When I first stepped into the York University campus as an international student, I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The post-graduate diploma in digital and content marketing at the School of Continuing Studies was set to become my gateway into the dynamic world of digital marketing in Canada. While I had prior experience in social media marketing in India, I decided to move to Toronto to upskill myself and experience Canadian life and culture. Little did I know that my York University experience would be a rollercoaster of experiences, challenges, and growth.
The first few weeks were a whirlwind of new terms, digital marketing strategies, and more caffeine than I could admit. Tim Hortons became my best friend and kept me going during the never-ending study sessions and lectures. I recall Professor Heath teaching us interesting case studies about brands like 7Up and Lego which helped me broaden my creative thinking. His presentations were engaging as he used innovative teaching methods like memes and videos to interact with us. It took some time to adapt to the new environment and people around me but I managed to find my tribe of people and worked on creative projects together.
The curriculum emphasized hands-on learning. We worked on real-world projects that honed our skills and served as valuable additions to our professional portfolios. I remember working on marketing strategies for Grand River Tea which is a small business started by an old woman in Manitoba. I created a content marketing plan and executed detailed marketing research along with digital marketing strategies for this brand which impressed my recruiter. This practical approach was crucial in preparing us for the competitive job market in digital marketing and showing Canadian work experience.
The best part about my York University is that it has an array of resources and facilities for students. It has several dedicated study room spaces and open spaces for students to study and collaborate on projects. We used these study rooms to prepare for our presentations and assignments. Coffee was readily available at R.C. Coffee which helped me fuel my energy during long working sessions. We could also access the entire York Campus including the Scott Library which is beautifully designed. I borrowed a few books on marketing from this library to broaden my knowledge and creative horizons.
While I was applying to universities in Canada, I had hopes of finding diversity in the classroom so that I could get exposure to people from diverse cultures and perspectives. However, our class felt like a big homogenous group which limited these possibilities. I made a great set of friends but I would have appreciated it if I could also interact with people from different ethnicities and regions.
Despite these challenges, the post-graduate diploma in digital marketing pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to think critically and creatively. Whether it was crafting compelling content and digital marketing strategies or diving into the details of paid advertising, each module added a new tool to my digital marketing toolkit helping me become a seasoned professional.
While the York University School of Continuing Studies' post-graduate diploma in Digital and Content Marketing had its challenges, the overall experience was positive and career-enhancing. The program's strengths in practical education, industry-experienced faculty, and networking opportunities outweighed the drawbacks.
For those considering this post-graduate diploma in digital marketing at York University, I'd offer two key pieces of advice. First, come prepared to immerse yourself fully in the program. Don't just complete assignments for grades; treat each project as a chance to build your portfolio and impress future employers.
Secondly, network relentlessly. The connections you make with professors, guest speakers, and fellow students can be just as valuable as the course content itself. Attend every guest lecture, participate in career fairs, and don't be shy about reaching out to industry professionals. Remember, in the world of digital marketing, your network can be your net worth.
My greatest takeaway from the course can be summarized by a famous quote by a marketing guru, Seth Godin, "Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell." This experience showed me firsthand the power of storytelling in digital marketing. As I come close to ending this chapter at York University, I carry with me more than just a diploma. I take with me the skills, connections, and confidence to achieve my dreams of becoming a CMO of a leading brand someday.