Introduction
After five years of working in advertising and digital marketing industries, I decided to pursue further education to deepen my knowledge and skills. Today, I want to share my personal experiences and valuable advice for future students. Whether you're considering joining or are prepping for your first semester at York, I just want to help you navigate your journey. I hope to inspire and prepare you for a beautiful academic experience.
The start to a new beginning
After finishing my course in Advertising Art Direction from Humber College, I was looking out for a next course which resonates my interests, but also, I needed it to be something new for upskilling myself. Studying in a University was always my dream, I applied for Content and Digital Marketing at York University School of Continuing Studies during my last semester at Humber college, and I got the admission for January Intake. I knew this was going to be something exceptional from the minute I walked into York University School of Continuing Studies. I never had a chance to attend the orientation day at Humber college, So I prepared myself to attend the orientation program at York. Our program manager, Todd Rich, gave a moving statement to greet us. His remarks not only laid out the rules and norms of the university but also made us feel welcome and set the tone for an amazing time of growth and study.
Initial Impressions
Starting my studies at York was both exciting and intimidating. Transitioning from a professional to an academic environment can be overwhelming, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding. Professor Leigh taught "Business in the Digital Age," which was my first class. The welcoming and friendly environment made adjusting to this new academic environment easy. We were invited to introduce ourselves and discuss our interests by Professor Leigh. When I mentioned my passion for graphic design, she smiled and shared her observations on the rising importance of visual content in the digital space. This brief conversation demonstrated the efforts York's instructors make to engage with their students and gave me a sense of being recognized and valued.
Despite my role as a designer in a competitive industry, I found the coursework incredibly relevant and beneficial. The subjects and classes were not only informative but also highly interactive, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Professionalism and Friendliness
Throughout the course of the classes, I was struck by our lecturers' exceptional fusion of professionalism and warmth. They were not only teachers; they were real mentors who were invested in our development. It was simple to ask questions and have debates with them in this encouraging atmosphere, which provided for an excellent learning opportunity. My personal and professional lives were able to coexist with my academic endeavors because to the continuing studies program's flexibility.
Expert Perspectives from Industry Leaders
Attending guest lectures by professionals in the field was one of the program's most memorable highlights. These were not ordinary talks—rather, they were overflowing with useful advice and real-world insights. One session that was especially focused on LinkedIn profile optimization stands out to me. I immediately implemented the speaker's practical suggestions to my profile after the session since I found it to be so helpful. Additionally, we have the opportunity to connect with them on LinkedIn, which could be useful in the future for a coffee chat or even to ask for a recommendation in the field.
Learning through Classroom Activities
My favourite part of the program was the classroom activities. These were fun activities which help us to learn things deeply and helps us practical applications of the theory we’ve learned in class. We have done posters for a fictional pizza store, created SEO-friendly Google ads, and crafted content for York University, including memes, posts, and reels. As someone who loves to be in the creative side, I enjoyed doing these in-class activities and helped me a lot for understanding the concepts taught in class.
Faculty Experts
All the professors at School of Continuing studies were charming and welcoming, they’re open for a chat before or after the class for clarifying any sort of related doubts. I’ve had a good connection with almost all the professors who taught me. Let me give a brief about them, so it can reduce your anxiety.
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Leigh is very calm and understanding. You can ask her any doubts during or after class without any hesitation. She consistently went above and above to support me in any uncertainties or difficulties I encountered, making sure I could do well on my tasks. |
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Melisa is the coolest professor you can approach; she’ll be happy to talk to you. Whether it be an assignment, group project, attendance she is patient enough to hear you and solve your problems. Her Lectures where funny and engaging. |
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East or west heath is the best. He is both professional and playful at the same time. His classes never went boar. I’m sure no one will miss a single class as he shows interesting examples from the industry and his teaching style is more engaging. |
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He has a deep knowledge about the subject he’s teaching. His method of teaching makes even the most difficult concepts very simple to grasp. I will always retain the useful skills he diligently taught me. |
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Doris plays a very important role in the whole course, she teaches two majors. Her classes are more interactive and filled with activities, especially the content creation. Course she taught - students has to make some sort of content in each class after their break and she analyses, criticizes and gives feedbacks on them. |
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Professor Tim is a truly energetic and engaging instructor. You won't need a cup of coffee before his class, his enthusiasm is more than enough to keep you awake and focused! Beyond his vibrant energy, he has a remarkable ability to teach us how to effectively promote products and reach target audiences without resorting to spammy tactics. |
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Connections ❌ Friends ✅
The main thing I gained while doing this course was finding new friends. I was lucky enough to get people with same interests and thought process, whom you can reach out to any time. Whether it be about a recent advertisement, a job to apply or an Instagram reel. Everyone has a different perspective or opinion about it, this also helps to learn more about the current trends and stay updated.
Advice for Future Students
Conclusion
I've come a long way throughout my time at York University School of Continuing Studies, and I understand that. My growth has been facilitated by the contacts, education, and difficulties. Give give your all to others who are just beginning this path. Work ethic, development, and special moments will all be balanced. My junior friends, have the time of your life on campus and I wish you all the best! It's been a life-changing experience, and I hope that my insights and counsel will enable you to successfully forge your own route. Make the most of your stay at York School of Continuing Studies by seizing the chance to grow from the experiences you have faced. As an end note, if you enrol for a course in York School of Continuing Studies, you’ll be gaining something in your career and life. I guarantee.
Author - Febin Jojo Mathews