The Impact of Greenwood’s Business Courses on My Marketing Journey

My journey toward discovering a passion for marketing began in Grade 10 when I enrolled in Introduction to Business at Greenwood College School. This course laid the foundation for my interest in business by exposing me to core economics, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy principles. As I progressed to Grade 11, I chose to take International Business and Marketing to further explore these interests. I found marketing to be the perfect blend of strategic thinking and creativity.

One of the most formative experiences for me was the culminating activity in which we were tasked with creating a t-shirt design for a company celebrating its 10th anniversary. The project required us to think beyond design aesthetics and consider factors such as the target market, the company's storage systems, and promotional strategies. It was a multifaceted challenge that pushed me to apply everything I had learned. I was honoured to be one of two students whose designs were selected by the company Loyal to a Tee. This accomplishment gave me a strong sense of confidence in my abilities.

That confidence played a significant role in my job search over the summer. While applying for positions, I included the marketing award on my resume. A week later, I received a call from a pet company asking me to present the slideshow and business pitch I had developed in class. After my presentation, the company requested that I create a second slideshow analyzing their weaknesses and suggesting social media and marketing strategies. The following day, I was offered the Social Media & Marketing Brand Director position.

As the Social Media & Marketing Brand Director for my employer, I have gained invaluable experience in driving social media engagement and expanding brand visibility. In this role, I’ve worked closely with the brands my employer partners with, as well as local pet influencers, to boost social media presence. I’ve created targeted content for my employer's social media accounts, while also cross-posting with other brands to increase exposure. A significant accomplishment has been successfully implementing new revenue streams by introducing delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, which expanded our market reach and diversified the company’s income sources.

This job has not only strengthened my marketing skills but has also solidified my understanding of brand management, customer engagement and revenue growth strategies. The practical experience of working on real-world campaigns has deepened my passion for marketing and given me a greater appreciation for how dynamic and fast-paced the field can be.

As I apply to postsecondary programs this fall, my goal is to pursue a degree in commerce, focusing on topics such as marketing and finance. I believe that Greenwood’s business courses have provided me with an incredible foundation. I could not have accomplished what I have without the incredible support of my Grade 11 business teachers, Ms. Au and Mr. Vachon. Their guidance has not only prepared me for the academic challenges ahead but also inspired me to push myself further in my studies and career.

My experiences, both in the classroom and in my current role, have solidified my passion for marketing. I’ve come to appreciate the dynamic nature of this field, which requires constant innovation and adaptability. I am eager to continue exploring marketing and finance in my future studies and believe the skills I’ve developed through Greenwood will help me thrive in university and beyond.