Introduction
Choosing to study at York School of Continuing Studies was a decision that I took last year. Coming from a journalism background, I was a little skeptical about choosing York University, but when I read thoroughly about the program Digital and Content Marketing, and interacted with a few Alumni of York SCS, I was sure that I was stepping into the right university for my post-graduate program. This course has significantly impacted my career and personal growth. The dedicated faculty and my supportive peers have made my journey enriching.
My Learning Experience
During my first day at orientation on January 7th, I was amazed by the cultural diversity at York School of Continuing Studies. Most of our professors are industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Their teaching methods are engaging, ensuring that students grasp concepts through interactive activities like creative presentations, quizzes, and class discussions. Here are a few things I liked about each professor:
Leigh Mitchell
Leigh has been our professor for two subjects: Business in the Digital Age and User Engagement and Marketing. Her classes are highly interactive, with practical learning and class activities that help us understand complex concepts easily.
Heath Applebaum
Heath’s teaching style is centered around real-life case studies and videos related to marketing. These case studies and scenarios helped me with my final presentation, giving me practical insights into how marketing strategies are applied in the real world.
Doris Montanera
Doris’s teaching style is precise and detail-oriented. She brings real-life brand examples to class, encouraging us to brainstorm and discuss. Her sessions are always engaging, pushing us to think critically and creatively.
Mr. Rahim Katchi
Mr. Rahim Katchi taught us the basics of SEO practices. For example; how to use Google Keyword Planner and making different SEO tools. His class was incredibly interesting, and I learned a lot from it. His hands-on approach made the technical aspects of SEO accessible and enjoyable.
Melyssa Lipsey
Melysa's approach to teaching Digital Marketing is very interactive. She covers the fundamentals thoroughly, using engaging methods. Melysa has been both a friend and mentor to me, always ready to support and guide us through the course.
Tim Campbell-Smith
Tim’s classes are super fun and engaging. He conducts activities that involve a lot of brainstorming, ensuring that we actively participate in the learning process. His expertise in social media marketing and his excellent teaching skills make complex concepts clear and understandable.
Overall, all the professors at York School of Continuing Studies have made my learning experience enriching and enjoyable. Their diverse teaching methods and real-world insights have equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills for the future.
Skill Development
The most crucial aspect of my time at York SCS has been continuously enhancing my skills. Working on projects emphasizing practical skills and real-world applications has deepened my understanding of the concepts. I intend to add these projects to my portfolio to increase my chances of securing a job in my industry. I have created various projects, including a social media audit for the brand Benny Bullys, a marketing campaign for McDonald's, an SEO audit for a website and many more interesting assignments. My technical and soft skills have been greatly enhanced by engaging in practical tasks, and interactive lessons, and receiving useful feedback from my professors.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
One of the significant challenges I faced was balancing my studies with work and personal commitments. However, York SCS’s flexible scheduling and supportive faculty made it manageable. Time management and prioritization were crucial in ensuring that I could keep up with coursework and meet deadlines. To maintain a healthy body and sane mind, I go out with my friends in the weekend and dedicate a few hours to the university’s gym everyday, which is accessible to all York SCS students at a reasonable fee. This comprehensive support system has been vital in helping me maintain a healthy balance and successfully navigate my academic journey.
Networking is the Key
As an introvert, I struggled with networking and often hesitated to reach out. However, being part of York SCS helped me overcome that fear. The supportive faculty encouraged me to engage with them and explore the job market in the content and marketing industries. They shared their experiences and offered practical advice on growing my network as an international student. One of the key highlights during my course was a guest lecture organized by our Marketing for Social Media and Search Engines professor, Dr. Rahim Katchi by industry expert Mr. Luki Danukarjanto, who shared valuable strategies for leveraging LinkedIn, expanding professional connections, and effectively networking within the industry.
Great Study Space
The university has great study spaces, like the York Library and the student center, where students can work on their projects and assignments. I’ve spent many hours working in the student center, and it has become my favorite spot to work because of its comfortable atmosphere and useful resources.
Advice For Future Students
1. Make Time Management a Priority
As an international student, juggling academics with other commitments can be difficult. I recommend using resources like calendars and task managers to stay organized with deadlines and important tasks. I allocated specific times for studying and stuck to them. In addition to studying, I engaged in activities that promote both physical and mental well-being.
2. Engage Actively in Class
Actively engage with your peers and instructors through group work, class activities, and interactions. This not only helps you understand the concepts better but also boosts your confidence in public settings.
3. Network and Build Relationships
Network, network, and network. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to build relationships with your peers and professors. Attend events, join study groups, and connect with industry experts on LinkedIn to expand your professional network. I connected with people in my field and other industry experts through LinkedIn. I also attended Luki Danukarjanto’s online event on cultivating a successful mindset for job seekers, which was incredibly helpful.
4. Make Use of Available Resources
York School of Continuing Studies offers a lot of resources to help students, like academic support, career services, student centers, and a library. Make sure to use these resources to get the most out of your studies. Personally, I’ve spent a lot of time working on projects and assignments at the Second Student Centre, which has become my favorite spot on campus.
5. Look After Your Well-Being
Last but the most important, look after your well-being. Being an international student can be challenging when it comes to handling responsibilities independently, resulting in feelings of stress, anxiety, and potential health problems. Utilize your health insurance to access medical care at Appletree Medical Centre in York Lanes for any needed assistance. You can check out their website for more information on the medical services they offer.
Conclusion
This was my experience at York SCS. Each student goes through their own set of challenges and achievements. The diverse and inclusive environment, along with a focus on skill development and practical learning helped me prepare well for my future career. These are some of the ways I benefited from studying at York SCS. For future students, my advice is to make the most of your time at the university, focus on your skill development and you will find yourself well-equipped for the professional world.
