Embracing Change and Growth
I can't believe my program at York University is almost done. I feel two emotions right now, both scary and exciting. While I get ready for the next chapter of my life, I can't help but look back on what an amazing journey it was at York. My name is Sahil. After working for three years as a Performance marketing Associate manager at Publicis Media, India, I felt it was time for a change and to learn something new. Moving to Canada and returning to school after three years was a big change, filled with a lot of challenges and personal growth. I was stepping out for the first time in my life leaving behind so many beautiful people and memories especially my mother which wasn’t easy at all.
Overcoming Challenges in Canada
When I first arrived in Canada, the harsh winter was a shock compared to the warmth of my home country. The cold and the feeling of being alone were tough at first. But as January came, I started going to classes and things began to get better over time.
It was challenging in the beginning since I used to miss my family, friends, pets and everyone a lot, homesickness really hit me hard. On my first day, I reached the school two hours before my first class, and I was so eager. Little did I know that this early start would lead to meeting one of my good friends. This simple encounter marked the beginning of many meaningful relationships that would shape my time at York.
Finding A community
As soon as I stepped onto campus, the energy and enthusiasm from students and staff were overwhelming. The first few months were not easy, but finding a community in York was refreshing. I wasn't just a student. I felt like I was part of a supportive network that encouraged others to work on learning and personal growth.
I have always been anti-social, but the vibe at York pushed me into conversations that turned out to be genuine and heartfelt discussions. It really changed for me as it showed how much being around different people or environments could bring out the best in me. One of my reasons to move to Canada was global exposure and network as much as possible.
Cherished Friendship
The value of the friendships I have made at York is just as great as the knowledge I have gained. It made all the difference that I was surrounded by classmates on a similar journey. We did projects together, studied late into the night, and supported each other through program challenges. Some of my most prized possessions are the friends I have made here. I remember one particularly snowy day when a snowstorm hit, and instead of staying isolated, we all decided to crash at one of our classmate's places in Vaughan. We ended up cooking together and working on a group assignment. That night, filled with laughter and collaboration, made me truly appreciate the saying, "friends can make everything better." Some people became close to me, helping to ease my homesickness. Their presence fills the space left by my family, making me miss them a little less.
Practical Learning and Professional Growth
The course is a deep dive into the world of digital marketing, which is everything we learn from basics. Every class taught us practical skills needed for today's rapidly changing industry because digital marketing as a profession needs constant updates. The real-life experience of our lecturers and their experiences and guidance were like gold mines for those who desire to build their businesses. They showed us how we can apply what we know in real life.
One of the highlights of my time at York was being able to put into practice what I have learned through freelance jobs. I never worked for social media before and few classes about social media helped me to make some engaging content for one of my clients. York University provided a space that encouraged personal and professional growth. I feel like this supportive environment made students feel confident enough to face the next step in their career paths. I met few people from Paid Media background which helped me to get a new perspective about global markets and consumer behavior in north American market. One of these individuals who was senior to me, offered me my first freelance job managing LinkedIn ads for one of his B2B client. This Marked the beginning of my performance marketing work in Canada.
I also had a great experience with the campus facilities and resources. The libraries, labs, and recreational centers provided an ideal environment for studying as well as relaxation.
Reflecting Memorable Moments at York University
When I reflect on my time in York, some memorable moments come to mind. Every experience has marked its place in my journey, starting from those late-night study sessions that involved coffee addiction to presenting a successful project. These moments shaped who I am today, whether small or large.
It is a feeling of deep thankfulness that fills me up when I think about my graduation day. Quitting a comfortable job for further education was not easy, but it was among the best choices I had ever made. The experience has been transformative, giving me a new set of skills and a new sense of purpose.
For anyone contemplating taking a similar route, my advice is to embrace the journey with all your heart and soul. The road is hard for sure, but its joys are immeasurable. The friends, knowledge, and personal development I have made in these years are irreplaceable.
Advice for Future Students
1 . Right Networking - You've probably heard the phrase "networking, networking, networking" from everyone when discussing how to land part-time, full-time, or freelance projects. It's true—networking is crucial. But what sets those who get referrals or opportunities apart? It's how you connect with people. Don't just network to land a job; connect with others to learn about their experiences, how they secured their positions, and the skills they recommend to stand out in the market. I connected with professionals at top companies like TD, CIBC, Publicis, Group M, and Apple. When I'm eligible for full-time work, I'll be able to ask them for referrals. This approach has worked well for me.
2. Freelance Projects – Starting your course at York University will open doors to new skills and continuous learning. Use this time to build your portfolio and work on real brands, giving you an advantage when entering the job market. In addition to your coursework, there are valuable courses on platforms like Udemy that can help you upskill. I've always been passionate about data, analytics, and marketing, with over three years of experience managing high-budget performance marketing campaigns. However, I wanted to expand my expertise into programmatic ads, so I utilized this time to take a course and added a new skill set.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I feel like it's not just the degree or professional skills one acquires those matters. It goes beyond that. It has taught me how friendships shape one's life as well as the importance of people in general. York University has played a big role in shaping me into what I am now. A new, improved Me! As I move forward with my life, there will always be the warmth of friendship, the rush of student life, and a sense of belonging to a place called 'home', which is York University for me.
