How my time at Salford Business School has prepared me for a career as a Digital Marketing Analyst

Hi and Welcome to my little space on the internet!

My name is Oluwadamilola Akinleye and I'm currently pursuing an MSc. in Digital Marketing at the esteemed University of Salford in Manchester. Allow me to take you on a journey that unveils how my time at the Salford Business School has prepared me for a career as a Digital Marketing Analyst.

Taking my first module at Salford Business School

Starting off my Journey...

As an undergraduate, my academic journey took a science-focused path but a persistent flair for creativity always pulsed within me. Following the completion of my bachelor's degree in Nigeria, I embarked on an unexpected detour. An internship as a personal assistant at a leading bank illuminated my path with excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills. During this phase, I also nurtured a fashion design business that ignited a deep-seated passion for content creation and the exploration of social media.

A Tech Startup Spark

In the year 2019, I seized an opportunity with a dynamic tech startup called SureGifts. My role commenced as a customer service intern, immersing me in the intricacies of customer relationship management (CRM) and I learned how to use tools like Freshdesk and Zoho. As the months unfolded, a pivot occurred. I transitioned to the digital marketing domain, progressing through the ranks from being a customer success and digital marketing analyst to a full-fledged digital marketing manager.

During my tenure, I embraced multifaceted responsibilities. My realm spanned marketing automation (deftly manoeuvring email marketing platforms such as SendGrid), marketing analytics (making use of Google Analytics) and social media management (deciphering data-driven decisions through insights gleaned from the analytics of diverse social media platforms).

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, I explored the expanses of digital marketing and was intrigued by the enigmatic world of data analysis. I embarked on a series of online courses. From unravelling Instagram strategies to mastering advanced Excel and Microsoft Power BI, I cultivated a profound interest in the realm of data.

By the time 2022 rolled in, my digital marketing intrigue had hit its peak and I set out to enhance my skill set. That's when I scoured the digital landscape for the perfect course. The University of Salford's Master's Degree in Digital Marketing caught my eye for several reasons. Firstly, it's backed by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), a badge of excellence. Then there's the Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) pathway, a direct route to internships or placements. The vibrant and diverse student community and Manchester's emergence as an innovation epicentre sealed the deal for me.

But that's not all. The University of Salford's support for international students is top-notch. The Supporting Student Success module, delivered online via BlackBoard was a gem that supercharged my academic writing and referencing skills. Access to LinkedIn Learning, a 24/7 library, and Microsoft 365 are some of the other reasons why Salford remained top of heart while choosing a school.

Salford Business School

My Time at Salford Business School (SBS)

The Digital Marketing course at Salford Business School is like a treasure map with four distinct modules, each unfolding over six weeks. I've been having a blast with all of them, diving headfirst into exciting learning experiences.

When I rejoined the academic scene in January 2023, my first stop was the Digital Marketing Analytics & Strategy module. Here, I cracked open the workings of Hylo Athletics' digital marketing strategy. I plunged into big data and dissected search engine optimization (SEO) strategies using various digital marketing analysis tools. I also participated in a simulation and groups were created to manage companies over a span of 4 weeks. The highlight of this experience was undoubtedly when my team emerged as the top performers in the class every week.

Up next was the Online and Offline Consumer Behaviour module. This gem was all about diving deep into the minds of consumers. I got into the nitty-gritty of demographics and psychology, and discovered how Decision-Making Units (DMU), lifestyle choices, and influencers and reference groups steer consumer buying habits.

Then came the intriguing Digital Marketing Communications module. This one put me on a quest to analyze Marks and Spencers' integrated marketing communications. I combed through various channels, dissected social media campaigns and untangled mobile marketing strategies. It's like I had a 360-degree view of digital communication channels and how they can be used in business growth and building brand loyalty.

My last and current module is Search and Social Media Marketing, and let me tell you, it's a favorite! Accredited by the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM), this one is all about diving into SEO secrets, playing around with keyword optimization, cracking open Google Analytics and Google AdWords, and even toying with AI tools like Bard AI. Oh, and data analysis? We're all over that too.

The cherry on top? My big task involves crafting my digital presence. I've created my personal website and optimized my LinkedIn profile. Why, you ask? To make it super easy for hiring managers and recruiters on the lookout for digital marketing analysts to spot me. And here's the scoop: I'm planning to chronicle my journey as a digital marketing analyst and content creator right here on this very blog over the next 12 months.

In essence, my narrative encapsulates a transformational experience - from a science scholar to a digital marketing aficionado. The crossroads of creativity and analytics have become my compass, navigating me towards an exhilarating career as a Digital Marketing Analyst.

What's on the Horizon for me?

As I wrap up this module, I'm setting my sights on the next exciting step: snagging a 3-month internship with a forward-thinking company. It's the perfect platform to unleash all the skills I've soaked up and take my career to the next level.

My favorite writeup in Salford Business School

Salford Business School has been my launchpad, giving me a toolbox filled with knowledge and abilities. Armed with this arsenal, I'm ready to shine as a digital marketing analyst.

Got questions about diving into the world of Digital Marketing at the University of Salford? Feel free to drop me a line on LinkedIn or YouTube. I'm here to dish out answers to your curiosities.

Catch you on the flip side!

With love,

Oluwadamilola Akinleye