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Networking 101 - My Experience

What I learned…

When deciding I wanted to come to George Brown and take part in the Digital Media Marketing program, the most appealing factor was the internship. I knew that going out and being in the industry would allow me to meet and learn from many different people. However looking back on this year one of the most valuable parts of the program was being a part of the Marketing Seminar Series course, which was unexpected.

Being a part of this class allowed me to learn from and connect with many industry professionals. I also feel as though I learned a lot from the speakers I was able to hear from. One of my favorite presentations that I was able to hear was from Lindsay Title and Jillian Trishman, of TDS Personnel. I definitely learned the most from this presentation and took many resume tips and tricks with me.

Network and Resources…

Who have you networked with and built a relationship with?

I have had the chance to network and build relationships with people all across the marketing industry. First, of course I was able to network with my fellow classmates and professors. I also had a lot of opportunity to build relationships with co-workers at MLSE. Finally through events I have attended and social media groups I have been able to join, I have built some meaning full connections that I can continue to pursue.

What events and activities did you attend and what knowledge and contacts did that give you?

I had the chance to experience a couple different events where I was able to network. I attended a summer social for The Gist, which is an organization that focuses on women in sports marketing. I was able to meet a lot of really cool people and make some connections. I also attended a networking event with CMA in the winter where we got to listen to some speakers from RBC and socialize with other digital marketers.

What groups did you join with what results?

Joining groups – especially on social media can be a great way to put yourself out there and create some new contacts, who you may not have gotten the chance to connect with otherwise. I have found success on both Facebook and LinkedIn. I am currently in a couple Facebook groups where I have had the chance to make connections and learn new tips as well as find job openings. These groups include “Digital Marketing Jobs in Canada” & “Media Buyers of Ontario”.

Did you volunteer and what contacts did that bring you?

I had the opportunity to volunteer at a few events recently. I have volunteered with MLSE at two of their Maple Leaf Games/Events. Not only were these great experiences where I learned a lot – it also gave me the opportunity to make new contacts at MLSE whom I can now contact via LinkedIn.

What job finding resources did you investigate for job hunting? Which were the most useful and why?

There are many recourses that can be useful for job hunting. I leveraged some of the career services that are offered at George Brown, to help improve my resume and cover letters. There were many talented folks here who had lots of experience and know what recruiters are looking for in resumes.  Another suggestion I have would be to reach out to recruitment firms – such as TDS Personnel, they are there to help find us the perfect job.

How are you keeping in contact with this network that could help you find a permanent job in marketing at the end of this program?

One of the best ways to stay in contact with those who are important in your network is going for frequent coffee meetings. A quick coffee can help you be remembered. I also suggest doing informational interviews. Not only will you learn lots but it helps you to stay in contact. If you prefer to not meet up in person, another way to stay in contact with those in your network is to use LinkedIn. It allows you to post frequent updates with where you are at in your career or job search.

Where will you be doing your co-op and was networking part of how you go that position?

I have already had the opportunity to do my co-op, and it allowed me to build a strong network.  However, I was able to secure my co-op at MLSE through networking. I had connected with my manager ahead of time through LinkedIn and reached out to her personally to see if she may be looking to hire any interns on her team. Doing my co-op at MLSE also turned into a full-time role for once I am done with school. This really showed that networking

What networking tips and best practices did you learn along the way? What can you share?

Overall my number one tip is to be confident and willing to put yourself out there. Half the connections I have made over the past year were because I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to form a connection with someone I wouldn’t normally have the chance to.

I also advise full transparency and honesty, if you’re looking for a new job, don’t shy away from asking for one. If you’re looking for a mentor, be clear that’s why you’re connecting. Honesty is always the best policy and will also help you avoid many awkward situations!

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The best things to do in the beautiful city of Toronto, Ontario

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New to the city? The Ultimate Guide to surviving Toronto.

I moved to Toronto. The largest city in Canada. A city I had only been to a couple of times when I was younger.  

You know the saying, “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Well, guess what – I’m not.  Change is scary and uncomfortable.

As you can imagine, the idea of moving was just as uncomfortable. Moving to a new province, a new city and a new way of life is about as much change as can come.

To top it off? I went into the move almost completely blind. Sure, I signed up for my program, I found a place to live and booked my flights. But besides that, I did little to no research. Why you may ask? Because I was scared.  If I started to think about it too much then it became real, so instead I decided to go in blind and figure it out for myself once I made the move.

In hindsight, doing my research beforehand would have been the better idea. That’s why I have come up with the ultimate list of things I wish I had known before making the move to Toronto.

1.    Things seem close on a map – they’re not

“Oh look! That’s close, I can definitely just walk there every day no problem. Who needs transit?” Let me tell you, I was very wrong. This was a lesson I learned very quickly; in fact, I learned it on my very first day in Toronto. Toronto is a grid and it allows things to look much closer to each other than they really are. It also means that just because your on King St and you’re destination is on King St doesn’t mean it’s a quick walk down the street, in fact it can be over an hour walk down the street.

