Oluwafunbi Adesunloye

How My Time At Salford Business School Has Prepared Me For A Career In Digital Marketing.

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Oluwafunbi Adesunloye at Salford University

In the "Beginning"

Ojuelegba!!! Ojuelegba!!!! the bus conductor yelled that breezy morning, as I prepared to take a bus to the market. The sight and sound of the coastal city of Lagos, Nigeria is distinct in West Africa. Its people, the food, the parties, the sights and sounds were second to none, and yes, the "Idumota" market on Lagos Island where I was headed was no different. It is rumored to be the largest fabric market in West Africa. As I walked by "Iya Esther" on the street, calling out her wares of fresh eggs, loaded in the back seat of her car, I reminisced on how better small scale entrepreneurs could market their goods online and reach their target consumers.

You see, I had an affinity with "Iya Esther" and her eggs. My background was in direct sales and marketing with a B.Sc. in Animal Nutrition. I had however found myself working on the marketing end of ensuring that small businesses had access to finance and could market their business with Union Bank of Nigeria, and later at Ikeja Electric Plc, Nigeria's largest electricity distribution company. I had functioned in direct and traditional marketing for a while, and the passion to enable small scale entrepreneurs and add to my skill set led me to begin a search for a course at the intersection of business and marketing, finally leading me to enroll in the MSc. Digital Marketing program at the University of Salford, England, United Kingdom. Thus began my journey into Digital Marketing.

From Eggs to Omelette

My flight from Lagos went through Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia and landed at the Manchester Airport on a golden summer morning in May, 2023. All through my flight, I could not but help to think how Digital Marketing has become an integral part of today's business landscape, transforming the way companies connect with their target audience and drive growth. I reflected on my journey and the people I would meet, as well as the new friends I would be making, I figured I would finally be making my Eggs into an Omelette, and could not wait to explore what the Salford fillings offered.

Embracing Cutting-Edge Education at Salford Business School

The MSc. Digital Marketing program at the University of Salford is designed to offer students a holistic view of the digital marketing ecosystem. From the outset, I was exposed to a diverse range of topics, including Search and social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content strategy, data analytics, and more. The curriculum is carefully crafted to reflect the ever-evolving nature of digital marketing, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest industry trends and best practices.

Hands-On Learning and Real-World Applications

One of the standout features of my time at Salford Business School was the emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications. The program encourages students to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios, fostering a deep understanding of how digital marketing strategies translate into tangible results. Through various projects, case studies, and workshops, I have been able to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in a fast-paced industry.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

The faculty at Salford Business School comprises industry experts and academics who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom. Their insights and guidance have been instrumental in helping me bridge the gap between theory and practice. They shared real-world anecdotes, current industry challenges, and success stories that provided a well-rounded education. This exposure not only enriched my learning experience but also gave me a glimpse into the realities of the digital marketing profession. Of note is Mirage Islam and Andy Lochtie as well as Dr. Sean Chung who have shared from their depth of experience and enriched my learning.

Networking and Professional Development

Beyond the classroom, Salford Business School offers ample opportunities for networking and professional development. Guest lectures, placement opportunities, seminars, and workshops by industry leaders provided me with a chance to connect with potential employers and mentors. The university's strong ties to the business community opened doors to internships, job placements, and collaborative projects that allowed me to build a strong professional network even before graduation.

Preparation for Future Job Roles

The MSc. Digital Marketing program's curriculum aligns closely with the demands of the digital marketing industry. It has prepared me for a wide range of job roles, including:

1. Digital Marketing Executive: Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of various digital channels, I have been prepared to lead and manage digital marketing campaigns across platforms, ensuring consistent brand messaging and optimal results.

2. SEO Specialist: With a focus on search engine optimization, I am proud to say that I can pursue roles where they optimize websites and content to improve search engine rankings and increase organic traffic.

3. Social Media Strategist: The program's emphasis on social media marketing has equipped me with the skills to create and implement effective social media strategies that engage audiences and drive brand awareness.

4. Data Analyst: Understanding data analytics and measurement is crucial in digital marketing. As a graduate from this program, I can work as a data analyst, interpreting and leveraging data insights to refine campaigns and make informed decisions.

5. Content Marketing Manager: The program's emphasis on content strategy and creation has prepared me to develop compelling content that resonates with target audiences and supports overall marketing goals of various types of companies.

Over the Alps - To Infinity and Beyond!!!

From Lagos, Nigeria, my flight path took me over the Alps at Switzerland and I just can remember how beautiful the snow covered peaks were, their beauty transformed me. In the same way, I can sure say that my journey and learning here at the University of Salford has been transformative. I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and knowledge I have gained so far at the Salford Business School's MSc. Digital Marketing program. This comprehensive program has not only equipped me with a deep understanding of the digital landscape, but also provided me with the tools and skills necessary to excel in a dynamic and competitive field. As I step into the professional world, I am confident in my abilities to navigate the complexities of digital marketing and make meaningful contributions to the organizations I work with. Indeed, I now can say that I am ready for what lies beyond.

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