Introduction: A New Beginning in Toronto

Leaving behind everything familiar to move halfway across the world was a huge leap for me. In December 2023, I boarded a flight from New Delhi, India, to Toronto, Canada, to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital and Content Marketing at the York University School of Continuing Studies (SCS). This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with excitement, fear, and a sense of adventure. I'd only travelled abroad once before, and the thought of starting over in a new country was both scary and exciting at the same time. 

First Impressions

On my first day at York SCS, I walked into the classroom, which was completely full (rare sight). To my surprise, most of my classmates were from New Delhi or Mumbai. It felt oddly comforting to see so many familiar faces in a foreign land. Right on the first day, we had a debate about Delhi vs. Mumbai, and that was the moment I knew I’m in for a ride (Everyone from India can relate). Although I had hoped for a more diverse international experience, this familiarity helped ease my transition.

Learning from the Best: Inspirational Professors

The professors at York SCS have truly shaped my academic journey. Some of the best ones I’ve had during my course were: 

Prof. Rovena Aga: Starting my semester with Prof. Rovena Aga was a game-changer. Her practical approach to teaching made every class engaging and interactive. She ensured that every student is being involved in her class. Her deep knowledge and commitment to making sure all students understood the material was inspiring. Be it feedback, career-oriented questions, or general discussions, she was always on top of making sure that we are understanding everything. Something that I was personally intrigued by was that she was updating her lecture slides to the latest marketing examples happening around us. That made the class even more interesting, because I was literally scrolling through the same topics or advertisements during the same week, which means that she cares about us being updated too. She even kept on posting various opportunities on LinkedIn so that the student community can make use of it. I was so glad when I got to know that she’s going to teach us in the next term as well. By the end of her term, I asked myself “Was this really the best professor I’ve had in 25 years of existence?!”

Prof. Melyssa Lipsey: Melyssa Lipsey was another incredible professor who made sure we never missed out on opportunities. Her lectures were filled with valuable insights and she provided so many real-world examples while teaching Digital Marketing Fundamentals. I’m someone who has been a marketer for the past 5 years, and I still learnt a few interesting facts during her lectures. Thanks to her for posting about registering for the Neil Patel Workshop held in Toronto. Only two students from our batch were selected to attend the same, and I was thrilled to be one of them. The panel discussion during that workshop was about AI in Marketing, and I learnt so much from it while networking with industry professionals. Overall, Melyssa has always pushed us to utilise our full potential and get involved in such networking events.

Prof. Tim Campbell-Smith: Then there was Tim, who quickly became everyone's favourite during his first lecture. But, as soon as we got our first assignment grades, everything changed for the whole class (Of course following the Rubric Matters!). Tim did warn us, though, that this would be the toughest subject in the course, but you know, we always have a habit of thinking “that’s just a way to scare us”, but that was not the case. For our final assignment, we had to create a podcast or a YouTube video. I chose to work on a podcast for a mental health organization, a topic close to my heart. This project pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize my potential. I’m someone who’s always been afraid of hearing myself talk while recording (in spite of being a singer - but you know that even Lana Del Rey sounds like she’s smoked an entire pack when she’s talking, but completely different when she performs Young &  Beautiful - get what I mean? Yeah that!), and this assignment helped me realize that it’s actually something that I’m good at. I ended up making a 23 minutes long podcast and was really proud of it. Tim's detailed feedback and the time he took to help each student built trust and respect for him as a professor. Till date, I look forward to attend his class, because I know I’m going to learn something or get inspired during the class.

These were just my experiences with 3 professors, but imagine if there are so many courses, and a lot more professors, how much knowledge can someone gain in order to shape themselves? So this is a great reason why I LOVE studying here.

Group Dynamics: Fresh Perspectives and Practical Exposure

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience at York SCS was the group work. Each subject had us working with different groups, providing fresh perspectives and practical exposure. Collaborating with classmates from various backgrounds and skill sets broadened my understanding and enriched my learning experience.

