Marketing Management Alumni

Title: Marketing Specialist
Company: New Value Systems
Industry: IT Consulting

My role as a Recruitment Specialist allowed me to gain experience in recruitment, sales, and industry knowledge which aligns with my goal of becoming an account executive in the future. It also gave the opportunity to interact with different IT consultants, learn about IT projects in Canada, what people look for in interviews, and what to put in a resume to get shortlisted for a role.

I discovered the importance of LinkedIn.
Throughout college, I worked several part-time customer service jobs that helped me land my Co-op during my final semester in Langara. At first, my strategy was to apply directly through company websites, but later on, I discovered the importance of LinkedIn. I made sure to update my profile and make it attractive to recruiters. Whenever I am invited for a job interview, I research the company and role beforehand, answer questions clearly, show interest in the opportunity given, and thank the interviewers for their time. During the job application, make sure you have keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter and always customize your resume for the role/company.

Work for companies you are interested in even if it is just a part-time role.
My part-time jobs helped me in my career journey. In the early stages try out as many things you can, you never know what you will end up liking. After you have tried a few different roles/industries, hone in on your top skills and go from there. I highly encourage students to work for companies they are interested in even if it is just a part-time or entry-level role. Good companies like to promote internally and getting inside the company is already the first step in landing your dream job. I value the Co-op I got through Langara and I highly recommend students do Co-op as an option in your degree.

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See Alejandra’s LinkedIn for updates on her career journey.

Title: Senior Content Marketing Manager
Company: Unity
Industry: Tech

I always saw myself working for an international tech company. I wanted something with a “cool factor” which I achieved in Unity. It is amazing to be working for the world’s most popular game engine. I like being creative and solving large organizational problems, and I can strike a balance between those two things in my current role at Unity.

Get certifications!
I worked in restaurants to pay my rent but also started consulting to gain digital marketing experience. My instructors helped me find potential work to build my portfolio, and I made sure to get certifications too. There are many free certifications, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, Youtube, and the like. Look for opportunities to work on projects while you are in school and try to put your skills into practice. You can also do this through volunteering, or using Google Analytics Demo to practice. These helped me get a leg up over the competition and positioned me well for my first marketing job.

I got my first job through networking.
Someone I used to work with at the restaurant started a digital marketing company, I reached out and asked if they were hiring, and turns out they were! Never underestimate the power of networking; it is the reason why I secured a full-time role even before I graduated. Be prepared and rehearse when doing job interviews and anticipate some of the questions the interviewers will ask you. Most likely, there will be a conflict question , problem-solving, and one about adaptability.

Some examples are:

• Tell me about a time you had a hard conversation with your coworker
• Tell me about a time you felt overwhelmed.
• Tell me about a time you had a complex problem you needed to solve and the steps you took to solve it.

My suggestion is to find stories you can use for multiple situational questions. I also find it important to have a vision for your future roles. TELUS and Unity were both on my vision board. I do not know how it works, but it works. Next stop, Google.

Candidates that stood out were the ones who showed authenticity and sincerity.
Hiring managers are not just looking for qualifications or skills; they want to know who you are as a person. In my experience as a hiring manager, the candidates that stood out were the ones that showed authenticity and communicated with sincerity. Also, make your resume stand out. There are many tools out there to help you make attractive ones like Novoresume.

This story was written in the Fall 2022 semester. See Daniel's LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.

Title: Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Company: Canada ICI Capital Corporation
Industry: Real Estate

My career goals were simple – be an expert in my field, contribute greatly to the community, and inspire others. I am currently leading the Vancouver analyst team at Canada ICI Capital Corporation, which allows me to build a strong foundation to grow, as well as bring great support to my teammates.

Identify your end goal.
My strategy would be to identify my end goals and backtrack to know the middle steps required to reach my goals. My approach to job applications would to be first, spend at least two full days updating my resume and LinkedIn profile to match with the jobs I want. Second, I would identify all the platforms to submit my applications, including through my network and headhunters. Lastly, I would try to apply as soon as the jobs become available and keep a tracker.

Networking is critical not only for getting a job, but also for building your career.
It could be as simple as sending invitations to someone with a mutual connection to get a conversation going. You will find many wholesome people who are willing to give advice to the next generation.

Know who you are and aim towards what you want with all you have.
Another great advice for students from personal experience is to try and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you – supportive colleagues and friends, or strong competition.

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See Dominic's LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.

