receive an education that aligns with current market trends and demands. For example, we were honored to have several prominent members of the industry talk to us as guest lecturers when I was in college. They shared interesting and insightful information on a variety of industries and offered personal accounts of the difficulties they overcame in their careers.

My advice to future students

Here is a piece of advice that i would love to share to all future bound students exploring York university courses and people who are thinking that they are old and if this is the right step or not-If you are considering furthering your education and professional development, I highly recommend exploring the programs offered by York University's School of Continuing Studies. Your journey to success begins here.

Reflecting on my journey at York University School of Continuing Studies, I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I have made. The knowledge and skills I gained have been invaluable in my professional life, and the connections I made have enriched my personal and professional network.

Author - Harshit Chandwani