As an international student from India, embarking on a postgraduate journey at York University’s School of Continuing Studies has been a transformative experience. My name is Rishabh Kothari, and I am pursuing a postgraduate certificate in Digital and Content Marketing. After completing Marketing Management from Humber College, and looking at job postings online, I realized the demand for Digital Marketing so, I did some research and comparisons and ended up choosing the Digital and Content Marketing course at York University School of Continuing Studies due to its favorable tuition fee for international students and York’s esteemed brand image.
This blog post aims to share my personal experience and offer valuable advice to prospective students considering this program. Whether you’re a local or international student, I hope my insights help you navigate your academic journey successfully and make your study in Canada a success.
Digital and Content Marketing Experience at York School of Continuing Studies
Campus Life
York University School of Continuing Studies doesn’t have a huge campus, but it has a gorgeous building that is very accessible via public transport (TTC). Fun Fact: Architecture Firm Perkins & Will won an AIA Canada Design Award for the School of Continuing Studies’ new building.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
The curriculum at York is designed to be highly relevant to the current digital marketing landscape. Courses cover all things digital, such as:
- Digital marketing fundamentals
- Marketing for Search Engines (SEO, SEM, Google Ads)
- Content creation and promotion
- Planning and Analysis for Content Marketing
- User Engagement and Marketing Automation
- HubSpot software
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. Through group projects based on real-life companies, in-class activities, presentations, and case studies, I have gained confidence and practical skills that are directly applicable to the industry and my future career.
For instance, we had a project where we developed a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for a local business (De Mello Coffee), which involved market research, content creation, audit, deducing the customer journey, and developing digital marketing strategies. In another project, we had to make a Google PPC campaign and a social media marketing strategy for Article Furniture- a huge home décor company based in Canada.
Another course included making automated email campaigns and creating content like blogs, carousels, podcasts, and reels to understand the process of content creation and ideation. Popular digital marketing software like Google Ads and HubSpot were also part of our course. This practical approach has been instrumental in preparing me for the challenges and nuances of the real-world digital marketing industry.
Supportive Faculty and Resources
The Digital and Content Marketing faculty at York are industry professionals with extensive experience in digital marketing. Some of the professors like Leigh Mitchell, and Tim Campbell Smith have their own businesses. All professors including Doris Montanera, Andrew Temes, and Rovena Aga have many years of industry experience working with some of the biggest clients in Canada and the world. Their expertise, feedback, and guidance have been invaluable in my learning journey. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also approachable, always willing to offer support and feedback.
Additionally, the school provides Microsoft 365, and access to marketing and CRM tools like HubSpot, and which have significantly enhanced my educational experience. Due to the strong connections of the professors, we had the opportunity to attend guest lectures from noteworthy companies like Amazon, Spotify, and Google. These resources and guest lectures have been crucial in helping me transition from academic life to the professional world and develop a portfolio of work.
Advice for Future Students
Research
Seems obvious but research! Dear friend, it is very important to understand what your goals are after pursuing this course, if you’re looking to work directly as a fresher, it might be challenging because employers would prefer someone with a master’s degree over a postgraduate certificate like this course. So, in that case, you are better off doing a master’s like this one at TMU. Please do your research and understand what your goals and circumstances are before deciding which program you want to go ahead with.
Work Hard and Enjoy the Process
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to work hard and enjoy the process of learning during the course. Attend classes regularly, engage with your peers and professors in class, actively participate in group projects, and learn from each other’s experiences. This will not only enrich your learning experience but also give you confidence and expand your professional network. Building relationships with fellow students can lead to lifelong friendships and professional connections that can be beneficial in your career.
Staying organized and managing your time effectively is crucial. Make to-do lists and utilize digital tools like calendars, task managers, and project management apps to keep track of deadlines and stay on top of your studies. Setting aside specific times for studying, socializing, and self-care can help maintain a healthy balance and prevent burnout
Networking and Personal Profile
York offers numerous networking opportunities, including guest lectures and connecting with professors and classmates. Networking can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations. Attend career fairs, have an updated LinkedIn profile, and try to connect with all professors, guest speakers, classmates, and alumni on the LinkedIn platform. Building a good personal profile and a strong professional network is essential for career growth and can provide valuable insights and opportunities. I have been finding job opportunities through the professors I have connected with on LinkedIn. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to me on LinkedIn.
Seek Feedback and Be Open to Learning
Constructive feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth. Be open to receiving feedback from professors, peers, and industry professionals. Use this feedback to improve your skills and knowledge. Additionally, adopt a mindset of continuous learning. The digital marketing industry is dynamic, and being adaptable and eager to learn will set you apart from others. Take every opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills, whether through additional coursework, certifications, or work experiences.
Conclusion
My journey at York University’s School of Continuing Studies has been an incredible learning experience, providing me with all the relevant skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital marketing industry. I am grateful for the connections and all the learnings during the course.
For prospective students, my advice is to research, work hard & enjoy the process, network actively, and continuously seek knowledge. With dedication and the right approach, you can make the most of your time at York SCS and pave the way for a successful career in digital and content marketing.
