Reflecting on My Journey in Marketing

As I reflect on my journey so far in marketing as a postgraduate student at George Brown College , I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained. Throughout this semester, I have delved into various facets of marketing, honed my skills in creativity and data insight, and had the privilege of learning from industry experts during insightful seminar series. Each with different backgrounds in the marketing industry. I genuinely have gained a lot from attending these sessions, as I learned about marketing from the perspectives of those who have unique skillsets and experiences.

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What I Learned from Marketing Seminars

The marketing seminars at George Brown College provided me with a deeper understanding of the industry and its nuances. Aadhar Mehta and Sophie Cugliari shared invaluable tips on navigating the job market, emphasizing resilience and the importance of showcasing one's work effectively. Blair Roebuck enlightened us on leveraging data in marketing, while Danielle Wilcox Humilde discussed creating meaningful marketing strategies. Sam Leung explored the exciting realm of AI in marketing, and Paul Michel delved into performance marketing. The speakers who particularly inspired me were Danielle Humilde and Sam Leung.

Key Lessons

I believe what made me resonate with Danielle was her inspirational lessons to embrace evolution and changes from both a personal and professional perspective. Coming from a background in journalism and with a passion for creativity in photography and videography, I initially found myself at a crossroads questioning my decision. However, as I delved deeper into the world of marketing during these seminars, it gives me a new perspective, recognizing that my diverse background enables me to bring a unique perspective to marketing. I can combine my storytelling skills and creative skills with strategic thinking to achieve desired objectives effectively.

Moreover, Danielle's insights resonated with me because she emphasized the importance of staying agile and open to new ideas. This mindset shift has been crucial in shaping my approach to marketing challenges and opportunities. Her guidance not only inspired me but also reaffirmed my belief in the potential for creativity and innovation within the marketing domain.

?With Sam Leung, it was a very interest topic, giving the conflict with the use of AI and the well-known myth of AI taking over. Learning more about AI from Sam taught me that AI is meant to be used as a means to an end; a tool that can never replace human creativity and intuition. I saw how AI can be integrated into the field of marketing.

What struck me the most about his speech was that there is an opportunity to train the algorithm to get useful insights and results when it comes to creating, analyzing, and improving marketing campaigns. For Leung, “training is key because AI is able to learn so much faster and learn from such a wide and varied range of sources and be able to actually come back with reasonably good output”.

As a digital marketer in training, this perspective made me reflect on my personal and professional use of AI. It inspired me to experiment with various techniques to enhance marketing strategies, implement algorithm suggestions for content creation or customer segmentation critically, conduct thorough testing and data analysis, and accurately predict outcomes. This hands-on approach has not only expanded my understanding of AI's potential in marketing but also prepared me to leverage its power effectively in real-world scenarios. Understanding AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for marketers today, and I am excited about the opportunities it presents to create more impactful and data-driven marketing campaigns in the future.

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Applying what I have Learned.

With Aadhar Mehta and Sophie Cugliari seminar, one of the key things I took from their lecture is the power of networking, especially with LinkedIn. And applying these lessons to my co-op search, I have started to expand my professional network. I connected with industry professionals, engaged in relevant discussions, and shared insightful content related to marketing trends and strategies. By actively participating in online forums and groups related to marketing, I aimed to showcase my skills and passion for the field while also learning from experienced professionals.

Additionally, I took proactive steps by joining the marketing association at my school and volunteering with the events team. This involvement not only allowed me to contribute to valuable initiatives within the marketing community but also provided ample networking opportunities with fellow students, faculty members, and industry guests.

Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the reciprocal nature of networking. It's not just about building connections for personal gain but also about contributing to and enriching the professional ecosystem. As I continue to apply these lessons, I am confident in my ability to navigate the marketing landscape effectively and forge meaningful relationships that support my career growth and aspirations.

So what’s next for me?

?As I look to the future, I am open to continuous learning, acquiring new skills and expanding my networks. Embracing the adventure of growth, I see several exciting paths ahead in my marketing journey. One of my immediate goals is to secure a rewarding co-op placement where I can apply the knowledge and insights gained during my studies and seminars. This hands-on experience will not only enhance my practical skills but also allow me to network with industry professionals and gain real-world insights into marketing strategies and trends. Additionally, I plan to actively engage in workshops, webinars, and networking events to stay updated with the latest industry practices and technologies. By staying proactive and adaptable, I am confident in my ability to thrive in the dynamic and competitive marketing landscape.

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