Deciding to pursue further education is a significant step, filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. My time at York University School of Continuing Studies has been an incredibly rewarding experience, marked by personal and professional growth. In this blog post, I will share insights from my journey, highlight the invaluable lessons I've learned, and provide advice for future students to help them maximize their experience.
My Journey at York University School of Continuing Studies
Why I Chose York University School of Continuing Studies
As a mechanical engineer with six years of intensive paid media marketing experience, I realized the importance of formal education in digital marketing to enhance my skills and credentials. I chose York University School of Continuing Studies for its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and focus on real-world applications. This program offered me the opportunity to gain a certification in Digital Marketing and Content Strategy, which was crucial for my career development.
The Learning Environment From the moment I enrolled, I felt welcomed and supported by both the faculty and my peers. The cultural diversity within the student body, despite the majority being from India, added a rich layer to my learning experience. The professors at York University go above and beyond to ensure our success, often inviting guest lecturers who are industry experts and providing us with real-world case studies to work on. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in enhancing my practical skills.
Course Highlights One of the standout courses for me was the module on Content Amplification Strategies and The Marketing Funnel. This course provided a deep dive into how content fits into the marketing funnel, teaching us how to create and promote content that drives traffic and conversions. Learning from industry experts like Gary Vaynerchuk through his content strategy model was particularly enlightening.
Another significant aspect of the program was the Social Media and Influencer Marketing module. This course emphasized the importance of both organic and paid social media strategies, and how influencer marketing can amplify our content's reach. The practical assignments allowed us to create real campaigns and analyze their performance, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Flexible Scheduling and Supportive Faculty The flexibility of the class schedules has been a major plus for me. Balancing my studies with my daily routine has been seamless, thanks to the accommodating timings. Despite having extensive experience in paid media marketing, I find this course incredibly enriching. The collaborative nature of group projects is another highlight, where each individual brings their unique talents, creativity, and perspectives to the table.
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My Marketing Experience Background Before joining York University, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and industries. As an Account Manager at Dentsu, I managed paid advertising campaigns for brands like Shiseido Canada, Hermes, and NARS, focusing on maximizing key performance indicators such as CPC, CVR, and CTR. My role involved developing comprehensive media plans, optimizing campaigns, and presenting detailed reports to clients.
Before Dentsu, I worked at the Google Operations Center as a Digital Media Senior Associate. There, I handled the marketing objectives for over 1000 businesses, creating and delivering reports that provided crucial insights into campaign performance. My experience also includes a role as an Online Specialist at Cognizant, where I helped advertisers optimize their Google Ads accounts and improve their performance metrics.
This extensive background in managing and optimizing digital campaigns provided me with a strong foundation in digital marketing, which I have been able to build upon and enhance through my studies at York University.
Advice for Future Students
- Engage Actively: Participate in class discussions and group projects. The more you engage, the more you will learn from your peers and instructors.
- Utilize Resources: Make the most of the resources available to you. Attend workshops, use the university's library, Consult the Career Counseling Group And seek guidance from faculty members.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of assignments and deadlines. Create a study schedule that allows you to balance your coursework with other commitments.
- Network: Build relationships with your classmates and instructors. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and provides valuable insights into the industry. Even though the job market in Canada is challenging right now, networking helps you discover hidden job opportunities that may not be advertised on job portals.
- Apply What You Learn: Try to apply the concepts you learn in real-world scenarios. This could be through internships, personal projects, or freelance work.
Conclusion: My experience at York University School of Continuing Studies has been incredibly enriching. The skills and knowledge I've gained here have prepared me for a successful career in digital marketing. To future students, embrace this journey with enthusiasm and an open mind. The opportunities are endless, and your time here will be what you make of it. The beauty of this course is that since it is offline, with on-campus classes and a part-time schedule of four hours on weekdays, you get to experience Canadian culture and understand the demographics and audience really well. This cultural immersion will be invaluable for your future marketing campaigns.
