“Continuing education has completely transformed my life. I went from a stalled career to my first lead marketing role in just over one year.” - Keri Hasson, SCS learner
Keri Hasson can describe her experience with continuing education in one word: transformative. In fact, she credits her commitment to lifelong learning to her ongoing career and personal success. “I worked as a graphic designer for over twenty years, but about five years ago, I had lost my passion and needed a change. But I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I felt lost,” recalls Keri. “Then in March 2020, I found myself out of work due to the pandemic. It forced me to re-evaluate my life, my career, and where I wanted to go.”
A friend of hers had recently completed a marketing course at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), and Keri decided that continuing education might just be the right next move. “I had done some aspects of marketing in my various designer roles, so I thought that exploring the field might help me identify a new interest. I zoned in on advertising, as I felt it would be a strong compliment to my graphic design skills. Next thing I knew, I was hooked.”
In May 2020, Keri began earning her Advertising Certificate. “Because I was at home, I took the opportunity to really immerse myself in my studies, and I had the time to devote to fast-tracking my courses. I was a bit intimidated after not having been in a classroom for over twenty years, but the online learning experience was very convenient, interactive, and engaging. There was a real sense of community in my classrooms,” says Keri. “Mid-certificate, I was hired as a Marketing Specialist for an IT company. They were impressed that I was taking the initiative to grow my skills, and were particularly interested in my new digital marketing abilities. I’m confident that the certificate helped me land the job and transition into a new field.”
Today, Keri has completed her Advertising Certificate, and is now Director of Marketing with a financial firm. “SCS sparked something in me! I’m hooked on learning now; I just completed my Digital Marketing Management Certificate, and I am working towards my Brand Management Certificate as well,” says Keri. “Continuing education has completely transformed my life. I went from a stalled career, to my first lead marketing role in just over one year, which still amazes me. I feel much more confident in myself and my abilities. SCS helped me find direction, and shape a career I love.”