Title: Public Relations Coordinator
Company: Jelly Digital Marketing and PR
Industry: Digital Marketing and Public Relations

As a Public Relations Coordinator, the part I find the most fulfilling is helping clients and small businesses make an impact within their industry to reach their goals. Working at a Marketing Agency has allowed me to quickly grow my strengths and diversify my skills in Marketing and PR. As someone who never knew exactly what area of marketing I wanted to work in, an agency has helped identify what companies and industries best align with my goals and better target my skills to fit this. My current role offers a lot of opportunities within different industries, which is part of the reason it has been a great fit for me in my career path.

Volunteer, build connections, and show enthusiasm.
My career strategy involved three things: volunteering, building connections through networking, and showing enthusiasm when applying for jobs. I made sure that the role aligned with my intended goals, and I took time to approach each opportunity with a unique and tailored application. My interview tip for students is to take your time. It is easy to feel rushed under pressure, but it is best to take your time, pause, and assess the question.

Put more intention into building better connections.
Reflecting on my previous experience, I think I would have been more intentional with my volunteer work and networking meetings. It is such a great opportunity to attend these sorts of things while in school. At that time, I did not make as much of an effort to attend and grow with these events, as I felt busy with classes and work. I wish I had put more intention into building better connections for my career. I would recommend students to join BCAMA and CSMPS since both associations have great benefits and networking opportunities.

Put yourself out there!
I would recommend that students apply to jobs that align with their goals and interests. It is much easier to be enthusiastic when you are authentically interested in the company and what they have to offer. Whether this is a charity the company supports or the industry it operates in, there are many ways to find companies that align with your values. Be true to yourself and the employer will see the enthusiasm you bring. The more people you meet and the more experiences you have, the better chance of finding the right job for you. So, put yourself out there!

This story was written in the Fall 2022 semester. See Emma's LinkedIn for updates on her career journey.

Title: SEO Specialist
Company: CT21 Analytics
Industry: Digital Marketing

To be honest, I first wanted to go work to gain work experience in the Canadian environment. I was lucky to be hired by Langara College after graduation, which was the most valuable experience in my career. Currently, I am working as a SEO Specialist in both in a marketing agency and as freelance work. It was what I wanted to do when I was in school. My career goals slightly changed after a few years, but my experience will be the base for a new chapter of my career journey.

I like to keep track of all my job applications in a spreadsheet.
My job application strategy was to apply to as many as I could (of course the job should spark my interest and meet my abilities and needs) and treating the job application process as a full-time job. For example, allocating specific hours a day for submitting job applications, job searching, and networking. More importantly, I like to keep track of all my job applications in a spreadsheet. This tool is helpful when the employers contact you for the interview and you need to know right away who is calling, and for which position.

Networking involves friendships too!
Networking is building professional relationships with others for now or later. Sometimes, it involves friendships too. Without networking, it is very hard to know people who work in the field we want to reach out to for job opportunities. Clicking on the apply button on Indeed is not enough nowadays – we need networking.

Just be yourself in interviews.
My interview tips are:

1. Review your cover letter for every job application.
2. Analyze the job posting and write down all the potential interview questions that the interviewers might ask and of course, outline the answer for each question.
3. For the “Tell Me About Yourself” question, talk about your background, related work experience, and your interests and hobbies!
4. Just be yourself!

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See Jack's LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.

Title: Freelance Digital Marketer & Graphic Designer
Company: Freelance
Industry: Marketing

My career mantra has always been, explore, explore, explore and I deliberately seek out opportunities to expand my experience. Graduating with distinction in the BBA in Marketing Management with Co-operative Education was just the start of my journey. I am also pursuing a Master’s of Clinical Counseling, envisioning the establishment of my counselling practice. My current role as a freelance digital marketer and graphic designer has provided me with a taste of leadership and revealed a genuine passion for guiding staff and shaping program strategy. This experience served as a platform to demonstrate credibility for future managerial positions.

My career strategy revolved around acquiring transferable skills through Co-op placements, volunteering, and self-learning. 
Completing three distinct Co-op placements across various roles and organizations gave me the flexibility to cater my resume to a variety of roles. This approach pushed me to learn the latest tools in the field to further help me stand out as an applicant. This strategy allowed me to showcase essential skills to employers, affirming my suitability for the roles due to the breadth of my resume.
I also reached out to professionals in the fields I was interested in for an "informational interview." These conversations provided incredible insights into their career journeys and what roles I should seek to reach a specific career goal. I made sure to align the experiences, skills, and tools on my resume directly with the keywords and requirements in each job posting, understanding that recruiters often only have a few seconds to review job applications. I applied for all the roles that caught my interest, even those I initially thought might be a stretch.

