From Computer Science to Digital Marketing- My journey chapter at York University SCS

Introduction

Hi, I am Harmanjot Kaur, currently enrolled in the postgraduate certificate in digital and content marketing at York University, and I’m really enjoying it now. However, it was not always easy at first, and that is alright! University is more than simply learning; it is also about personal growth. I've grown into a better version of myself by confronting problems and discussing my emotions. 

It was my first course in Canada as an international student and I was anxious because I imagined my first day going to be very tough, expected to confront numerous challenges because of my diverse background and English as a second language. Even I came on my first day with my brother just like we go on first day at school as a child and I took my first step in university with him. But my experience was turned out to be wonderful.

My journey at York

My time at York University has been truly transformative. I did my previous bachelor study in computer science engineering. with this amazing turn a different academic background in marketing, I initially found it challenging to adapt to the Digital and Content Marketing course. Despite facing some challenges in my study, I performed in an effective way, thanks to the proper guidance of tutors.

The tutors of York University’s School of Continuing Studies have big hands in my educational development because of their real-world experiences. The professors are not only knowledgeable in their subjects but also friendly and helpful; Doris Montanera, Rovena Aga, Andrew Temes, Leigh Mitchell, and Tim Campbell-Smith are the tutors who teach me.

York University provides many chances for professional networking by providing various online and in-person meetings by inviting marketing professionals as guest speakers in the class. After such meetings, I connected them by social media and through LinkedIn. My extensive professional network has led to various employment prospects.

York Student Portal

As soon as my course modules started, I immediately created an account on the York student portal. This portal contains all of the information I require for my daily classes, current tasks, and crucial announcements. I have two portal accounts: one is a student account, and the other is a Moodle account.

Through my student account, I access information about my programs, course schedules, profile, tax receipts, policies, enrollment history, and IT support. My Moodle account gives me updates on assignments, grades, course outlines, and professor information. Both accounts are essential for staying organized and ensuring I have everything I need for my academic success.

Making new friends

I am personally attracted by one of York University's most attractive feature which is its diverse and inviting community. With this opportunity, I made friends from different countries or religions and learned their culture, and came to know about their living styles. My classmates come from various backgrounds like Chennai, Nepal, Vietnam, Nigeria, and India. On my very first day, my first professor told us to communicate with each other at the beginning of my first class, at that time the room was too loud because every student met with each other with handshakes.

I met with Anish Rijal who is from Nepal, he is a bit introverted but we are like-minded. From the initial nerves of being far from home to the excitement of forming new friendships and learning in a multicultural setting, every experience played a role in my personal growth.

Tools I used in my course

I learn a lot about online marketing in my course. My thinking about marketing has changed completely with each subject. One of the most interesting courses for me is social media marketing in which I learned about SEO and SEM from Andrew Temes professor. He practically explained everything by using all tools of site audit (Semrush, Answer the Public, Google keyword planner, etc). I also got certified in Google Search Ads and Hootsuite Social Strategy.

Another attractive course is content creation taught by Doris Montanera, an award-winning writer and editor. She taught me how to write SEO-optimized blogs and podcasts.

The most valuable feature of this course is that I get a free account on HubSpot and receive proper guidance on how to use it for marketing. For example, I recently learned about email marketing using HubSpot. This course delved into how content marketing campaigns add value and drive business goals.

The Best and Worst of Group Project Participation

Participating in group projects was a significant part of my York education. These efforts have enabled me to cooperate with students from various backgrounds, increasing my ability to work successfully in groups.

Working on collaborative projects has not always been a positive experience for me. I encountered a number of difficulties, including group members failing to fulfill deadlines and some refusing to follow best practices. It is usually challenging to manage timetables and guarantee that everyone turns in their work on time. When some members fail to meet deadlines, it has an impact on the entire group and puts more pressure on those who do. Despite these hurdles, I consistently try for high marks and give my all, despite my diverse academic background.

Before joining this course, I had a fear of public speaking but presenting pitches with the group in front of the class boosted my confidence. These projects were crucial in preparing me for real-world challenges in digital and content marketing.

My Advice for Future Students

• Success requires discipline, dedication, and a desire to learn. I found that regularly reviewing course materials and staying organized with assignments led to significant improvements in my grades.
• Actively participating in class discussions and group activities can enhance your learning experience and build a strong professional network. My engagement in these activities helped me form valuable connections and gain practical insights into the industry.
  
  

York University has helped me grow personally, boosting my confidence and adaptability. This experience has prepared me for my professional future and helped me to become an SEO specialist. For anyone looking to further their education and career, I highly recommend this university. Now is your chance to shine, make lasting connections, and learn.