Emily Cortés

Reflective / Networking Blog

Link: https://www.emilycortess.com/post/navigating-a-semester-of-growth-key-insights-from-a-
marketing-seminar-series

Navigating a Semester of Growth: Key Insights from a Marketing Seminar Series

As a freelance graphic designer deeply interested in entrepreneurship and UX/UI design, this
semester's Marketing Seminar series presented an invaluable learning and professional
development opportunity. The past few months have been an intricate tapestry of educational
experiences, networking opportunities, and insightful lessons from industry leaders,
significantly shaping my career trajectory. Here’s a deeper look into how the semester unfolded.

Enlightening Encounters and Lessons Learned

Throughout the seminar series, I encountered several thought leaders whose expertise provided
new dimensions to my understanding of marketing and design. Daniela, an SEO expert from
Toronto, was particularly influential. Her ability to demystify search engine optimization and
inject humor into technical discussions not only made the information more digestible but also
highlighted the importance of making complex skills accessible. This approach has inspired me
to rethink how I can integrate these elements into my freelance projects, potentially offering
SEO services alongside my design work.

Scott MacDonald’s perspective on integrating technology to enhance employee experiences

opened my eyes to the nuanced role of internal marketing. His approach to using technology as
a tool to improve workplace engagement and productivity provided practical insights into how I
can apply similar strategies in UX/UI design to optimize user experiences.

Chelsea Robinson’s entrepreneurial spirit and her success with social media marketing, despite
her initial lack of formal marketing training, showed the power of intuition and perseverance in
digital marketing. Her strategies for engaging audiences through platforms like Facebook and
organic social media campaigns encouraged me to be more experimental and adaptive in my
approaches.

Mat Krizmanich spoke about the impact of marketing through the lens of environmental
sustainability, which resonated with my growing interest in ethical design practices. His focus on
developing products that not only meet consumer needs but also promote a healthier
environment inspired me to seek out projects that align with these values.

With these invaluable lessons in hand, my path forward is clear. I plan to integrate the diverse
insights and strategies gleaned from these leaders into my freelance work, enhancing both the
range and depth of services I offer. From refining my approach to SEO and user experience
design to embracing more dynamic social media strategies and ethical practices, I am eager to
apply these holistic insights. These enhancements will not only elevate my professional offerings
but also ensure that my projects resonate more deeply with clients and contribute positively to
the broader community. This semester has been a cornerstone for growth, setting the stage for
a more innovative and impactful career.

Building a Network and Navigating Resources

This semester was also about cultivating a robust professional network and discovering
resources that aid in career development. I actively engaged with both peers and professionals,
which has significantly enriched my network. Discussions with classmates, interactions with
speakers on LinkedIn, and participation in industry-specific WhatsApp and Telegram groups
provided continuous learning and networking opportunities. These platforms became a daily
source of new ideas, advice, and resources such as podcasts, books, and tutorials, which have
been instrumental in keeping me informed and inspired.

Although I have not yet had the opportunity to volunteer, I am in the process of exploring
volunteer roles that align with my professional interests. I believe that volunteering will not only
help me gain practical experience but also allow me to make meaningful contributions to
projects that matter.

My job search has been a mix of challenges and learning. Despite the limited success in securing
immediate job offers through platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, these experiences have taught
me the importance of resilience and persistence. The simulation project arranged by my college,
involving real clients, is an exciting upcoming opportunity that promises real-world experience
and potential job prospects upon successful completion.

Remember that maintaining and leveraging these connections requires thoughtful strategies.
Below are some key practices to foster professional relationships effectively, ensuring that the
network remains a dynamic and supportive resource in our professional development.

Networking Tips and Best Practices

As I navigated through these networking opportunities, I honed several key strategies:

1. Engage Authentically: Show genuine interest in the people you meet. Authenticity
fosters deeper connections and opens doors to meaningful opportunities.

2. Follow-Up and Follow Through: Always send a follow-up note after meetings and
maintain periodic check-ins. This helps keep the relationship alive and shows your
commitment and interest.
 3. Utilize Social Media Platforms Effectively: Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for
maintaining connections and staying visible in your industry. Share your achievements
and ongoing projects to keep your network engaged and informed.

4. Join and Participate in Relevant Groups: Being active in professional groups helps you
stay updated with industry trends and makes you visible to potential employers or
collaborators.

5. Seek Out Volunteering Opportunities: While I'm still exploring potential volunteer roles,
it's clear that volunteering can provide significant networking opportunities, practical
experience, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to projects that matter.

Reflecting and Looking Forward

Reflecting on this semester, I realize it has been a transformative journey filled with invaluable
lessons, new skills, and meaningful connections. The blend of theoretical knowledge and
practical insights from the seminars has not only equipped me with a broader skill set but also a
clearer vision of how I can integrate marketing into my design work.

As I look forward to the future, I am excited about the prospects of applying what I've learned in
a real-world context, particularly through my upcoming co-op placement. The networking skills
I've developed are already proving to be instrumental in navigating the job market and will
undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in my professional growth.

In conclusion, this semester has been about much more than just acquiring knowledge; it has
been about applying that knowledge in ways that enrich my career and personal growth. I am
eager to continue this journey, embracing every opportunity to learn, connect, and create
impactful work that resonates with both my clients and the wider community. Here’s to a future
filled with creativity, innovation, and impactful connections!