HOW SALFORD BUSINESS SCHOOL PREPARED ME FOR A CAREER IN DIGITAL MARKETING IN THE POST-COVID WORLD.

Hi! I am Esther Ilesanmi studying MSc Digital Marketing at the University of Salford. I am delighted to share how my time at Salford Business School has equipped me for a successful career as a digital marketing specialist, honing my skills in search engine optimisation, email marketing, and copywriting.

As I look back on my journey from an environmental education background to pursuing a career in digital marketing, I can't help but marvel at the twists and turns that led me here. It's a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of education, with Salford Business School playing a pivotal role in shaping my path forward.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began with uncertainty. After graduating from university with dreams of pursuing nursing, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. In 2019, shortly after completing the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Nigeria, I decided to venture into the world of entrepreneurship.

With little knowledge of digital marketing fundamentals, I embarked on an online business journey, taking a course on Mini Importation and ordering my first shipment from China. Armed with determination and a drive to succeed, I launched my online store, specialising in handbags, clutches, and purses.

However, just as my business was gaining traction, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing with it unforeseen challenges. Amidst setbacks like the loss of my primary work device and unsold inventory, I made the decision to pause and reevaluate my strategy. It was during this period of introspection that I realised the importance of enhancing my skills and knowledge in digital marketing since most businesses and brands had gone digital.

Recognising the need for progression, I set my sights on pursuing a master's degree in the UK, ultimately choosing the The University of Salford Business School based on stellar reviews and recommendations.

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MY EXPERIENCE AT THE SALFORD BUSINESS SCHOOL

The The University of Salford provides comprehensive support and mentorship for international students, facilitating a seamless transition into postgraduate study. From academic assistance to mental well-being, the university's resources ensure holistic student development. The library provides a wealth of learning materials beyond the scope of my courses, while AskUS serves as a student hub, prioritising mental health and offering specialised support tailored to individual needs.

At Salford Business School, I found an environment conducive to thriving as an international student. Additionally, the school hosts workshops and networking events, connecting students with industry experts and fostering collaboration. like the Introduction to UK Employability, led by William Morgan, spanned six weeks and focused on enhancing employability skills, refined CVs, and understanding UK work culture. And Career fairs proved instrumental in securing my part-time job, and the most recent events, like the Microsoft Hackathon workshop, provided insights into tech careers through success stories and hands-on experiences with technologies like HoloLens.

Through these experiences, I gained valuable insights into making myself marketable in the job market, embracing a growth mindset, and cultivating passion for my chosen field. Salford University provides students with cutting-edge learning resources such as LinkedIn Learning, Endnote 21, and virtual reality body swap sessions, fostering the development of essential skills for career advancement.

MY MODULES SO FAR

Enrolling in the MSc Digital Marketing programme at Salford Business School was a game-changer. The programme, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) with automatic recognition by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI), offered a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the latest tools and strategies in digital marketing. The modules that make up my programme are divided into four distinct parts.

My first module, "Offline and Online Consumer Behaviour," led by Dr. Justine Violet Mtonga, PhD , was an engaging blend of seminars and lectures. It provided invaluable insights into understanding consumer behaviours, including the factors influencing their decision-making processes regarding products and services, brands, marketing communications, and social media. Crafting buyer personas, identifying their pain points and goals, and applying this knowledge to marketing strategies were pivotal aspects of the module. Through interactive sessions, I developed essential skills in planning, organising, decision-making, and time management, all highly relevant for professional progression.

In my second module, "Digital Marketing Communications," under the guidance of Dr.Michael Evans and Dr Md Javed Kawsar , I researched on John Lewis's digital marketing communications strategy. Despite being unfamiliar with the brand initially, I gained valuable insights. This module significantly enhanced my skills in integrated marketing communications (IMC), digital literacy, and problem-solving. I learned to utilise various research methods and tools to collect and analyse data pertinent to IMC and digital marketing activities, which proved instrumental in sharpening my analytical abilities.

Currently, I'm immersed in my third module, "Search and Social Media Marketing," which has quickly become my favourite, albeit challenging one. Led by Mirage Islam FRSA , along with Magda Marchowska-Raza and Amir Khan, PhD , this module has been transformative. I've learned to optimise my social media channels by strategically incorporating relevant keywords to boost my personal brand and career visibility. I've honed my research skills and become adept at data analysis, empowering me to navigate the dynamic landscape of search and social media marketing effectively.

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NEXT PHASE

Embarking on my final module, "Digital Marketing Analytics and Strategy," in June marks an exciting chapter in my journey. I'm eager to apply the skills I've gained at Salford Business School to my brand's digital marketing efforts while preparing for my industrial collaboration project. My goal is to secure a 6-month internship, leveraging my newfound passion and expertise in digital marketing. Reflecting on my time at the University of Salford, I'm confident in my ability to excel in the fast-paced realm of digital marketing as a specialist.

Thank you for reading my first article about my time at Salford Business School. Your engagement through likes, comments, and reposts is greatly appreciated as I navigate this next phase of my career.

Thank you for your support!

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