Deep Dive Into Digital Marketing

The digital marketing industry is ever-evolving, making it a wonderful career choice for those who love having the ability to learn each and every day.

The industry has increased in popularity in recent years, with universities and colleges beginning to offer digital marketing courses of their own. That being said, some individuals might find a four-year degree and fixed curriculum too long of a commitment in an industry that evolves so quickly.

Lucky for us, there are a range of digital marketing courses and bootcamps provided by non-traditional schools across the country. These educational institutions allow students to save money and time, while also confidently enrolling in a course that they know will benefit them.

With an abundance of courses to pick from, how do we know which is right for us? We’re going to break down the options, including what does and does not matter, when selecting a digital marketing course. We’ll examine certificate qualifications, instructor diversity, and everything in between.

Consider Your Needs

Education certainly doesn’t have a one size fits all approach. Students have different needs to take into consideration, such as time, budget, length, and professional networking. On top of these basic needs are more complex factors, including the need for global connection. Digital marketing reaches a global audience, which means you should find a course that has the ability to provide an international reach. You also want to learn from diverse instructors and perspectives as these individuals will be your industry leaders. This exposure to different backgrounds and ideas will help to better prepare you for your career. Lastly, to provide you with a holistic understanding of the field, it’s vital that your course covers multiple topics and specialties within the spectrum of digital marketing.

Types of Certificates

Industry certificates and branded certificates are the two types of official certifications you can earn in digital marketing.

Branded certificates are issued by a digital marketing course provider, such as Jelly Academy or General Assembly. These certificates are appealing as they don’t require students to enroll in a college or university program. They also hold merit in the industry as they prove your dedication to learning and using digital marketing skills. Unlike undergraduate programs where you take other electives, branded certificates get right to the good stuff and waste no time. After mastering your skills, you can showcase your new credentials on LinkedIn or your resume, setting you apart from other job applicants.

One downside to these certificates is that they are dependent on the existence of the institution. If the institution or course provider ceases to exist, the certificate is considered irrelevant. This has happened in the past with institutions like RED Academy, leaving tragic repercussions for students.

On the other hand, industry-recognized certificates are earned by completing a course that is accredited by an external organization like Google or Facebook. These certificates train students specifically on the tools they will use in their careers. Some tools include Google Analytics, Facebook Advertising, and HubSpot CRM.

Industry-recognized certifications prove that you have dedicated your own time to mastering the tools that you will be expected to use upon landing a job. Prospective employers will be able to cross off some training sessions — because who does not love easy onboarding? Industry certificates are also way less likely to become invalid as global superpowers like Facebook and Google have a long lasting market stay. One negative to these certificates is that they might not offer an in-depth insight into the world of digital marketing. Tools are extremely valuable, but it is always ideal to enter the industry with a holistic understanding.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Extra funding is always helpful when enrolling in a course or program. Bursaries and scholarships help reduce tuition costs and allow students to focus on their studies, rather than worrying about finances.

Fortunately for Canadian students, many Canadian digital marketing courses offer a variety of funding options. For example, BC based digital marketing institution, Jelly Academy, has made a significant effort to provide ample financial aid opportunities through the institute itself.

Diverse Instructors and Industry Leaders

Digital marketing is one of the most innovative and fast-growing industries in today's job market. To make the most of your education, you want to ensure that you’re being taught by instructors that come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you have the chance to learn from ten industry experts instead of two, take it! It’s also important that you enroll in a course taught by instructors from different demographics, including but not limited to gender, cultural background, age, and education. Exposure to different instructors will deepen your understanding of digital marketing and better your skill set as a professional. You will gain a variety of perspectives, learn about various digital marketing sectors, and expand your network.

Instructors should be advertised openly prior to enrolling. After all, the professors and teaching staff are a major selling point of any course, and we all want to learn from the best. Therefore, keep an eye out for courses that partner with Canadian industry leaders. There’s no better way to immerse yourself into the industry than to learn from a current leader.

Flexible Course Offerings

There are countless benefits of choosing a flexible digital marketing course. Perhaps you have a busy work schedule and parental duties. Or maybe you’re just not ready for an intensive full-time course. Whatever your reason might be, focus on choosing the best educational path for you. Consider your capacity, learning needs, availability, and location. The best course for you may be one offering pre-recorded online learning, while for others, a full-time intensive bootcamp is the best solution.

Choose Your Course

Canada offers a variety of unique and empowering digital marketing courses. These courses each offer a specific set of features to accommodate different needs and goals. To determine which course to take, students must decide what features best suit their personal and professional life.

When choosing a digital marketing course, consider your career goals and what sector of digital marketing appeals the most to you. Are you already in the industry and just interested in upskilling? Or are you looking for a complete career change? Some courses may offer individual certificates in certain areas, while others will require enrollment for a full-time course.

Check out these Canadian digital marketing courses:

• Jelly Academy: Digital Marketing Bootcamp
• BCIT: Digital Marketing Foundations Associate Certificate
• Alacrity Canada: Digital Marketing Bootcamp
• Digital Marketing Institute: Certified Digital Marketing Professional
• General Assembly: Digital Marketing Course
• Brainstation: Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Written by Sydney Vardja