Networking is about fostering authentic connections with professionals in your field.
As an undergrad student, practicing the art of networking allowed me to build confidence in articulating my experiences and establishing connections with individuals I initially had no ties with. I can personally attest to the fact that the best networks often form right within the classrooms. You never know how your peers might support your career journey down the road; the camaraderie and insights shared among classmates can become invaluable assets. It goes beyond the exchange of LinkedIn connections; exposing you to diverse perspectives, often resulting in unexpected career advancements.

Do what you enjoy.
If I were to seek new opportunities now, I would stay true to my passion for entrepreneurship and making a positive impact through the organizations I work with. I thrive on running my own marketing business that focuses on non-profits; here I can apply my marketing and design skills for meaningful causes. Exploring your interests and chosen careers, my career journey has led to unexpected and rewarding intersections, blending my diverse skills and passions.

This story was written in the Spring 2024 semester. See Jaskamal’s LinkedIn for updates on her career journey.

Title: Project Manager
Company: Earth Daily Analytics
Industry: Educational Technology

I work as Project Manager for an Aerospace company located in Vancouver. Completing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification has helped me secure the type of work I was doing when I lived in Brazil. Back at home, my career was mostly focused in Management Consulting and Project Management. It was something that I really enjoyed and wanted to pursue when I moved to Canada. The reason I chose to do my PDD in Marketing was mainly to broaden my knowledge base, since I believed that if I did something like a Business course, I might not get as much value, because I already had a BBA and a lot of experience.

The value of cultural diversity and new perspectives.
One experience that has had a profound impact on my career was the fact that I went to Langara to study. This experience taught me the value of cultural diversity and opened my eyes to new perspectives and ways of thinking. I realized that a different culture can bring a wealth of positive experiences and opportunities, rather than simply being viewed as something challenging, negative, or unfamiliar. Being exposed to new ideas and ways of doing things, I became more adaptable, and open-minded.
Since then, I have applied this lesson to my work by embracing diversity and being open to new perspectives. I have found that this has helped me to collaborate more effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds, and to bring fresh ideas and approaches to the table. This has been a key factor in my success thus far, and I continue to seek out new opportunities to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives. This made me more understanding and empathetic towards the challenges that others may face in their own lives and careers.

Generate a network of people that know you and understand your skills set.

In my case, it was very hard to actually just get an interview with companies. I had sent more than 50 applications, customized resumes and cover letters, and had received only one reply. And that reply, although resulted in an interview, did not result in a job offer. And of course, no one says to you why you didn't get any feedback, but you can only assume it was because of a lack of Canadian experience on the specific field you are applying too. This I believe is the sentiment among every single PDD student arriving in Canada. We all come here from different backgrounds but with work experience (many times with significant amounts of experience, 5, 10 years) and university diplomas, PhDs and so forth. But once we get to Canada the professional transition is very complicated, and in many cases we work at part-time jobs unrelated to our careers.

My recommendation in this case is not establishing a "number" for sending out resumes. My advice would be networking (which was what actually landed me my first job back in my field) and looking for a position that you are really passionate about. If you are just in it for the "numbers game" chances are that your applications will lack character and not captivate your reader. If you are passionate about the position though, you will have a lot of interesting ideas on what could be done to really show the interviewer(s) why you should be the one hired.

Networking is a critical component in landing your first job in any field, including Project Management. Attending industry events, conferences, and workshops is a great way to meet other professionals in the field and expand your network. Connecting with professionals through LinkedIn, professional organizations, and alumni groups can also be helpful. Offering to help or volunteer on relevant projects and asking for informational interviews with professionals in your desired field are additional ways to build your network and gain valuable experience. Building relationships with colleagues, classmates, professors, and mentors is also important, as is participating in industry groups, forums, and online discussions to showcase your knowledge and expertise. Only because of the connections and network I developed during the end of my experience at Langara I was able to finally start my journey back towards my area and make the transition.

Project Management is nothing more than solving problems using a framework.

It does not matter where you work at or what you do, you will always have to solve problems. Project Management just provides you with the framework, that can be applied (with some modifications) to any situations. One of the most effective ways is to gain practical experience as a student is through internships, volunteering, or side projects. Pursuing a relevant degree or certification in project management can also help, as can building a professional network by attending industry events, connecting with professionals in the field, and joining relevant professional organizations. Reading and educating oneself on the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in project management is also important. Additionally, developing strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills will be helpful in building a successful career as a Project Manager.

