Discovering life at York SCS: A student’s perspective

Hello future students!
I'm Ankita Kalra, an international student from Mumbai, India. I have a background in marketing and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management from Humber College. Currently, I'm pursuing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital and Content Marketing at York University's School of Continuing Studies (SCS). I'm excited to share my experiences at York SCS, which has been a fantastic journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and personal growth. If you're considering continuing your education to enhance your skills, get ready for an incredible adventure!
Buckle up as I share my experience at York SCS!
The Positive: The Reason York SCS Is So Good
There are plenty of highlights, so let's start there! York SCS encourages you to always strive for excellence, much like an inspirational buddy. Their accelerated programs are made to enable you to accomplish your professional objectives more quickly than you may have imagined. Think about running for your future—York SCS is the educational equivalent of the Usain Bolt!
My experience has been remarkable in that I have developed close relationships with professionals in the field. Important figures from a variety of fields served as teachers during the program's design process, guaranteeing that the knowledge you acquire is not only pertinent but also useful in the actual world. This implies that you are learning new things in the classroom in addition to absorbing theory, which can help in your career.
It is as though one is entering a thriving center of invention and imagination when one walks into a York SCS classroom. It's infectious energy! Imagine sitting in class, drinking your coffee, when a Google tech guru unexpectedly appears to blow your mind with real-world ideas. It's like having a backstage pass to the industry before you even graduate! Our teachers were not just long-time members of the marketing profession, but we also learnt from experts about Amazon ads, or how Spotify is growing business in Canada.
The flexibility of York SCS's payment mechanism is just another wonderful feature. You have until the program start date to make your deposit payment after receiving your acceptance letter. This methodical strategy helps reduce some of the financial strain so you may concentrate on studies rather than worrying about deadlines.
Let us not forget about the collaborative learning environment. I like the in-class activities that promoted teamwork and creativity. Working on projects with classmates not only made learning more enjoyable, but it also allowed us to form long-lasting ties. It's an excellent method to connect with those who share your desire for personal development and education.
The semester format, with two courses scheduled every six weeks, is also extremely handy. This allows students to focus on two courses at a time and avoid becoming overburdened with tasks and submissions at the conclusion of each semester.
During the 10-day reading week in between semesters, I was also able to rejuvenate and approach each subject with new insight.
The York SCS building, surrounded with snow on a winter day.
With Professor Rovena Aga
Suzannah Kelly addressing the class
Uri Gorodzinsky explaining students in class on how Amazon ads work
That's how My friends and I sometimes pass time in breaks.
Obstacles: Prospects for Advancement
Of course, no experience is without its hurdles, and York SCS is no exception. However, I feel that these problems can be viewed as chances for progress.
One area that may be improved is the course content. While many classes are excellent, there have been times when the materials seemed out of date or unduly reliant on online resources. I feel that by focussing on creating more creative and engaging information, York SCS can improve the learning experience even further.
Administrative processes can be a little slow at times. While I enjoyed the payment flexibility, there were times when resolving issues felt like a marathon. Patience is crucial in this situation, and I discovered that keeping proactive and following up is the key to solving your queries.
Grading timelines are another area for improvement. Some professors take longer than expected to provide feedback, making me question about my progress. However, I learnt to interact honestly with my professors, which resulted in faster responses and clearer expectations.
Another problem I had was with the assignment instructions. Occasionally, the requirements were ambiguous, making it difficult to determine exactly what was anticipated. I rapidly realised the necessity of seeking clarification early on, which helped me keep on track and reduced stress.
Advice to Future Students: Making the Most of Your Experience
Now that I've shared my journey, here's my advice to future students contemplating York SCS:
- Embrace the Journey: Every event, positive or negative, contributes to your personal and professional development. Begin each day with an open mind and a desire to learn. Attending classes, talking with teachers, and contributing to group projects can always lead to good grades, new friends, and positive experiences.
- Network, Network, Network: Make the most of the guest speakers and industry connections. Please do not hesitate to introduce yourself and ask questions. Building relationships now can lead to opportunities later in your career. Some lecturers may even provide advice on job search strategies and résumé hacks.
- Collaborate with Peers: Create study groups and work together on projects. You will not only learn from one another, but also form a support network that will make the journey more enjoyable. Being among the proper people can help you thrive not only academically, but also professionally.
- Be Proactive: If you're having trouble understanding assignments or course materials, contact your lecturers right away. They admire students who take the initiative to seek clarification, and they may also provide you with ideas for how to proceed with your assignment ideas.
- Stay Organised: Given the fast-paced nature of the programs, maintaining organised is critical. To ensure that you don't lose out on the grades you deserve, use digital tools like calendars to help you remember due dates and tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the School of Continuing Studies at York University has greatly impacted my life. Overall, the experience has given me invaluable knowledge, perceptive viewpoints, and a fantastic network of colleagues—despite the possibility for improvement. You should visit York SCS if you're up for a challenge that will advance your personal development.
So, do you think you should jump at the opportunity of studying at York SCS? Of course!
Come to class with an open mind, a sense of humor, and a readiness to learn. This journey will have its challenges, but the rewards are immense. Not only will you earn a diploma, but you'll also gain valuable life lessons and stories that will influence your future.
Are you prepared to begin on this amazing journey? Trust me, you won't want to miss this exciting adventure!
Good luck, and I can’t wait to hear about your own incredible experiences at York SCS!