York Insights: My Journey With York University
YorkU: York University
SCS: School of Continuing Studies
Introduction
As I reflect on my journey at York University, I am filled with excitement and nostalgia, it returned to me like the first day I stepped my foot into the school. Time flies and I realized I just had a few weeks remaining in my studies. My very first and final years at York were brimming with with creativity, challenges, and accomplishments. I sense myself improving at York University on a daily basis, like a sprout rising from a planted seed. However, in my perspective, the Digital and Content Marketing course at York University's School of Continuing Studies has been a life-changing event.
My first impression of YorkU
I recall visiting YorkU on a snowy evening. The scenery was amazing, and YorkU is huge. Everything around makes me feel both odd and comfortable. York University's campus seems to go on forever, making me feel like “Alice in Wonderland”.
After few days, I had an orientation session and I was really looking forward to it. Orientation day was a blur of activities and icebreakers. During my campus visit, I was pleased to find the inviting and pleasant environment. YorkU's facilities were impressively large. We went by York Boulevard and York University Station. Then there was York Lanes, a gathering spot for York students with various food options, shopping, bookstores, and services like financial service, healthcare service. The campus may have seemed enormous and intimidating at first, but the orientation leaders were really helpful in easing us into university life. Thanks to it, I met new friends and still keep in touch even though we are not in the same course.
Campus life
Campus facilities at York University also provide several options for students to interact and take advantage of the creative programming and research in a flexible and fluid way. I like how the community at York University - School of Continuing Studies goes beyond just an academic environment — it's a vibrant hub for forging meaningful connections and expanding professional networks. YorkU frequently hosts events featuring guest speakers in order to help students with their profession path. In addition, many recreational sports and music activities are also regularly held at York Boulevard or in areas surrounding the main campus.
I also appreciate the front desk's passionate assistance of students. Whenever I have queries or issues, they always provide me with the relevant, comprehensive information and even detailed instructions. Additionally, I admire that YorkU always displays a slogan in the hallway on special occasions. For example, YorkU celebrated Lunar New Year by displaying a banner in the corridor. This moved me deeply because it is also a family reunion holiday in my country.
These learning and networking opportunities has improved my social experience and expanded my professional network, providing a strong basis for my future employment in digital and content marketing.
Academic Experience
My academic journey at York has been both challenging and rewarding. York’s dynamic and stimulating academic environment is based on the fundamental institutional principle of intensive research engagement, which is integrated throughout the university.
This has increased my motivation and self-assurance to thrive in the difficult industry of marketing. By participating in project assignments and real-life case studies, I applied theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing my creativity in content marketing. Through teamwork, I met and became close friends with people from all around the world, including Juliet, Anish, Harmanjot, and Harkirat. This is also an opportunity for me to learn more about other countries' traditions.
Courses designed to reflect new marketing methodologies and technology trends have kept me updated with the most classic, popular to the most modern, cutting-edge trends in Marketing. Especially, the course Marketing Fundamental instructed by professor Heath Applebaum is one of my favorite courses. In this course, I learnt the fundamentals of marketing, such as marketing markets, customer behavior, and marketing goals.
In addition to the mentioned course, Ms. Doris' two courses, Planning and Analysis for Content Marketing and Content Creation, have greatly influenced my creativity. As a result, I learnt how to create video clips, podcasts, and complete my own digital creative project. Learning from instructors who are also seasoned professionals has been invaluable. Their guidance and insights have shaped my perspective on marketing strategies and execution. Mr. Andrew not only taught us the basics of Search Engine Optimization but also helped us improve our knowledge by meeting and learning from influential guest speakers who are talented Marketers of big brands. That helped me gain more experiences from them and have many different perspectives on the world of Marketing. I can't help but mention Mr. Tim's Content Promotion and Amplification course. I truly enjoy his teaching style and sense of humor. His dedicated instruction helped me grasp how to accomplish assignments, analyze data insights, create and develop blog posts.
This journey has been about more than just learning; it's been about developing personally and professionally as a marketer. The varied learning atmosphere has been especially beneficial, full of chances for creativity and teamwork. Nonetheless, university life is not without its difficulties. Balancing schoolwork, social engagement, and personal wellness can be difficult. I have to deal with homesickness and deadline pressure. Yet, these experiences taught me adaptability and time management.
Advice to Future Students
During my time studying at York University's School of Continuing Studies in the Digital and Content Marketing program, I have learned numerous lessons and all of these experiences have contributed to who I am and will continue to do so throughout my career and life. First of all, remember to always stay curious; I've noticed that digital and content marketing are constantly changing and revolving, much like society has evolved since humans first appeared on Earth, especially as the digital footprint became more prominent and important in our lives. Therefore, do not stop studying and maintain your enthusiasm in order to follow up. Secondly, try to attend as many events as possible, and don't be afraid to approach professionals with curiosity and questions. From my own experience and point of view, I was really hesitant and afraid to ask questions, but the more daring you are, the more you will learn. So be as brave as you can, as the industry advances, we must be vigilant and prepared to learn at any moment. Your academic efforts and dedication are going to establish the foundation for your potential career. These assets may assist you develop your talents whilst also allowing you to freely establish your unique personality in your work.
Conclusion
As a Digital and Content Marketing student at York University's School of Continuing Studies, I've been embraced by the opened doors that offered me the opportunity to learn about the marketing industry's constantly shifting environment. Witnessing and learning has left me feeling continuously delighted and pleased for what I have accomplished today.. Through York University's Postgraduate Certificate program, I acquired critical insights, practical skills, and practical knowledge that positioned me for achievement in the highly competitive industry of digital marketing.