I very quickly learned that many streets have an East end and West end (ex. King St. E & King St. W). Knowing this prior to my move, I would probably have chosen a little closer to my school. You live and you learn though, am I right?

2.    Surviving without a presto card is unlikely

Once I realized that walking everywhere was not an option, I quickly discovered Toronto transit.  Overwhelming at first, but once I had some practice it became a breeze. Between taking the 504 Streetcar to class every day and the GO Train to visit friends on the weekend, I learned there’s only one way to survive transit. Well, actually two ways – some good podcasts to listen to, but more importantly a Presto Card. Presto card works on almost all forms of transit in Toronto including Streetcars, Subways, Go Trains & Go Buses. It also allows you to take the UP Express to Pearson “In a speedy 25 minutes!” Not only does it avoid you having to always have change, but it also ends up saving you money with discounted fares compared to coins.

https://saidlikekaren.com/2014/02/17/ttc-streetcar-tilt-shift/

3.    Having a car is more of a curse than a blessing – except when it comes to weekend getaways.

Having a car in the downtown core would truly be a nightmare. With lot’s of one-ways and restricted access because of streetcars, it’s not the place you want to be driving. With transit and Uber you really have no need for a vehicle downtown!

However, with that being said, having access to a car on weekends can really help make your weekends a lot of fun. There are many getaways and activates close to the city yet too far to get to without a car. Having a friend who has access to a car can really help out and allow you to see more of the province!

Let’s face it – as great as downtown is, getting out of the city occasionally is amazing. Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto Zoo & Niagra Falls are all not too far from the city, however, having a car to access these awesome places is necessary.

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/AttractionProductReview-g155019-d11455829-Niagara_Falls_Day_Tour_from_Toronto-Toronto_Ontario.html

4.    Cheap rent? Not going to happen

If you want to live downtown, better check the piggy bank! Rent prices in Toronto are some of the highest in the country.  Finding a central downtown location while not breaking the bank is not an easy task. However, there are a few tricks to avoid paying $2000/month in rent.

First, find some roommates. Bachelor’s and one bedroom seem to be some of the priciest. Finding roommates to help split the costs can help bring rent down.

Second, it’s okay to not live in a high-rise condo, sure the view may be nicer, but the cheque coming out of your account won’t be.

Finally, consider living a little outside of the downtown core. As long as you’re near transit, you can live 15 minutes out of the city and still get down there super easy!

5.    The summer heat is no joke – find a friend with a pool

Summer in Toronto, like most of Canada, it really doesn’t get going to June. However, once it starts, it comes quick. In the blink of an eye, it suddenly feels like 37 everyday and yes you read that right. Temperatures in July and August can sore up to feel like 45.  With AC, it’s tempting to stay inside all day, but let’s be honest, that’s no fun.

How does one survive the hot days? Simple – live somewhere with access to a pool, or at least find a friend who does. Being able to go for a dip makes sweating profusely all day not as bad.

If you’re really stuck you can also check out Cabana Pool Bar, which has multiple pools to help stay cool in!

https://www.inkentertainment.com/2019/05/17/cabana-pool-bar-enters-its-seventh-year-with-its-biggest-lineup-yet/

6.    Use the PATH to survive the winter

Summer may be short and hot, but winter couldn’t be any more opposite, long and very very cold. Being outside in feel like -33 is not enjoyable in the slightest, especially if you add rain or snow to the mix. Transit can help you avoid these frigid temperatures, but it can’t always get you right to your doorstep. Thankfully I discovered the PATH pretty early on in the winter. The PATH is underground walkways through malls and eateries, which connects through most major buildings downtown. It allows you to easily get from an office building to your subway stop- to where you can use your handy dandy Presto card and take transit the rest of the way home. The PATH can be rather confusing at first, but luckily there are maps posted on the walls to help you navigate your way through this underground savior.

7.    Not a sports fan? You’ll learn

Sports has completely taken over the city of Toronto, especially after the Toronto Raptors won the 2019 NBA Championship. However, there’s more to sports here than just that. Toronto is home to many major sports teams including, Toronto Maple Leads (Hockey), Toronto Blue Jays (Baseball), Toronto FC (Soccer) and much more!

All teams are worth checking out at least once if you get the chance. However, if you’re on a budget then the Blue Jays might be your new favorite team as you can get ticket’s as low as $10.

https://bluejaysnation.com/2018/12/22/mark-shapiro-outlines-short-term-renovation-plans-rogers-centre/

Change is scary, it’s uncomfortable and it forces you outside your comfort zone. Being prepared for change can help ease the transition and make it more enjoyable.

Looking back I wish I had known more about the great city of Toronto before making my move.  Hopefully, my Ultimate Guide to surviving Toronto can help the next person making the big move.

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