Essential skills for a Project Manager include strong leadership and decision-making abilities, excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, the ability to effectively manage and prioritize tasks and resources, knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, strong organizational and planning skills, the ability to handle and mitigate risk and conflict, financial and budget management expertise, and adaptability and flexibility. A Project Manager needs to be a strong leader who can make sound decisions, communicate effectively with team members, stakeholders, and clients, and has a good understanding of the project management process.

Learning from your failures and using them as opportunities for growth is the key.

Starting a career can be challenging, and it's normal to feel discouraged at times. To help combat these feelings, it's important to set achievable and realistic goals and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your aspirations is also important, as is seeking mentorship and guidance from professionals in your desired field. Focusing on your passions and interests, and seeking out opportunities that align with them, can also help to keep you motivated and engaged in your career journey. Finally, taking care of your mental and physical health and not being afraid to ask for help when needed is critical to avoiding burnout and staying on track with your career goals.

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See John’s LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.

Title: Customer Account Manager
Company: Hootsuite
Industry: Software Management

I am at the place I always wanted to be when it comes to my career, but it took lots of work, detours and dead ends to get here. My non-linear career path allowed me to wear many hats and acquire a vast range of skills. The lack of specialization and years of experience may be a deal breaker for many companies out there, but Hootsuite looked at it differently.

If you want to build meaningful connections, it's important that both parties provide value.
Networking means building connections with other professionals. It is important because it leads to increased visibility, a stronger support network, more impactful connections that can open up new employment opportunities and improved business growth for those with entrepreneurial aspirations. You stand to benefit from networking no matter what stage of your career you’re in.

Leveraging your network is crucial.
Learn from the wins and mistakes of others and you can gather info on specific industries, companies, roles and how their recruitment process works. Referral from your connection can open doors, land you an interview, and also get you closer to the job offer. It's also important to be patient and stay positive because job hunting can take a month but it can also take a year.

Become a Doer!
Say yes to as many opportunities as you can. You will learn so much in the process about yourself, your likes and dislikes, your passions, strengths and weaknesses, you will learn a ton about others too. And this is also how you start gaining valuable experience. All this acquired knowledge will serve you in the long run. If the opportunity doesn't come knocking, build the door.

It’s 100% OK to have no idea who you are and what you want.
You are not supposed to have these answers yet. Put yourself out there and change your perspective on failure. I started calling setbacks "falling down”. When something doesn't go the way you planned, it's falling down. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and you try again. If you want to learn, to gain experience, to grow, to succeed, you will need to embrace falling down.

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See Martina's LinkedIn for updates on her career journey.

Title: Enterprise Account Executive
Company: Thinkific
Industry: Educational Technology

As an Enterprise Account Executive at Thinkific, I am focused on building relationships with larger organizations and helping them develop customized e-learning solutions that fit their specific needs. I work with clients to help them understand the potential ROI of implementing a Thinkific solution, educate them on industry trends, and solve their core challenges.

Transitioning from College into a full-time job can be a “cultural shock.”
I joined the Leaders of Tomorrow program to connect and network with like-minded individuals and learn from other professionals on different career paths. This is a fantastic program that allows you to network and meet like-minded peers. The most valuable lesson I received from Leaders of Tomorrow is a thorough understanding of how the corporate worlds functions. Transitioning from College into a full-time job can be a “cultural shock” for everyone, but I am glad that I spent my time wisely in this program. This allowed me to prepare for this change and tackle a new chapter of my life with a better state of mind.

Truth be told, I just wanted a job.
In 2016, when I was applying for my job, truth be told, I just wanted a job. I had no idea what the company did and had zero understanding of what they were talking about on their website. I asked for help from my professor and we later sat down to research the company thoroughly. This helped me personalize my resume, ask smart questions during the interview to understand the role, and update my LinkedIn profile. The next month, I got the job and created a wonderful five-year career with that company.

I started my career in tech as a Customer Success Associate at another company where I managed a handful of clients to ensure they were satisfied with our platform. After 1.5 years, I was promoted to Customer Success Manager and after another year as a Customer Success Manager, I was offered to transition into Sales as a Strategic Account Manager. I succeeded in that role for about 2 years and transitioned to an Enterprise Account Executive. On average, you need at least 3-4 years of experience before landing an Enterprise Account Executive job. However, some companies sell highly complex products and require at least 10+ years of experience.

