Introduction
Are you a professional in your field seeking ways to improve your skills? Or maybe you're a recent graduate looking to change careers? If yes, York School of Continuing Studies (YSCS) could be the ideal starting point for your academic career.
I've had a life-changing experience as a student at York University School of Continuing Studies that has helped me advance my skills in my field. In this blog post, I'll discuss my experiences as a YSCS student and give useful recommendations for students thinking about following this path.
My experience:
1. Programs with an Industry Focus
With the demands of the industry in mind, York provides a broad choice of programs. To ensure that graduates have the most in-demand skills, the curriculum is modified frequently to meet current demands in the job market. We have had industry guest speakers in my program who offer useful insights from the field. For example, during my Digital Marketing course, we had a guest speaker from Scotiabank who shared the latest Privacy trends and measures at Scotiabank.
2. Exceeding Expectations
I had great expectations for further education after completing the Marketing Management program at Humber College. To be honest, I didn't think any organization could meet them. But York exceeded my expectations in every manner. The program's curriculum was current, the instructors were industry experts, and the learning environment was encouraging.
3. Experienced Instructors
The instructors at York are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about sharing their knowledge with students. Their practical teaching style, along with their industry experience, creates a rich learning environment that allows critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. Apart from this, all our Professors were very helpful and understanding, and some of them helped me on a personal level due to some emergencies. During one of my emergencies, Professors Kanak, Tim, and Mellysa went out of their way to help me catch up with missed coursework, ensuring I stayed on track with my studies.
4. Finding My York Community
Like many other students, I initially felt a disconnect from my classmates. Juggling work and studies can leave you feeling isolated. However, the group-work aspect of the York program proved to be a game-changer for me. Working together on projects created a sense of camaraderie and allowed me to connect with classmates on a deeper level. Now, I have a valuable network of people facing similar challenges and goals in the marketing field. Apart from being connected academically, we also hang out around the campus, which helps us bond well.
5. NO EXAMS!!! YES YOU READ IT RIGHT
One of the aspects I most appreciated about the program was the assessment structure. There were no high-pressure exams to stress over. Instead, the program was based on a combination of assignments and class participation. This allowed me to showcase my knowledge and skills in a way that fit seamlessly with my busy schedule. I remember feeling so relieved when I learned that my final grade would be based on a project rather than a single exam, which allowed me to manage my time more effectively, produce high-quality work, and also learn more practical things.
6. Balancing Work, Studies, and Unexpected Challenges
Balancing work, studies, and personal life presents a challenge. Effective time management is crucial. However, unexpected situations can arise. In my case, I had to visit India twice during the semesters, once in March and again in June, due to a family emergency. Thankfully, the flexibility of the program and the supportive nature of my professors helped me during my tough times.
The program coordinator and my lecturers were accommodating. They worked with me to make sure my absences from class didn't cost me any marks. We worked together to create a strategy that let me turn in all of my assignments on time and make up for any lost time. This experience increased my appreciation for the York community and their dedication to student success.
Suggestions for Upcoming YSCS Students
1. RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!!
Explore the wide range of York programs and choose one that aligns with your career goals. Consider factors like program format, duration, learning outcomes, and whether it aligns with your previous education. Don’t just pick up any random courses that have no connection with your future goals and interests. Always research the job opportunities that will be waiting for you after you complete your program. Before enrolling, I spent several weeks researching different programs, attending information sessions, and speaking with current students to ensure I made an informed decision. I talked with many of my friends who were currently studying at York.
2. Be Ready to Make a Commitment
Dedication and commitment are necessary for continuing education. Make sure you allocate specific time each week for studying, and set reasonable expectations for your workload because assignments play a major role, As I said, some of the courses might not have exams, and you entirely depend upon the group projects, presentations, class participation, etc. York has a very strict attendance policy. In my case, I lived 2 hours away from college, and traveling every day to maintain attendance was a task of commitment.
3. Connect with Your Classmates
The York community is an important asset. Make connections with your peers, organize study sessions, and exchange resources. Developing relationships can improve your educational experience and open up important career opportunities. Earlier in the program, it was difficult for me, but as time passed, I made a group of comfort people with whom I could just call randomly and talk about anything and everything.
Everything about my time at YSCS has been outstanding. The flexible learning format, industry-focused curriculum, and supportive learning environment have equipped me with the skills and knowledge I need to excel in my digital marketing career. I strongly recommend looking at York programs, whether you're a marketing expert trying to advance your career or if you want to enter the field of content marketing.