My Journey to eCommerce Consulting and Teaching with Salford Business School
Where did it all begin?
My ecommerce consulting journey started as far back as 2009, when I received offers from two different universities for an MBA course, one of which included a 50% discount, I had always wanted to complete my second degree immediately after completing my degree program outside of my home country. However, due to a series of events, I was unable to further my ambition at that time. I also doubled as a part-time lecturer at one of the Olabisi Onabanjo University outreach centers, where I gave lectures on courses related to economics and computer science. At the time, I was an ICT teacher and covered six arms of classes with an average class size of 100 students each.
Prior to joining a startup company where I was exposed to the eCommerce retail sector, I also briefly taught commerce. This gave me the opportunity to learn more about business administration, digital marketing, business strategy, people management, and many other topics. To cut to the chase, after looking into a number of other universities in the UK, I decided to apply for a master’s degree in digital business at Salford University Business School because of my background in ecommerce.
First point of contact at Salford Business School
My first point of contact at Salford Business School was the student union team during my induction week, which helped me navigate through settling into the environment and the registration process seamlessly. I was able to acquire all the necessary information and support needed to kick-start an academic and cultural change in terms of language and important places to visit for leisure and shopping. It is also of interest that the school has a student success support team that guides me through standard academic writing, ethical conduct, growth mindset, time management, assessment support, and many more.
Salford Business School Careers & Enterprise
It is also worthy of note that Salford Business School has a career and enterprise team dedicated to assisting students and graduates in achieving their career objectives. They offer the following services:
- Career help and advice
- Help with a job hunt
- Enterprise training, support CV, and interview skills instruction
- Opportunities for placement and internships
- Networking occasions
- Grants and Financing
- Coaching and mentoring
Also, I personally benefited from most of the above services, part of which is a CV clinic, business workshops with an attendance fee of £150 per participant, interview preparation, career counseling, starting a business, and job hunting. It will also interest you that the services are provided for the university’s alumni and school members too.
The interesting part of it all is that Salford Business School has a lot of relaxation centers including gyms, restaurants, 24hrs. library service, and private rooms for reflection and study. The Business School is also at the art of Manchester where all notable events take place such as concerts, conferences, and football. The picture gallery below says it all about my journey at Salford Business School.
Salford Business School – Digital Business Course Module
Now, let’s talk about the Digital Business course module offered by University of Salford Business School. The Digital Business department offered four modules within the 12-month program, which are stated as follows:
Digital Business and Entrepreneurship
The course exposes me to different business models that can take advantage of cutting-edge and disruptive technologies like generative AI tools, robotics, and wearable technology in the Digital Business and Entrepreneurship module, which has been specifically designed to give you the theoretical and practical skills required for modern business settings. Entrepreneurial abilities are highlighted as being crucial for people launching their own enterprises as well as those working in digital business environments. The subject will challenge you to critically evaluate how social, disruptive, and creative technologies can support strategic competitive advantages and become important business enablers.
Project Management, Leadership, and Skills: Planning and Control
This gave me the opportunity to apply knowledge of the strategies, abilities, and tactics of efficient project management, as well as the instruments and methods needed for organizing, coordinating, leading, and other crucial procedures. Your ability to oversee large-scale, complex initiatives will grow because of these traits.
Search and Social Media Marketing
This session strengthen my fundamental abilities in social media-based communication and targeting methods. We will discuss a variety of subjects, including essential metrics, tools, methodologies, and frameworks for developing strategic plans as they relate to the strategic analysis of social media platforms from a communications viewpoint. You will examine site audits, content optimization, search engine optimization, and marketing, among other things. In-depth case discussion sessions, group exercises, practitioner lectures, and illuminating study resources will all be used to examine how marketing communication via social media is accomplished.
Information Systems and Digital Transformation
As you strategically plan transformation and integrate business information systems, you will gain a theoretical and practical grasp of the needs of organizations. Additionally, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role that information technology and systems (IT/S) play at both the corporate and business levels, preparing you to support and provide professional, moral, and legal services in IT/S transformation.
