In her CM Snapshot, Raisa Temnova, discusses how the DMSC CM program helps immigrants understand marketing in Canada. She touches on shifting from intuition-based to data-driven decision-making and the importance of financial literacy in developing effective marketing strategies.

Deep Understanding

I brought a wealth of successful marketing experience when I immigrated to Canada nearly two years ago. Soon after arriving, I quickly encountered hesitation from potential employers concerned about my lack of Canadian education and experience. I needed to bridge this gap to integrate and advance my career. The CM designation offered the credibility to build trust with employers and the skills necessary to excel.  This well-respected program has provided me with a deep understanding of marketing in Canada.

Eliminating Constraints

I applied for the Chartered Marketer scholarship because it’s a unique opportunity to combine my experience with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. The scholarship allows me to focus without financial constraints so I can dedicate my time and energy to excelling.

Structured Schedule

One of the primary obstacles I’ve faced in the program is balancing the rigorous coursework with my professional responsibilities. To overcome this, I’ve enhanced my time management skills, prioritized tasks, and created a structured schedule to meet my academic and professional deadlines.

Data-Driven Decisions

A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of data-driven decision-making. In the past, my approach to marketing goals came from intuition and experience. The DMSC CM program taught me how to analyze and interpret data to inform strategic decisions effectively. This shift has improved the outcomes of my marketing initiatives and instilled a more analytical mindset in my approach to goal-setting and execution.

Newfound Clarity

The most valuable aspect of the program so far has been finally creating a structured marketing strategy. Previously, I had several variations and approaches, but the DMSC program gave me a comprehensive understanding of the “ideal marketing strategy.” This newfound clarity and structure have significantly improved my ability to plan and execute marketing initiatives more confidently and effectively.

Results Oriented

The program has reinforced the critical importance of analytics in marketing. Without data-driven insights, offering high-quality solutions or achieving specific, measurable results is impossible. This newfound knowledge has deepened my commitment to ensuring that every marketing strategy is backed by solid data and focused on tangible outcomes.

As a finance master’s degree holder, I’ve always believed that marketers should have a basic understanding of finance, and this course has confirmed that belief. Financial literacy is essential for making informed marketing decisions that drive results and align with broader business goals. This program has solidified my approach to integrating analytics and economic principles into my marketing strategies, ensuring they are both effective and results-oriented.

Meaningful Impact

While I’ve only been in Canada for under two years, I am deeply committed to succeeding in my profession. The DMSC CM program has given me a clearer understanding of what Canadian companies expect from a marketing professional. It has helped me align my skills and approach with the specific demands and standards of the Canadian market, boosting my confidence and readiness to meet these expectations. This clarity will be instrumental as I continue to build my career in Canada and strive to make a meaningful impact in marketing.

Raisa received a scholarship that covered her Chartered Marketer designation through the DMSC program. This scholarship program is funded by the Government of Canada and Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills.