Hey there, fellow learners and dream-chasers! As I sit down with my coffee to reflect on this past semester in my Marketing Seminar series at George Brown College, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown, not just in knowledge, but in understanding what works for me. Life’s been a bit of a rollercoaster lately (more on that later), but this class gave me a front-row seat to some incredible insights and a chance to rethink how I approach networking. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about handshakes and small talk, and that’s okay! Let’s dive into my journey, what I learned, how I networked (digitally, of course), and why online connections are my jam right now.
Lessons That Lit a Spark
This semester, the Marketing Seminar series brought a parade of brilliant speakers into our virtual classroom. I’ll admit, I didn’t follow up with any of them directly, life had other plans, but their words still left an impression. One speaker, a digital marketing strategist, talked about how data drives decisions in ways I’d never considered. It flipped a switch in my head: marketing isn’t just creativity; it’s a puzzle where analytics are the pieces. That realization made me see my career options in a new light, maybe I could thrive in a role that blends strategy and numbers, all from behind a screen.
The most important takeaway? Flexibility is king. Whether it’s adapting to a campaign’s data or figuring out how to network on my terms, being able to pivot is everything. It’s important because the world moves fast, and I want to be ready for whatever curveballs come my way, like the health hiccups that postponed my co-op to next year. More on that soon, but first, let’s talk connections.
Building My Network, My Way
Networking can feel like a buzzword thrown around in every career class, right? But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to mean crowded events or endless LinkedIn messages. This semester, I leaned into what worked for me, helping classmates with assignments and keeping things low-key. I didn’t attend extra events or join groups outside of class, and I didn’t volunteer beyond supporting my peers. Why? Well, I’ve been navigating some personal challenges (think: unexpected illness and a packed schedule), and honestly, socializing IRL just wasn’t in the cards.
Instead, I networked digitally with my classmates. We swapped tips on assignments, like cracking the Analytics Fundamentals Test (shoutout to my study buddy who aced question 9 on ROI!). These connections were small but meaningful, no pressure, just collaboration. I didn’t feel the urge to build a big network with speakers or groups, and I’m cool with that. My personality thrives in quieter spaces right now, and I’ve learned that’s not a flaw, it’s a strength.
-
Who I connected with: Classmates who became my go-to crew for tackling tough concepts.
-
Events I skipped: No outside mixers for me, class time was plenty!
-
Groups I didn’t join: LinkedIn’s on my radar, but Social Media prevents me from diving in yet.
Resources for the Road Ahead
With co-op delayed until next year due to my health, I’ve had time to peek at job-hunting resources. The George Brown College job board and co-op program caught my eye, they’re goldmines for opportunities tailored to students like me. I haven’t dug deep yet (recovery takes priority), but I love how accessible they are online. No in-person career fairs needed, just a laptop and some curiosity. These tools feel like a lifeline for when I’m ready to jump into the marketing world full-time.
Keeping in touch with my network? For now, it’s minimal. I’m not big on staying connected with classmates long-term, not because they aren’t awesome (they are!), but because my focus is elsewhere. My immediate family and personal goals are my anchor, and I’m not chasing a big personal brand. That said, I can see myself circling back to those digital resources when the time’s right.
The Power of Online Networking
Here’s my big tip for you: networking doesn’t have to mean going out. Life gets messy, whether it’s illness, family stuff, or just needing a break, and that’s when online connections shine. I’m outgoing by nature (years of public-facing work taught me that!), but right now, socializing isn’t my vibe. And guess what? That’s totally fine. Digital spaces, class forums, Social Media, even email, let you build relationships at your own pace. No awkward small talk required.
-
Best practice #1: Help someone out. Assisting a classmate with an assignment built trust faster than any networking event could.
-
Best practice #2: Embrace the screen. Online tools are your friend when life keeps you homebound.
