Choosing York University 

My enthusiasm for digital marketing led me to York University. I gained experience in the field by working as a Digital Marketing Executive at a Travel Agency and as a freelancer in India; however, I longed for a more structured education and opportunities to learn more, and I had several options in mind when I started looking into universities: the school's reputation in digital marketing, the relevance of the curriculum to current industry trends, the quality of the faculty, and the emphasis on practical learning. I chose York University because of its strong digital marketing programs and well-known reputation for practical education.

 Transition to Canada

On 28 December 2023, I left my hometown, Dehradun, and moved to Toronto, Canada, to begin a new chapter in my life. I was amazed by the cultural differences, big-city vibes, and Energy of Toronto; it was an enhancing and unique experience overall. I was surprised by how different the city's huge, busy vibe felt. Even with all the fun and new experiences, I can't help but miss my home cuisine. Dehradun's traditional foods, ranging from spicy street food to hearty home-cooked dinners. it was a big decision to leave home and living outside of my comfort zone, but doing so was essential to my personal development. Accepting new chances and challenges is the main driving point for this relocation to Toronto, which is important for development and progress. 

 First Day at York University

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Arriving at York University, I was impressed by the diversity of the student body. Meeting and conversing with people from different races, nationalities, and backgrounds was a refreshing and enlightening experience. The campus itself was impressive, with modern facilities, gyms, a sports section, and numerous study spaces. On top of that, there is a huge sports stadium inside the Keele campus called York Lions Stadium.

One of my first tasks was to get my student ID. While waiting in line, I met several new people who were also excited to start their journey in York. These initial interactions helped me feel more comfortable, closer, and connected to the York community. After getting my student ID, I searched for the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) building. I discovered that it was newly constructed and featured a unique tilted architecture. After seeing that building, I got really excited to attend classes.

Academic Experience

The York University Digital & Content Marketing Program exceeded my expectations. The educational program was balanced, Data-driven, covering different parts of Digital marketing modules and courses such as Content marketing strategy, Content creation and optimizing websites through SEO. I gained information about all digital marketing tips and tricks. A few examples are (4 Types of Hashtags) and when and where to implement them – this can be implemented while starting or managing social media accounts. Furthermore, I learned how to create a podcast, which will be very useful when starting a podcast on a YouTube or Spotify podcast channel, and how to set a target audience on Google ads. At York University, practical experience and active involvement in class were valued highly, in contrast to my previous education in India, which was primarily theoretical. The professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive. They brought experience from the real world

into the classroom, making the lessons more relatable and useful.

In Class Activities

York University's in-class activities have been immensely beneficial and enjoyable. Learning is involved and pleasurable because of his captivating teaching approach. We have completed various in-class activities, some of which are on alt text and caption creation, which has been crucial to learning how to communicate in the digital sphere. In addition, the Kahoot games spice up the classroom with competitiveness and excitement while testing our knowledge. These exercises have hands-on learning experiences and are easy to remember.

Group Projects

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Working together on group projects was especially helpful. Working together with colleagues from various backgrounds and societies gave me different points of view and ideas. We could apply our theoretical knowledge to real-world situations due to these projects.

Teamwork skills will come in handy when working at a company and starting a business of our own.

Perfect Balance Between Academics and City Life in Toronto

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For me, adjusting to life outside of the classroom and my studies has been important to my stay in Toronto. I made it a point to take advantage of all that the dynamic city has to offer while attending York University. I had no shortage of things to do while I wasn't in school, from relaxing at Woodbine Beach, which is very close to my apartment, to seeing the fascinating Toronto Zoo. One of my favorite experiences was seeing Imagine Dragons perform live at Budweiser Stage. The energy generated by the music was truly remarkable, and the main lead, Dan Reynolds, gave a very inspiring speech about never giving up on your dreams at the end of the concert, which literally gave me chills. For me, this concert was a one-of-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget.

Future Career and Goals

I feel well-prepared to advance my digital marketing career thanks to my acquired knowledge and experience. One of my career ambitions is to work for well-known firms such as GroupM and Publicis, as these are the leading advertising companies, and I plan to start my own digital marketing agency here in Canada. I've already found that the skills I learned at York University are useful in my freelance work and Interviews for Marketing Internships. It provided me with new opportunities for professional development and made me a better Marketer overall. I'm certain that my time at York University has prepared me for a successful digital future by giving me the skills and confidence I need to succeed in this industry that is always changing.

Advice for Future Students

 Based on my experience, I would recommend York University to anyone considering a career in digital marketing or related fields. However, I must note that my experience is specific to the Digital & Content Marketing program, and I don't have firsthand knowledge of other courses or programs at York University. I must note that my experience is specific to the Digital & Content Marketing program, and I don't have firsthand knowledge of other courses or programs at York University. The combination of a well-structured curriculum, experienced faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities makes it an excellent choice for those who want to stay ahead in the industry.

Conclusion

My time at York University has been transformative and enhancing because it has offered both personal and skill development. The Post Graduate Certificate in Digital & Content Marketing gave me expertise in the field of Digital marketing and trends, and the opportunities to network with other students, faculty, and industry professionals have also been extremely beneficial professionally. I am eager and planning to continue my education at York University because I believe it will further enhance my professional abilities and career prospects.