Introduction
Attending York School of Continuing Studies (YSCS) has been a rewarding experience for me. As a postgraduate student in the programme focused on digital and content marketing, I have had the chance to develop my abilities, grow my professional network, gain some practical project experience, and get ready for a job in the rapidly evolving digital industry. I'll discuss my experiences and offer guidance to aspiring students thinking about this programme in this blog post.
My Experience at York School of Continuing Studies
Academic Excellence and Practical Learning
The York University School of Continuing Studies provides a mixture of both theoretical and practical learning. The courses are designed to be very engaging and feature real-world projects that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world circumstances. Every course has some practical assignments which are related to whatever has been taught during the class or week which allows one to get some practical experience while gaining theoretical experience. In my digital marketing programe, I had the opportunity to work on real local businesses cases to develop and implement marketing strategies. This gave me hands-on experience that is highly valued in the job market. I learned how to understand and assist customers by working on real projects. There were some real life case scenarios discussed in class as well by some of the professors which helped in understanding the Canadian market more closely.
Faculty support and Presentations Community:
One of the best parts of my experience has been the supportive teachers. I would say most of the professors are really experienced in their own field but are really kind and grounded human beings who are always ready to answer the questions and make classroom engaging by asking students opinions, the classes are not just teaching but more of discussions on different topics whichever have been taught that day. I found it easy to learn from the professors because of their extensive real-world experience and the case studies they bring in the class. In their respective fields, they are experts. They provide guidance at all times, whether it's during college hours or one-on-one mentoring meetings. I gave some presentation during the time which helped me during the time because it helped in overcoming my fear of public speaking.
Networking Opportunities
York University School of Continuing Studies provides networking opportunities and extracurricular activities in addition to academics. Our professors brought some industry leaders as guest speakers which helped us to learn more about the industry and we got the opportunity to connect with different industry professionals in marketing and their perspectives on different marketing topics. By participating in guest lectures , I've developed a solid professional network. These experiences have improved the readability of my resume and given me the opportunity to explore new employment prospects. Getting to know the guest speaker and taking their counsel to heart was incredibly beneficial.
Advice for Future Students
Embrace the Learning Opportunities
Well there’s a saying where there’s a will there’s a way and in my experience at York University School of Continuing Studies it’s the same that students who were dedicated in class and attended class asked doubts to the professors and showed interest in learning more has got good experience, so give as much time as possible in studying is the first thing I would advise. It's critical to stay current with emerging trends and technologies in the ever evolving field of digital marketing. Utilize the resources provided by York University School of Continuing Studies, engage in interactive learning activities in the classroom, and ask your teachers for advice. establishing a rapport with the instructor and taking part in class and homework assignments. For someone who does not have any experience in digital marketing , it’s a good start that they teach everything from the fundamentals and it’s easy to understand the basics.
Build a Strong Network
Networking is one of the most important components of professional development. Engage in peer conversations, attend guest lectures, connect with old classmates. Ask questions in class, and build a solid professional network that can provide you with guidance, inspiration, and possibly even employment opportunities. LinkedIn is a great location to start making and maintaining these connections. You can connect with industry experts and learn from them as well. Learning is greatly impacted by establishing relationships with subject matter experts and asking for advice on anything.
Time Management and Self-Discipline
It might be difficult to juggle projects, personal obligations, and coursework. It's critical to have excellent time management and self-discipline abilities. Prioritize your work, make a study timetable, and establish reasonable objectives. These practices will help you thrive academically and equip you to meet the challenges of the working world. Keeping a calendar and allocating time for everything can help you stay on schedule.
To help you stay on track, make a calendar and set aside time for everything.
Leverage Internship Opportunities but the university does not have any such own platform for jobs or internships
The university does not have its own job platform or a dedicated system for securing internships or job placements as per my own understanding and knowledge. So you can apply to internship and job through linkedin and other job platforms on your own because Applying for internships can provide you with hands-on experience, enhance your resume, and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the career services team at York University School of Continuing Studies for internship placements and career advice.
Stay Curious, Open-Minded and learn extra.
Lastly, for someone who has prior experience in digital marketing for them this course would be too basic and boring at times, but for them they can ask for the guidance from professors to advance their skills, take personal steps to learn more about the topics which have been taught. Also maintain an open mind and a curiosity. Success in the dynamic realm of digital marketing requires adaptability. Never stop learning, keep an open mind, and don't be scared to take risks and venture beyond your comfort zone. You may overcome obstacles and seize chances by adopting this mindset.
Conclusion and suggestions
My journey at the York School of Continuing Studies has been a rewarding and valuable experience. The combination of academic, practical learning, and a supportive community has equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue a successful career in digital and content marketing. I would suggest York University School of Continuing Studies to have a platform or portal for students where they can apply for jobs and internships. Some of the courses were really basic and most of the time was invested in teaching basic digital marketing fundamentals but that can be advanced as well. I hope my insights and advice inspire future students to make the most of their time at York University School of Continuing Studies. Embrace the journey, and you will undoubtedly find success. Also be creative and let your ideas evolve.