The Key Takeaway from Salford Business School
However, the key takeaway from any course is the skillset you were able to get from it or how the course has impacted you as a person. These are some of the questions that will be popping up in your mind. Please, find below some of the critical questions and answers on how attending Salford Business School impacted me towards becoming a business teacher and an eCommerce Consultant.
The key lessons I took away from my study were:
The application of generative AI tools to improve customer satisfaction and profitability in business. This is an effective technique that may be utilized to improve consumer happiness and personalize the shopping experience.
How to successfully manage a project. This entails employing project management tools, managing stakeholders, and creating clear goals and objectives.
Presenting data with data visualization tools to make it simple to comprehend and use for decision-making. Any business professional must possess this ability.
The People part in business. Despite frequently being disregarded, this is crucial for creating successful enterprises. It’s critical to comprehend the requirements of your clients and staff members and to foster a supportive workplace.
marketing on social media and search. These are vital resources for companies of all sizes to reach their target market and advertise their goods and services.
mindset of an entrepreneur. This is the capacity for original thought and taking chances. For business owners who wish to launch and expand their own enterprises, it is crucial.
I used the skills acquired in a variety of ways while working in e-commerce and teaching. For instance, I provided my pupils with tailored learning opportunities using generative AI techniques. I managed my teaching burden and made sure I was achieving deadlines by using project management software. To make data regarding my pupils’ progress easy to grasp, I employed data visualization tools. To market my teaching services and build relationships with prospective students, I also used search and social media marketing.
The toughest obstacles I encountered were:
- achieving the ideal balance between my career in e-commerce, teaching, and my studies.
- establishing connections with other business people and e-commerce specialists.
- gaining knowledge of the societal trends in the e-commerce sector.
I beat these obstacles by:
- Prioritizing things clearly and using my time wisely.
- attending networking gatherings and establishing internet connections with other businesspeople.
- working as a volunteer for e-commerce companies to obtain experience.
I have the following recommendations for those students who want to pursue careers as business educators and e-commerce consultants:
- The more experience you can get. This could entail engaging in voluntary work, internships, or launching your own company.
- Make connections with other businesspeople and e-commerce specialists. This is a fantastic approach to get knowledge from others and open doors.
- Be tenacious. To achieve these disciplines, one must put in time and effort. Never give up!
Future of e-commerce trends include:
- the rise of generative AI tools. Utilizing these technologies will improve consumer happiness and customize the shopping experience.
- the expansion of virtual and augmented reality. The development of immersive retail experiences will make advantage of these technologies.
- the significance of social media, which is rising. Social media will be utilized to build client relationships, advertise goods and services, and increase sales.
- the expansion of international e-commerce. Online purchases made by individuals from other nations will increase.
- Businesses will be significantly impacted by these changes. Businesses who do not change with these developments will suffer.
E-commerce may be used by companies in many ways to expand their customer base and boost revenue. The following are some of the best techniques: establishing a credible web presence. This involves having a website that is well-optimized, utilizing social media well, and executing paid advertising.
The most important skills for business teachers and e-commerce consultants are:
- Knowledge of business and e-commerce.
- Communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Project management skills.
- Data analysis skills.
- Creativity and innovation skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset.
Business and e-commerce knowledge is essential for business educators and consultants. They must also be able to speak clearly with their customers or students. They must be capable of managing projects and problem-solving. They must be capable of data analysis and deliberative decision-making. They must be imaginative and inventive. Additionally, they must possess an entrepreneurial mindset.
Comments (10)
Amazing write-up!
Thank you, Temitope.
Excellent post! Mentor
The road has been challenging, but thank God for the tremendous privilege of achieving your aim.
I appreciate you Zainab
Keep up with the good work,the sky is your limit
Omoshola, I appreciate you. We will equally make the sky the starting point.
Big ups Sir.
Kind Regards,
Oracle
Delving into how Salford Business school effectively grooms and nurtures its students, along with your personal journey into the e-commerce realm, highlights a commendable pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. The dedication to fostering growth in your chosen path is truly inspiring. Well done! Ibrahim
My big brother – Thank you, sir.