Digital Media Marketing Seminar Series Reflections: Career Growth and Networking

Now that I am at the end of my post-graduate program, Marketing Management - Digital Media, at George Brown College, I was fortunate to participate in the "Digital Media Marketing Seminar Series" by Professor Wendy Greenwood . Throughout this course, I have had the opportunity to learn from various industry experts, acquiring priceless insights and uncovering the importance of networking in shaping one's career.

In this reflection, I will share my experiences, the profound impact of the speakers, the meaningful connections I have forged, and the valuable networking tips I have gathered along the way.

The Speakers:

1. Dorcas Tola Solomon , Growth Marketer at Flipp , stressed the significance of maintaining a broader perspective and not getting entangled in day-to-day operations. Her presentation highlighted the importance of agility and staying updated with industry trends. She also highlighted the importance of a portfolio.

2. Stephanie Lee , Media Planner/Buyer at Wavemaker Canada, provided valuable tips for aspiring professionals in the digital marketing field. From keeping an open mind about job roles and industries, starting as early as possible, to creating a personal campaign centred around one's passions.

3. Jennifer Stoll , VP of Strategy at Valtech , delivered an amazing seminar on business strategy. Her user-centric approach and emphasis on data-driven decision-making were inspiring. She highlighted the importance of focus, adaptability, and continuous learning for a successful marketing career.

4. Danielle Wilcox Humilde , the Regional Digital Manager at 达信 , Her emphasis on continuous learning, resourcefulness, and resilience left a lasting impact. Notable quotes, like "small changes can have a huge impact" and "success looks different for everyone," offered valuable insights.?

5. Melanie Evely , Senior Manager at TD , shared her perspective on embracing career change. Her insights resonated with my own journey of changing fields from Research to Digital Marketing, emphasizing the importance of adapting and exploring new opportunities.

6. Lia Grimberg, CLMP?, MBA , Principal and Consultant at Radicle Loyalty , focused on how loyalty programs can link different data silos to impact the customer funnel positively. Her insights into loyalty programs' descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics were invaluable, demonstrating how data-driven strategies can enhance customer acquisition, retention, and brand advocacy.

7. Amanda (Sook Yee) Lee , Account Director at The Aber Group , provided insights into the world of Paid Media/SEM and emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the digital landscape by becoming platform-certified and understanding different platforms from an end-user perspective.

8. Ashley Walsh , Account Director of North Strategic , I gained valuable insights into Influencer Marketing's significance and processes. Ashley emphasized the critical role of influencers in building meaningful brand-audience relationships and highlighted the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in influencer campaigns.

9. Caroline Berryman , Program Manager at York Region (The Regional Municipality of York), during her seminar on social marketing, demonstrated how information and education campaigns can influence positive behavioral changes and benefit individuals and communities.?

10. Blair Roebuck , VP of Marketing Science at Valtech , introduced us to the fascinating field of Marketing Science, which bridges the gap between business and technology. He explained how Marketing Science transforms complex data into actionable business insights and delivers ROI.

The series featured consistently well-structured presentations that engaged us and provided a comprehensive understanding of each speaker's journey and expertise.

? Introduction and background shared by each speaker, encouraging a personal connection.

? Journey through various job roles providing insights into diverse career trajectories in marketing.

? In-depth analysis of the speakers' current positions, highlighting their roles' significance in marketing strategies and business growth

? Use real-world examples to illustrate successes and strategies, making concepts more relatable.

? Engaging case studies provided for hands-on learning and practical application of marketing principles.

Apart from the seminar series, I also attended industry events like the Digital Marketing Symposium, Starting and Building a Career in Digital Marketing, Marketing Networking Social, and more, where I met professionals from various fields.?These events provided me with exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences of well-polished experts in the field and expanded my networking opportunities.

LinkedIn has been an invaluable resource for networking. By joining marketing-related groups, engaging in discussions, reaching out to professionals and sharing my thoughts, I have connected with like-minded professionals, gained valuable industry insights, stayed up to date with the latest trends and significantly expanded my network.

Some Tips

??Be genuine:?Authenticity is crucial when interacting with others, as people can quickly tell if someone is authentic or not.

??Step out of your comfort zone: Embrace new connections by reaching out to professionals in your field of interest, even if it feels unfamiliar.

??Personalize your messages: Craft personalized messages that demonstrate genuine interest when reaching out, often resulting in positive and welcoming responses.

??Focus on building meaningful relationships: Instead of merely collecting contacts, prioritize building authentic and meaningful connections.

??Offer value: Networking is a two-way street. Share your knowledge, insights, or assistance whenever possible, fostering mutually beneficial relationships with your connections.

As a result of this course, I have developed the confidence to proactively network with Marketing professionals through platforms like LinkedIn and mutual connections. Consistently engaging with my LinkedIn contacts by sharing industry news and participating in discussions keeps my network informed about my career aspirations and active Co-op search for the fall term. The experience of connecting with inspiring speakers and attending industry events has reinforced the crucial role of building a network for my career growth.

#careergrowth #networking #learning