Embarking on a journey at York School of Continuing Studies is like setting sail on an exciting adventure. Filled with discovery, growth, and the occasional storm, this experience has shaped me in ways I never imagined. In this blog post, I'll share my roller-coaster ride of being a student at York and sprinkle in some pearls of wisdom for those who are ready to jump on board. Let's dive into the "York School of Continuing Studies student experience."
MY EXPERIENCE AT YORK SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
DIVERSE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: A CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE
Though York advertises a diverse classroom environment, my course had a predominant number of Indian students, making up about 90% of the class. It wasn't quite the global melting pot I expected, but it had its charms. The professors, however, brought a wealth of experiences and perspectives that truly enriched our learning environment.
One memorable moment was when we had an in-class debate on the cultural impact of global marketing strategies. Hearing insights from classmates from different regions of India and the few international students opened my eyes to how diverse marketing practices can be. These discussions not only sharpened my critical thinking but also gave me a more nuanced understanding of global markets.
My Tip: Embrace the experiences shared by your professors and engage in discussions. I found that sharing my own experiences and learning from others enriched my perspective. Networking isn't just about collecting business cards; it's about building relationships. I attended cultural events and mixers, and it helped me form valuable connections. You might just find your future business partner or, at the very least, someone to share late-night study snacks with.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
One of the coolest parts of my York experience has been the slight flexibility we had regarding offline classes. Though the program was primarily conducted in-person, there were occasional online classes due to weather conditions or other reasons. I remember a particularly hectic week when I thought I'd fall behind, but thanks to the recorded lectures during one of those online sessions, I was able to catch up while sipping coffee at my favourite café. Who says you can't learn in your pajamas?
Here's What I Did: I took full advantage of online resources and recorded lectures. They were lifesavers during busy weeks. To stay on top of my work, I used calendars and task management apps to organize my time effectively. My trusty planner became my sidekick, helping me keep chaos at bay.
PRACTICAL AND RELEVANT CURRICULUM: TRAINING FOR THE REAL WORLD
Every course at York School of Continuing Studies is career-oriented and is designed to prepare you for real-world challenges with hands-on learning. For instance, in our Digital Marketing course, we collaborated with real companies like Shopify and Google Ads, creating actual marketing campaigns. It felt like playing in the big leagues, albeit with training wheels.
In one project, we were tasked with developing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for a local startup. The hands-on learning experience was invaluable, if not a bit overwhelming at times. We conducted market research, crafted content plans, and even analyzed performance metrics using real data. This project was like a mini MBA experience, providing practical insights into business management and digital marketing strategies.
My Tip: Engage in continuous studies. I stayed updated by taking additional courses, attending workshops, and following industry trends. This proactive approach kept me competitive in my career. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses that complemented what I learned at York School of Continuing Studies, giving me an edge in the job market. Just don't forget to sleep occasionally!
Alt text: A close-up of a hand holding a small structure made of various colourful LEGO bricks, placed on a table in a brightly lit room
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: YOUR PERSONAL CHEER SQUAD
York's student community is like having your own personal cheer squad, though sometimes they're more like a quiet support group. From academic advisors to career services, there's usually someone ready to lift you up. Professors here don't just teach; they mentor. Their career guidance has been invaluable, especially in navigating career prospects post-graduation and providing networking opportunities.
Here's What I Did: I actively sought feedback and worked on improving myself. Constructive criticism became a growth potion for my skills. I always sought feedback to identify areas for improvement. I didn't hesitate to reach out to my professors and advisors for guidance—they were there to help me succeed. Just remember, they're human too, so maybe don't email them at 2 AM expecting an immediate response!
Alt text: A group of friends posing happily for a picture outside the York School of Continuing Studies building and enjoying a sunny day together
ENRICHING EXPERIENCES: BEYOND THE BOOKS
Who says learning is confined to textbooks? Though we as continuing studies students didn't have formal networking events, we had access to a platform named Ten Thousand Coffees connected through our student portal. This gave us the opportunity to meet and talk to new people working in the same industry and network. It's not quite as exciting as a campus-wide scavenger hunt, but it has its perks.
My Tip: I made a point to get involved in communicating with my professors. They provided valuable networking opportunities and helped me develop new skills. Time management was crucial, so I balanced my studies with other commitments effectively. I also joined online forums and study groups to enhance my learning experience. Just don't forget to come up for air once in a while!
FIXED CLASS SCHEDULE: BALANCING WORK AND STUDY
One of the best parts about York's program was the fixed schedule for classes. This consistency made it easy to plan and give availability for part-time jobs. I've seen students from other institutes struggle with irregular class timings throughout the week, but at York, we had a predictable schedule that allowed us to manage a healthy work-life balance effectively.
Here's What I Did: I used the fixed schedule to my advantage. I planned my work and study commitments around it, ensuring I could balance both without overwhelming myself. I communicated my availability clearly to my employers to avoid any clashes. And remember, sleep is not just for the weak – it's for everyone who wants to function properly!
Alt text: A man speaks to the class, pointing at a screen displaying information related to business model canvas.
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS: TRAINING GROUND FOR SUCCESS
Imagine assignments that are more like real-world simulations. York's projects often mimic actual job scenarios, making you feel like a rookie getting ready for the big leagues. One memorable project involved developing a comprehensive content marketing strategy for a real-world client. This felt like a mini-MBA experience and gave me practical insights into business management. Moreover, the emphasis on academic integrity and fair assignment submission policies ensured that we all played on a level field and submitted our best, honest work.
My Tip: Take those certifications seriously. I found that certifications from HubSpot Academy and Hootsuite were like golden tickets for my career. These certifications enhanced my profile and ensured I was job-ready, giving me an edge in the competitive job market. They complemented the knowledge gained at York, making me a well-rounded candidate. Plus, they looked pretty fancy on my LinkedIn profile!
UNIVERSITY LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Even though we weren't allowed to join student clubs or organizations, York provided access to various on-campus facilities that made university life enjoyable. The break rooms were perfect for relaxing between classes (and occasional power naps), and recreational activities like yoga sessions were accessible at a nominal monthly fee for continuing studies students. However, the absence of cultural fests and events for continuing studies students is a big drawback. If you are someone who wants to work part-time along with studies, you might not have time to add more to your routine, but it's a point to consider.
My Tip: I made use of the available on-campus facilities and recreational activities to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Even without cultural events, I still created a fulfilling university experience by participating in workshops and seminars. And hey, who says you can't start your own study group potluck?
Alt text: A brick university building of Tait Mckenzie Stadium displays a large sign reading "Home of the York Lions" with a lion logo. A small sign beside it reads, "Pay and Display/Metered Parking”. There is greenery around the building.
SAILING INTO SUCCESS: FINAL THOUGHTS
My journey at York School of Continuing Studies has been a blend of thrilling adventures, valuable lessons, and memorable experiences. The diverse environment, flexible learning options, practical curriculum, and supportive community have all contributed to my personal and professional development. For future students, my advice is simple: utilize all available resources, network actively, stay organized, engage in continuous learning, and seek feedback. York School of Continuing Studies isn't just an educational institution; it's a launchpad for your dreams. So, are you ready to take the leap? Don't forget to pack your sense of humor – you're going to need it!
