By Angelica Largo, Marketing and Communications

When Mia visited Canada for the first time at age 15, she was instantly drawn to the natural beauty of the country and the friendliness of its people. At the time Mia was still exploring future career options, so she set her sights on travelling while searching for the right profession. She left her home in the Philippines to study in Beijing and learn Mandarin, then went to New York to study fashion. But still, something was missing and the idea of studying in Canada lingered in the back of her mind. 

While working as an employee engagement specialist for a tech company in the Philippines, Mia realized she still didn’t feel fulfilled in her career and decided it was time to return to school and try something new. She had already dipped her toe into the realm of social media management but sought a deeper understanding of the digital landscape. With the aspiration of returning to Canada and the goal of gaining more knowledge about digital marketing, Mia made the decision to leave her home country to pursue her dreams. 

Broadening horizons through international education 

Eager to explore new opportunities, Mia found that Douglas’s Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing offered a quick and practical education.  

“As soon as I saw courses included in the program, like social media, digital marketing and promotions, I was hooked,” she says. “I knew that I’d have the opportunity to learn about topics that would prepare me for the real world, so it was an easy choice.” 

With an eye for emerging trends and an interest in the world of social media marketing, she immersed herself in her classes and was eager to find her place in the dynamic field of digital marketing.  

Mia’s journey at Douglas took a transformative turn when she seized the opportunity to participate in the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) field school – another international opportunity that shaped her professional trajectory. During the 12-day guided study tour at the German university, Mia met other students from around the world, visited multinational companies like Microsoft and explored nearby cities Paris and Karlsruhe.     

“The field school was a game changer for me,” she says. “Being in unfamiliar territory pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it’s in those moments of discomfort that we truly grow.” 

From learning how businesses operate abroad to cultural immersion in Germany, Mia took every opportunity to expand her worldview and refine her digital marketing skills. The field school not only enriched Mia’s academic journey but also catalyzed her professional development, instilling valuable skills such as adaptability, cultural competency and effective time management. Armed with a newfound sense of confidence and a broader perspective, Mia returned to Douglas ready to tackle new challenges. 

Elevating the digital landscape

Mia’s academic journey continued to flourish as she delved into courses like e-commerce marketing, which equipped her with practical skills essential for the workforce like global market analysis. Through hands-on projects, Mia learned the intricacies of digital marketing strategies, from search engine optimization to Shopify implementation. 

Her professional journey intertwined seamlessly with her studies as she assumed the role of Marketing Manager at the Vancouver Circus School, where she applied her newfound digital marketing skills with ease. “My employer trusts my suggestions because I am in such a specialized program. It’s rewarding to directly apply what I’m learning in the classroom to my workplace,” she says.  

As Mia approaches the end of her program at Douglas College, her sights are set on a future filled with possibilities. “While studying in Canada initially seemed daunting, it’s led to so many opportunities where I’ve learned to grow outside of my comfort zone,” she says. 

With aspirations to establish her own digital marketing agency and empower fellow Filipinos through meaningful employment opportunities, Mia is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of digital marketing. 

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Interested in Marketing at Douglas College? Visit our website to learn more:    

douglascollege.ca/cbamarketing