Journey of self-discovery as an international student in Canada
Nervous, Scared and Anxious; that was exactly how I felt before I stepped into my class for the first time in 2023 for a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations. I chose my next course again at York School of Continuing Studies, which was a Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital and Content Marketing. My first day at York University didn’t exactly go as I planned.
I have been a student at York University for 2 years. When I Researched Universities in Canada, York’s promise of a diverse crowd attracted me. My first impression of York University was that my classroom did not deliver it and by that, I mean the abundance of Indian people. I guess the Indian Immigrants in Canada are going to surpass all others. However, if I am being honest, it puts me at ease. I was surrounded by warm, familiar faces and I adjusted, one class at a time.
Why York School of Continuing Studies?
Being a Mass Communication Graduate, I wasn’t new to the university experience. However, it was different because the York curriculum didn't have a generalized approach to the industry. As an international student, the education experience for a master’s degree in Canada should be 16 years for which I wasn’t eligible.
Given these circumstances, I enrolled myself for a post-graduate certification. York's fee structure for international students was more reasonable than other big universities. It played a major role in my decision-making. Transferring my credits for a $2000 exemption for my next course was another reason for me to continue at York University. Both these courses gave me more practical and thorough knowledge of the industry, which I suppose wouldn’t have been the same if I opted for a master’s degree.
Luckily for both my batch was scheduled early starting at 8:30 am. My classes would get over by noon and I’d have the whole day to myself. There was so much to do. For instance, me and my friends would hang out at the Break Room at York Lanes or maybe grab drinks at Timbers. These moments and opportunities helped me come to terms with the fact I wasn’t alone and it’s fun to be me.
Having a York student ID is equivalent to a VIP pass. All students have access to the University Gym at a nominal price of $20 ANNUALLY! Honestly, the only ups and downs I faced these two years were squats. All that gym paid off, the physical exercises kept my brain sane, and my body toned. And the weekly free groceries helped to balance out the calories I burned at the gym. I would spend my weekend morning socializing with coffee chats at Aroma Coffee building my LinkedIn network and nights at Timbers in York Lanes.
Getting out of bed early and walking to class in chilling Canadian winters, with snow up to your knees, was a nightmare. I loathe it. But looking at the brighter side, it helped me become a morning person. There’s something serene about an early morning walk (obviously during summers) around the York campus. You’d see cherry blossoms, and people DJing on the curbs. I would 100% recommend it. It was a great excuse to step out of the house.
In-Class Experience
For instance, I learnt how to write an Alt-Text by practicing it on the most bizarre images in the class. Had I not practiced it, I wouldn’t have known it was a literal objective description of an image. The primary purpose is to aid visually impaired people. Another example I could recollect was when I learnt email marketing using HubSpot in class for a whole semester. With multiple in-class exercises, I learnt HubSpot in detail.
We created content to learn content creation. We stepped out of our classrooms to make reels and even though it’s so basic, I learnt so much about optimizing content for all screen types. I also mastered the art of Canva, Hootsuite, SEM Rush, Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, SEO etc. I can use them like the back of my hand. Learning these tools gave me the confidence to run a productive campaign.
These two years at York SCS have been crucial as they helped me develop as an industry professional. Both post-graduate degrees taught us endless industry possibilities and made us aware of our ethical responsibilities as marketers and publicists. The group presentations help me overcome my stage fright. It was also an opportunity to work with upcoming brilliant talent in the Canadian marketing industry.
York's Faculty
On my journey as an International Student, some teachers created a lasting impact. If you ever enroll yourself at York SCS, you’d be most fortunate to be able to attend a class with Melyssa Cummings Lipsey, Rovena Aga, Andrew Temes, MBA, and Tim Campbell Smith. With the help of Melyssa, I not only survived but thrived. Andrew introduced our class at York SCS with marketing heads from Google, Spotify and many more.
Leigh Mitchell was one of the resourceful professors, her #WomenBizNetwork events helped me connect with a lot of brands and expand my network. Doris’s in-class activities single-handedly improved my content marketing strategies. I can now amplify content like the great Ambani’s wedding thanks to Tim. They all made learning so fun.
Last Chapter As An International Student
As my days as an international student come to an end, it is honestly a bittersweet moment. There’s an upside, a bright light at the end of the employment tunnel, which implies no more assignments and a 20-hour working limit. No recession or my willpower to get started as a marketing professional can dim this light. With the help of York’s aids, I could get my resume fixed and thanks to all the certifications, my LinkedIn is stronger than ever. I am sure all these skills will be useful when I start my own Media agency.
Courtesy of York School of Continuing Studies, I am all set to become the new Neil Patel of the Canadian Marketing Industry.