Connect with customers and help solve their problems.
In my day-to-day, I am responsible for managing relationships with established businesses and enterprise-level customers. Thinkific is an online course platform that allows individuals and businesses to create online courses and offer online education to their target audiences. We work with clients who are looking to implement customers, employee, and partner education programs as well as those interested in using online education as a lead-generation engine or driving revenue for their organization through course sales. The top skills I believe are vital in my position are: sales expertise, communication, relationship management, business acumen, strategic thinking, collaboration, analytical skills, adaptability, leadership, and customer focus.

Network with like-minded individuals and be authentic.
My number one career strategy was to network. Networking is not just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It's about building meaningful relationships to help you achieve your professional goals.

My number one recommendation is to be authentic. Don't try to be someone that you are not. Authenticity is critical in building meaningful connections. Be yourself and show genuine interest in others. The same concept applies to sales. The more you show interest in your customer, the more likely they will buy from you. Be naturally curious, and if that is too hard, ask basic open-ended questions on how they landed their role, what skills were required to land their first job, and interview tips. In addition, ask them about their life, such as their favourite vacation spot, if they have any pets, etc. This will show that you genuinely want to get to know the person without asking anything in return.

Learn active-listening.

Listen actively to understand their perspective, interests, and goals when meeting someone new. This will help you build rapport and establish trust and guide the conversation. Active listening is not easy, and you will often find yourself thinking about what you need to ask next instead of listening to what the person is saying. Use LinkedIn to connect with the person you just spoke to. Leave a personalized note with a few points you discussed with each connection. If not, you can just follow-up via email to make sure they remember you. Do your homework. Find out what the event is about and why people are attending this event. I would recommend reading an industry article. For example, if I attend an e-Learning conference, I would ensure I read about the latest trends in the e-Learning industry, so I have some talking points.

You do not have to conquer the world in a day.
Fail often, but recover quickly. I encourage you to meet like-minded individuals and meet regularly, ask for advice, and use the resources you have today wisely. Do not stress out if you do not have that “passion” feeling for a specific career/industry. You do not have to feel like you need to conquer the world in one day. Little wins compound to huge results over time, just make sure to never stop learning. I am happy how everything has turned out for me and I have no regrets. However, what would have made my experience even better is attending more networking events and getting more involved in the community.

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See Nick’s LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.

Title: Program Manager
Company: Electronic Arts
Industry: Digital Interactive Entertainment

I have always wanted to work with sports and entertainment, and my current position at Electronic Arts lets me experience the best of both worlds. As a program manager, I manage competitive gaming leads in America and handle various client accounts.

Network and connect with the right people.
I put myself out there and focused on the companies I wanted to work for. I made sure to be up to date on their recruitment updates by accessing their career webpage every week to see if there were new positions aligned with what I wanted. It is also important to research the company, position, and possibly the recruiter ahead of time when preparing for a job interview. This helps you adjust your answers that fit the organization’s conversational style. The best sites to go to are company websites and LinkedIn.

Focus on your goal.
Creating my own SMART goals and then breaking them down into smaller and achievable objectives made me advance to a much steadier pace. Through these smaller goals, I have gained valuable experiences that helped me throughout my career journey. My experience in volunteering, going to the Career Centre, signing up for 1 on 1 career sessions, and attending the career workshops and events on campus helped me understand and prepare myself for the Vancouver job market. All my decisions brought me to where I am right now.

This story was written in the Fall 2022 semester. See Rodolfo's LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.

Title: Homestay Coordinator
Company: Langara College
Industry: Education

My work aligns perfectly with my primary goal – changing careers. So after getting experience in an entry-level position, I challenged myself to get more responsibilities and got into my current job. Since my goal is to get into a management role, this move makes perfect sense.

I tried different things.
When I started my studies, I was looking for a change in my career. At that time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So, I tried different things.

The experience of working as a student at Langara made me realize that education could be something fun. So, I did informational interviews with professionals working at Langara and other places (UBC, SFU, and Douglas), which helped me figure out the next steps.
Being on both sides is familiar and different. It’s great to work on campus and to be able to see so many students every day. It always reminds me of my good times at the College.

Networking is about connecting with people.
Not only to learn more about job opportunities but also to get advice, mentorship, share experiences and foster relationships. I aimed to find jobs aligned with my career goals. So, I tailored my applications to relevant positions only, focusing on quality instead of quantity. Networking was important, too. It helped that I was still a Langara student looking to enter the post-secondary industry.

This story was written in the Spring 2023 semester. See Rodrigo's LinkedIn for updates on his career journey.