Final Reflection

As I reflect on my journey through this program, I am both grateful for the knowledge I've gained and acutely aware of the areas where I still need to grow. My career goal has always been to establish and run a profitable business, and this degree has been a critical step in that direction. However, the path has not been without its challenges and moments of frustration.
When I enrolled in this program, my primary objective was to learn how to manage my social media content effectively and improve my website. Throughout the course, I have acquired valuable skills in online marketing, particularly in understanding the backend processes. The emphasis on graphs, charts, and reports has certainly enhanced my ability to analyze and interpret data, which is essential for making informed business decisions.
However, I found the curriculum somewhat lacking in areas that I consider crucial for my business. The repetition of certain topics became monotonous, and I yearned for more practical classes on designing ads for social media marketing and creating engaging website layouts. Visual appeal is a significant aspect of digital marketing, and a stronger focus on this would have been beneficial.
Despite these challenges, I appreciated the opportunity to use my own company as a case study. This made the learning process much more relevant and meaningful. I believe that allowing students to work on their businesses can provide a deeper understanding and practical application of the concepts taught.
On the other hand, I noticed a heavy concentration on analyzing other companies, which sometimes overshadowed the basics of the programs and reports. There were moments when I felt lost and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information that was provided without sufficient explanation. This experience has highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to teaching, where foundational knowledge is given equal weight as advanced topics.
Looking ahead, my continuing growth plan involves integrating the knowledge I have gained into my business operations. I aim to keep improving my social media strategies and website performance, learning through experimentation and real-world application. While I feel somewhat prepared to enter the marketing field, I recognize that my expertise is still at an entry-level, and there is much more to learn and master.
Overall, I would rate this degree a B-. It has been a valuable learning experience, but there are areas for improvement that could make it even more beneficial for future students. Moving forward, I am committed to leveraging the skills I've acquired to make my business the best it can be and to continually seek out opportunities for growth and development.
ReferencesAmerican Marketing Association. (2020). Digital marketing strategies for small businesses. Retrieved from https://www.ama.org/digital-marketing-strategies-small-businesses/
Smith, J. (2019). The importance of visual content in digital marketing. Journal of Marketing Trends, 5(2), 112-118.
Zhao, Y., & Balague, C. (2015). Designing social media strategies for effective digital marketing. Business Horizons, 58(2), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2014.11.002