Boosting Confidence: Group presentations in front of the class were so engaging. The research we conducted together for our projects was intense and rewarding. We learnt team-management and working under pressure together because group works were usually graded approximately 30% of our entire course (a reason why I personally didn’t like them cause I’m too afraid of my marks being dependent on someone’s effort, but hey, that’s my perspective and we all learn something from our experiences) 

Unity in Section 5: The best thing about my class, Section 5, was the unity. We supported each other, whether it was by not interrupting each other's presentations with unnecessary questions (to which the presenter didn’t know answers lol!) or collectively asking for an online lecture when needed (call it rain check?). But on a serious note, we all liked each other’s company and have been very interactive during our lectures, which made me come to the class more often. This unity was a source of strength and encouragement, making the academic journey smoother and more enjoyable. Of course, no group is without its exceptions, and it would be dishonest to say that everything and everyone were always cordial. But overall, the spirit of cooperation and mutual support prevailed. 

Networking and Building Connections: Beyond the Classroom

To enhance my experience, I attended networking events outside of college. These events were invaluable for meeting university alumni and learning more about the job market and industry connections. Some of the events that I attended were hosted by Canadian Marketing Association and Canadian Public Relations Society. An event that I’m looking forward to next month is called the PIC Summer Social, hosted by IABC. If you’re based in Toronto, I’ll see you there. Follow these pages so you can network with professionals who have gone through the same path and have provided insights that are both practical and inspiring. These interactions enriched my understanding of the industry and inspired me to step outside my comfort zone in order to have an upper edge in my career. 

Challenges and Growth

One significant challenge I faced was the lack of student clubs for SCS students. As a musician, I was eager to join music clubs to showcase my talent and connect with like-minded individuals. I was also a member of the marketing society back in India, so I was keen on being a part of that as well here in Toronto. However, I soon discovered that SCS students didn't have any of these student clubs. But, if you are a student at York University, you do have student clubs. So seeing other students celebrate occasions (Like last month they celebrated Philippine Independence Day)  or practicing music or being involved in a club gives a feeling of disappointment sometimes. So, in this case, I started to join communities and attend events on my own so that I don’t miss out on this feeling. Like attending open mics (I already found 4!), or going to “unofficial” club events (Like York Holi Party and Techno House event held at Timbers Lodge). My perspective towards this scenario was to treat it as an opportunity instead of a challenge. I know it sounds funny or easy like that, but trust me it isn’t. You’ll thank me for this later (Till we finally have our own clubs cause we better have them!!!) 

Advice to Future Students: Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Based on my experiences, here are some pieces of advice for future students at York SCS:

1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Moving to a new country and starting a new academic journey can be overwhelming. Be open to new experiences and be prepared to face challenges head-on. It’s in these moments of discomfort that you will grow the most.
2. Engage with Your Professors: The professors at York SCS are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. Make the most of their expertise by engaging with them, asking questions, and seeking feedback. 
3. Network, Network, Network: Building a strong network is crucial. Attend events, join workshops, and connect with your peers. These relationships can provide support, guidance, and even career opportunities.
4. Stay Positive : There will be challenges along the way, but maintaining a positive attitude and being resilient will help you navigate through them. Remember why you started this journey and stay focused on your goals.
5. Make the Most of Available Resources: Utilize the resources provided by the university, whether it’s career counselling, academic support, or extracurricular activities. These resources are there to help you succeed.
6. Appreciate Group Work: Working in different groups will give you fresh perspectives and practical exposure. Make use of these opportunities to learn from your peers and improve your collaboration skills.
   

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

My journey at York School of Continuing Studies has been filled with highs and lows, but every experience has contributed to my growth both personally and professionally. Moving to Toronto and studying at York SCS was a big leap, but it was a leap worth taking. The knowledge, skills, and connections I've gained here have been invaluable, and I look forward to applying them in the future. 

To anyone considering this path, I say go for it. Face the challenges, cherish the experiences, and make the most of every opportunity. Your journey at York SCS will be what you make of it, and with the right mindset, it can be a transformative and rewarding experience.

P.S - I’m opting for a second course at York, so there’s a reason for it.