One day we walk into our class, and what do we see, Legos! We are looking at each other and whispering, are we playing legos in class today? As we settle down, our professor says each group is a marketing team and you all have to design a campaign, and a lego art-piece out of it. A thousand lego pieces and long brainstorming sessions with my group, we came up with an idea of creating a netflix reality show, featuring lego artists, partnered with well known brands. Where the artists will create masterpieces as per the theme of the episode.
All of this sounds cool right?
We do such activities all the time studying Digital and content marketing at York University! It’s a place fostering growth, challenges, and exciting discoveries. And through this blog I'm about to take you on a ride through my experience and share some golden nuggets of advice. Happy reading!
YORK UNIVERSITY! Where learning is an experience
Remember those dusty old textbooks that put you to sleep faster than a lullaby? Yeah, forget those. At York, we're thrown into the digital marketing
deep end from day one. One minute you're crafting a killer social media strategy, the next you're decoding SEO metrics like a modern-day Sherlock. It's hands-on, it's real, and it's addictively exciting. In the SEO strategy class, we learnt about more than 3 different tools in almost every class. There are numerous opportunities to learn, brainstorm, business simulations, pitches and presentations, everything that is going to help you grow from a beginner to a marketer.
Tailored Teaching: One Size Doesn't Fit All
Ever felt like your learning style was the square peg in a round hole? Not here. The professors at York are like educational chameleons, adapting their teaching styles faster than you can say "differentiated instruction." Whether you're a visual learner, an auditory enthusiast, or someone who needs to get their hands dirty to grasp concepts, they've got you covered. Trust me, when you're tackling paid digital marketing, you'll be grateful for this personalized approach. They teach in beginner friendly ways. Everything is just so practical, developing marketing strategies, content creation, doing google ads, and whatnot. The professors are so learned, and so helpful, it feels like a home away from home. They build us not just for the exams but for the future.
Two Subjects, One Semester:
Here's a genius move: two subjects per semester. It sounds simple, but it's a game-changer. Instead of juggling a circus of courses, we dive deep into each topic. When you're knee-deep in a digital marketing campaign, you'll thank the heavens for this focused approach. It's like the difference between being a jack of all trades and a master of... well, digital marketing. When I first came in, I wasn’t really sure of this whole thing, but a couple of months into it, it felt like I could actually learn and enjoy what I’m doing. Rather than cramming up a bunch of textbooks to give my exams at the end of the semester. Apart from this I also appreciate how the schedules are fixed for the whole course, so we can plan the days, not feel lazy to attend different classes at different times, and wait in between lectures and get bored. Trust me I have done this before and it’s not a pleasant feeling.
Real-World Rockstars in Your Classroom
Imagine your LinkedIn heroes popping into your class for a chat. That's just another Tuesday at York. These guest lectures aren't just inspiring – they're your golden ticket to insider knowledge and networking opportunities. Networking with these professionals has helped me build my profile and opened up numerous opportunities for internships and job placements.
In a session with Luki Danukarjanto, we learnt how to use LinkedIn effectively. It was not just another session where the speaker would tell what linkedIn is and how to make a profile. But he actually went into the details that we never thought of! How a professional summary is important, and what to put in there. How not just posting but engaging is also a vital part of growing your LinkedIn. The course is full of such sessions that add value to you as a person. As they say, ‘ a marketer should know how to market themselves’.
Campus Life: More Than Just Classes
York University isn't just about hitting the books – it's a whole vibe. State-of-the-art facilities? Check. Vibrant student life? Double-check. Support services that have your back? Triple check. Whether you need a quiet nook to crack that tricky assignment or a 
lively space to brainstorm your next big idea, York's got you covered. I often tend to just sit in the student centre to work on my assignments, sometimes roam around the campus, do some cafe hopping in the campus with my friends, just sit around some beautiful places such as the Arthurs commons and enjoy the weather. Ugh.. it makes me feel so good just thinking about it.
Group Projects: The Rollercoaster You'll Love to Hate
Ah, group projects – the necessary evil that's actually not so evil. They've pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to navigate different personalities (hello, real-world skills!), and prepared me for the 
collaborative chaos of the marketing world. We did group exercises and presentations with the people at our table, and I have to say, it's such a nice activity to make friends, get to know people around you, trust me when I say lots of great bonds are made around those tables while discussing great ideas! P.s. it's always a safe space to let all those ideas out! I have seen my basic ideas get refined into such great pitches with inputs from my group members and professors, such as that in the Lego case. In one class you’ll have 20 minutes to pitch and in the other one 5 minutes, and you have to nail both! And Trust me, it's possible. This is one of the things that I’m taking away and keeping with me.
My advice to the future students!
Show Up and Shine:
Attendance isn't just about ticking a box. Each class is a treasure trove of insights, discussions, and 'aha' moments you can't get from simply reading slides. During semester 2, the final quiz had questions from the examples that were talked about in class, and hence, only a few people knew about it, and trust me, I thought that was the easiest exam ever. Just being there, and engaging, is gonna do wonders, the examples are all real world. The class activities just make it so engaging and exciting, you won’t realise the time going by. There were classes by the end of which we used to think, ‘why is this over already!?’
Network Like Your Career Depends on It:
Because it does. Those guest speakers and industry events? They're your express 
ticket to the inner circle of digital marketing. Don't be shy – connect, ask questions, and follow up like a pro. If it’s your first time away, and you’re not really an extrovert, give it time, start by talking to your classmates, they’re just like you! I remember that I used to have lunch alone after my class, but a few weeks into it, I had a group of people I could not only hangout with and have fun with, but have meaningful conversations, study with and go to events too.
Leverage Every Resource:
From career services to study groups, York offers a buffet of Resources. Pile your plate high – your future self will thank you. There are events happening in and 
around campus. I once attended an Indian festival with my friends on the college campus, and it was so much fun. There are food banks for the people in need (all students can access). Hang around the campus cafes, the break room. Make sure not to miss out on anything. We won’t be this young again.
As I wrap up this post, chilling in my favourite corner of the campus café, I can confidently say that choosing York University for my digital marketing journey was one of the best plot twists in my life story. It's challenging, it's exciting, and it's Preparing me for a dynamic career in ways I never expected
