Tianna De Mel, CM, Digital Marketing Specialist at Syntax, is a testament to doing what you love. Her passion for marketing only blossomed when she accepted that accounting was not the path for her. She emphasizes trying new things, pushing yourself, producing quality work and always getting things done.

Community & Networking

In my opinion, the CM program differs from a master’s degree or post graduate certification, because it takes applying knowledge to the next level and has the most up to date courses. Many post graduate institutions offer outdated theories, but the CM courses are like a breath of fresh air allowing you to immediately apply what you learned on the job. The CM designation provides a community and networking circle, which allows you to foster relationships and hear from peers in similar and aspiring roles.

Never Look Back

Marketing balances the creative and analytical sides of your brain. You can dabble in many roles without feeling confined or bored. It was the best fit for me because originally, I was pursuing accounting but found the numbers too heavy. My grades were poor until I switched to marketing in my undergrad. I started to excel, and my grades improved because I cared about what I was learning. My academic and professional career turned around and I became a testament to loving what you do.

Marketing lets you be creative while challenging you with numbers to think logically, and analytically to test strategies. My journey was solidified after a co-op internship at Ford Motor Company. That experience allowed me to see how the big players worked. I’m thankful for Ryerson University presenting me with that opportunity because I never looked back!

Grit, Hussle, Fail

Learning never stops so embrace the lifestyle, because becoming a marketing leader doesn’t happen over night. Growth and comfort cannot coexist. It’s a lifestyle change. It requires grit, hustle, and failing. It’s important to be open to new ways of doing things, it’s the only way to get better.

Be Aware

We live in a data overloaded world now, so sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to sift through clutter and digest useful industry information. It’s easy to get comfortable with a strategy, because it worked, and avoid trying new things. The thing to remember is that this industry is all about testing and optimizing, so you must push yourself. New technology is always coming out like ABM, GenAI, new channels to market on, while you don’t have to do it all, you must try your best to be aware of technological advancements.

Talk to People

Personally, I get the most value from speaking with different people. I keep in close contact with my old marketing professors from Ryerson University, have a mentor in my specific marketing sector (email marketing), and am part of my business school’s alumni group. These relationships all revolve around marketing and have allowed me to keep up to date with what is trending. If I hear two people from these groups discussing a topic, I know it’s worth looking into. Networking goes beyond getting a job it helps you learn and increase awareness as well.

Produce Quality Work

Structure, quality and accountability are the most important elements of the profession. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the volume of work and production. What’s significant and sets you apart is taking the time to innovate, try new things and always produce quality work.

Get it Done

I have been put in more ‘figure-it out’ situations than I ever anticipated. This used to be my biggest fear as I always thought someone had to ‘teach me’ how to do something first. Now, Google, CSMS, and support lines are my number one allies. It’s important to take initiative and try to figure things out on your own, it’s where learning happens.

I am a HubSpot SME (subject matter expert) and often answers questions about the tool. Five years ago, I didn’t know HubSpot existed, but I invested the time and learned over the years. That’s how I take most challenges. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to get done!

Pursue Your Passion

Recently, I accepted the role of spokesperson for the upcoming Fall semester, representing my former professor, Mathieu Lajante’s Advanced Marketing Management course. This opportunity allows me to speak about marketing automation and share my personal journey as a marketing student, graduate, and now as a valuable contributor to the profession. This is a full-circle moment that allowed me to reflect on the fact that I can impact the lives of students by encouraging them to pursue their passion.

Leverage Avenues

With so much information and media getting thrown through endless channels, every touchpoint with a consumer is important. For example, your email signature leaves a lasting impression. Marketers can do a better job at leveraging this by using tools like OpenSense to additionally promote activities going on as these extra touchpoints make a difference.

I’ve also seen companies like Ceros take their hottest/most downloaded assets and transform them into web pages which promotes immersive and responsive web content. Leveraging different tools that integrate well with your current toolbelt is a trend that’ll only become more significant. Any avenue you can use, you should leverage.

Tianna De Mel, CM,
Digital Marketing Specialist at Syntax

Becoming a Chartered Marketer not only boosts your credibility but also ensures you stay competitive in this evolving field. Download the CM Brochure to learn more about the pathways to becoming a Chartered Marketer program today and take a significant step in your marketing career.