How It All Started
I was a self-acclaimed digital marketer, well a social media marketer and content creator, even before I realised that I was one, so let me explain what I mean by that. Fresh out of my first degree, I learnt how to bake cakes, and in the year 2018, I started my own business, but I did not set up a physical store like most people would do at that time majorly because I wanted to save costs, instead, I resorted to Twitter where I posted my baked goods and urged people to retweet to other people who might be interested in my goods and services, I also made use of Instagram, where I created content and advertised my business, but most of the sales were via Twitter.
My business was more popular on Twitter because my personal Twitter page had a decent number of followers who helped me to promote my business. However, in the year 2021, the Nigerian government banned the usage of Twitter, and this caused my business to suffer, as Twitter was my major source of sales. Even though I was an online business owner at that time, I didn’t have the technical know-how and didn’t really understand that selling online transcended beyond just posting goods and services on social media.
My love for online selling, copywriting, and content creation, with my quest to know more about the various existing digital marketing channels and how businesses can leverage on them in this constantly evolving digital world, and how to become a digital marketer led me to the MSc Digital Marketing course in the Salford business school, University of Salford.
What I Have Learnt At Salford Business School So Far
Coming to the University of Salford to study Digital Marketing was an easy choice for me, after looking at various schools in United Kingdom, their curriculum, their students’ testimonials, the school fees, and the location of the institution. Has the school lived up to my expectations? Well, let’s get into that. The first set of skills that I learnt in the University of Salford is multi-tasking and effective time management, which are essentially skills that are required in almost every career field in the world, and even most especially in the Digital Marketing industry.
At the University of Salford, there are so many activities, both curricular and extra-curricular, and we were all encouraged to achieve a good balance with them all. I have learnt to prioritise, and effectively manage my time, identify what needed to happen first, and what should happen simultaneously with others, and to sift through the unimportant things.
My first module at the University of Salford was the Digital Marketing Communications, and during this period, I learnt how to critically evaluate information, understand relevant theories, and keep abreast with the current industry trends. I worked on a real life case study, Marks and Spencer, and I was able to understand the successful digital marketing efforts of the business, the importance of integrated marketing communication, suggest recommendations based on findings for the areas of improvement, and really understand how businesses can continue to build relationship with their customers, and how all of these contribute to business growth.
Now, not only do I know about the various channels available for businesses to sell their product, and the importance of reaching their target audience on the appropriate channels, but I also know the theoretical justifications for them, and how to put theory into practice. I also discovered my love for content marketing and the importance of content marketing strategies.
I am now currently on my second module, which is the Search and Social Media Marketing module, which is not only interesting, but is also very practical, and an accredited course by the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing. It is taught by my two amazing teachers Andy Lochtie of Lumos digital marketing and Mirage Islam. So far, in this course I have learnt about search engine optimisation, ppc, social media content marketing and Social media marketing. I am working on my personal branding, and this module is helping to set me up for success, by helping me understand who I am, who I want to be, how to become my dream self, and the skills that recruiters are looking out for in digital marketers.
I am working on my assessment which involves making research on the current industry and recruitment trends, doing keyword analysis using different tools, competitor analysis, making data-driven decisions, doing a self-reflection and acknowledging what I am passionate about, which will all hopefully lead to me landing my dream job as a digital content marketer in a B2C company, and I’m excited to see what’s to come in the few remaining weeks of this module. One of the requirements for this module is creating an optimised blog/ website, and for the first time, I was able to make use of WordPress.
What Next?
There is still so much to learn, and I look forward to the last two modules; Digital Marketing Analytics and Strategy which combines Digital Analytics and Digital Marketing Strategies, and the Online and Offline Consumer Behaviour module which focuses on consumer behaviour, after which I will move to the ICP (Industry Collaboration Project) stage. I also hope to secure a 1-year internship placement where I get to gain more practical work experience in content marketing.
As I stand at the midpoint of my educational journey at Salford Business School, I am already beginning to recognise the profound impact it is having on my preparation for a thriving career in digital marketing. The experiences, knowledge, and growth I’ve encountered so far have set a strong foundation for my future endeavours in the dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape.
From the outset of my studies, Salford Business School has engaged me in a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical application. Through hands-on projects, interactive discussions, and exposure to real-world case studies, I’ve been able to see the direct relevance of what I’m learning to the challenges I’ll face in my future career. This approach ensures that I’m not just accumulating information, but truly internalising concepts that will be crucial in the professional realm.
One of the standout qualities of Salford’s program is its commitment to staying current with the rapid changes in the digital marketing field. As new technologies emerge and consumer behaviours shift, the curriculum has adapted accordingly, ensuring that I’m equipped with the latest tools and strategies. This forward-looking approach gives me the confidence that I won’t be entering the industry with outdated knowledge.
Equally important is the emphasis on holistic skill development. Beyond technical expertise, Salford Business School fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability – qualities that are indispensable in the ever-shifting digital landscape. I’m learning not only how to execute digital marketing campaigns but also how to analyse trends, devise innovative strategies, and navigate unforeseen challenges.
Thank You Salford Business School
As I reflect on the first half of my degree, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The collaborative learning environment and networking opportunities offered by the school have already connected me with peers and professionals who share my passion for digital marketing. These connections, along with the mentorship of the faculty, are invaluable resources that will undoubtedly contribute to my growth and success.
While I’m midway through my degree, I’m already looking forward to the second half of this transformative journey. With the guidance of Salford Business School and the opportunities it provides, I am confident that I’m on the right path to becoming a skilled and adaptable digital marketing professional ready to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
If you are considering studying at the University of Salford, do not have any doubts because this is exactly where you need to be. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, leave them in the comment section where I will be reading and replying. If you would like to connect on other platforms, you can find me on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Tiktok or Instagram.
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