University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

I was looking for an online course on digital marketing and social media to augment my professional experience as a journalist. As I live an hour from Toronto, I was looking for an online learning experience but had traditionally chosen in-class continuing education programs. The first course in this certificate program — SCS 2875 Foundations of Digital Communications Strategy & Social Media — proved to me that online could be as engaging and rewarding with a similar level of interaction with both instructor and fellow students. The instructor, Donna Papacosta, was energetic and brought enthusiasm to the course each week. As a successful professional in the area of digital marketing, Donna is a communications consultant who works with large companies on digital programs, including corporate podcasts, an area I was interested in learning more about for application in the workplace. She brought real-world scenarios to class every week and encouraged discussion from all students in each session. One of the more challenging group projects was to produce a short video in one three-hour time period with four other classmates working together virtually. The primary blogging project was a great hands-on experience on audience engagement using social media. I continue to refer to the textbooks for this program and have recommended them and the course to others. I firmly believe I secured a job in a digital marketing team at a large emerging consumer goods company based on the knowledge gained from this course.

Growing up I always thought let me get done with education and the start working professionally. Working, I said let learn on the job and I did. I never thought I could go back to 'school'. I did, because the courses offered by UoT School of Continuing Studies are structured so well, making it easy for someone who is immersed in professional life to not only make time, but be able to engage, learn and execute practical assignments with real world application. I found these courses far more relevant and real worldy then my first round of education ! The instructor is fun and absolutely conncted to the real world in real time and that makes all the difference ! I aam definitely going back for my 3rd course soon.

Excellent instructors and challenging classes that can help you prepare to get into university or graduate school in Canada.