Love social media? Do you check your accounts the minute you wake up and right before you go to sleep? Want to know how Facebook ads are so incredibly accurate? Can’t imagine a life where you can’t shop for virtually anything from anywhere in the world with just a mouse click? Then a career in digital marketing might be just the thing for you and Canada is emerging as one of the most popular places in the world to make that happen.

What is digital marketing?

We’re sure that you know what social media is all about unless you’ve somehow manage to go your life without exposure to the computer. Digital marketing refers to all of your marketing efforts that are conducted online. These include things such as:

• Google search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Content marketing
• Email blasts
• Influencer marketing
• Websites
• Social media

…and everything in between, all in the realm of the virtual world.

With the advent of the internet, social media, worldwide shipping and mobile applications, the ways people interact with companies have changed drastically. Traditional media such as the television and print ads are no longer as effective in targeting the audience to increase sales. Findings have shown that in just the past decade, consumer spending has more than doubled. Today, we search for reviews online regarding a product or service that we’re thinking of buying, before making a decision.  

So why should you study digital marketing in Canada?

Growing demand

The nature of marketing has been shaped by the advent of the internet. More and more companies in Canada and the world are acknowledging the importance of a strong digital marketing strategy. It is estimated that the digital marketing industry will continue to grow and demand for digital marketing professionals are at an all-time high. In a survey conducted by Pixel to Product, Canada’s “digital media economy is strong” and many companies are looking to hire those with expertise in digital marketing. The survey also found out that more than 90% of the digital marketing workforce have had their education in Canada. Another study conducted by Canadian Interactive Aliiance, showed that the future demand for key skills include technical digital skills, artistic and creative skills and business and leadership skills. Toronto, Montreal and Richmond are the top Canadian cities for digital marketing professionals.

Robust degree programmes

The Master of Digital Media by the University of British Columbia is the country’s first professional graduate programme in digital media that has a unique focus on creating digital media solutions to real world problems. In this programme, you’ll get to work closely with clients and obtain first-hand knowledge about the digital media industry. Other programmes such as the Digital Marketing degree from Fanshawe College and the Digital Marketing Management programme offered by University of Toronto will cover the vital knowledge needed for you to become a digital marketing professional. There are also many courses offered by colleges and agencies specialising in digital marketing for you to choose from.

Flexible career paths

As the world of digital marketing evolves at warp speed, things are never boring and there will always be new technologies to harness, new things to learn and implement. Consequently, new roles are also being created every day! You can choose to specialise in any field- for instance, you can become a social media marketer and then proceed to become a content specialist or even a SEO specialist, the possibilities are infinite. You’ll also be in demand in practically any industry- from consumer goods to oil and gas, financial services, and even services that are business-to-business in nature.

Jump start your career in this thriving industry

As mentioned before, the demand for digital marketing professionals in Canada is large and is set to continue to grow. With Canada’s welcoming attitude towards foreigners, you’ve got a good chance of kick-starting your digital media career in the hub of technological innovation.  Even if you’re looking forward to returning home and embarking your career there, your skills will be highly valued and you have a higher chance of gaining employment than your peers in other marketing specialisations.

It's clear that studying digital marketing in Canada will benefit anyone who wants to pursue a career in this field so what are you waiting for? Check out the courses available here!