As an international student I researched numerous universities, each with its own charm. But I chose York for its student community and experience schooling. My time at York University School of Continuing Studies, where I am pursuing a Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital and Content Marketing, has been transformative, giving me the skills and confidence I need to succeed in today's marketing world. This programme has allowed me to combine practical experience and academic learning to have a solid understanding of digital marketing techniques.
I met fantastic people, including professors and staff, who helped me better my abilities and find new prospects.
A diverse background shapes my learning experience
Prior to attending York University, I had a wide and enriching professional background. From working as a cashier at Farmboy to marketing and sales associate at Royal Gems & Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. to establishing my own business, Fantasy Blinks, each employment has helped me get a better grasp of customer service, sales methods, and business management.
Embracing Digital and Content Marketing
Bridging the Gap Between Traditional and Digital Marketing
Coming from a small business background where my primary focus was on providing real products and experiences, the transition to digital marketing was substantial. The York University programme offered a comprehensive curriculum. Studying marketing not only enabled me as a person to become a critical thinker but also provided practical application of a huge data interpretation, by analysing, transforming projects into reality, planning strategic moves to build up etc.
Key Learnings and Skills acquired
Throughout the programme, I learned a variety of digital marketing tools and approaches that are essential for today's marketers.
- Web Analytics and SEO: Learning how to analyse web traffic and optimise content for search engines was a game changer. These abilities enabled me to make data-driven decisions and increase the internet visibility of my company.
- Another important area of learning was creating a content marketing strategy that aligned with business objectives. I learnt how to develop interesting content, construct editorial calendars, and do market research to better understand my target audience.
- Email Marketing and CRM: The programme also emphasised the importance of customer relationship management and email marketing, which are critical for retaining customers and increasing sales.
Because of the realistic assignments and projects that mimicked real-world settings, these skills were not only theoretical but also practical. I was able to immediately apply what I learnt to my business because to this practical approach.
The Professional Development and Networking at SCS Campus:
The program's ability to allow students to progress through the curriculum with their same peer cohort was one of its most notable features. My time at York gave me a chance tobuild Strong friendships and ties; My peer, namely Harmanjot Kaur, Himanshu and Japneet were very warm, welcoming and helpful in terms of personal bonding and academically exchanging ideas, working together on projects, and encouraging one another's development.
Developing a Real-World Project Portfolio
Because the programme placed a strong emphasis on experiential learning, I was able to finish with a portfolio of completed work that showed my ability. Having this portfolio has helped me stand out from the competition in the job market by demonstrating my abilities to prospective clients and employers.
Developing a Sturdy Marketing Plan
With my experience in sales and marketing, I've been able to create all-encompassing marketing plans that cater to a range of corporate requirements. My capacity to develop audience-resonant targeted campaigns has improved because of the program's emphasis on audience targeting and digital content production. My work on YouTube Shorts, which focuses on audience targeting and knowing when to use different platforms, is evidence of how these abilities are used in real-world situations.
Applying My Learnings to FANTASY BLINKS
Being a former small business owner of FANTASY BLINKS, where I designed custom gift hampers, paintings, and DIY craft products, transferring into the world of digital and content marketing was both tough and fulfilling.
With my newfound knowledge of digital and content marketing, I was able to rework FANTASY BLINKS' marketing strategy. I greatly boosted my company's online presence and consumer interaction by content marketing, and social media strategies. The capacity to make data-driven decisions and manage efficient marketing strategies has been critical to generating growth and meeting business goals.
The hands-on approach, case studies, and real-world applications gave me the tools I needed to apply my knowledge directly to my freelance assignments, and it also inspired me to join a new enterprise with an acquaintance, The Epiq, a marketing agency operating in GTA region.
To Conclude,
My enrolment at York University marked a watershed moment in my professional development. The Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital and Content Marketing gave me the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to successfully traverse the digital marketing world.
I am appreciative for the solid foundation and professional network that York University has provided.
For anyone interested in a career in digital and content marketing, I highly recommend York University's School of Continuing Studies. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to improve your skills, our comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning approach will provide you with the tools you need to excel in the ever-changing world of marketing.
