Because every company needs an online presence.
You’ve probably heard it before: today’s job market is more competitive than ever. But what does that really mean for you? It means that a degree or a diploma, while a fantastic achievement, is just the start. To stand out, you need to show employers that you can hit the ground running and add immediate value. That's where a Digital Marketing Associate Certificate can give you a powerful edge.
Think about it. Every company, from the smallest local business to the biggest global brand, needs an online presence. They need to connect with customers through websites, social media and search engines. This isn’t just a job for people with "marketing" in their title. It's a fundamental skill set that makes you valuable in almost any career.
When you understand how to promote ideas, products or services online, and build communities in social spaces, you become an innovator and an asset who can help a business grow. Employers love that. It shows you’re adaptable and ready to bring something extra to the table. They want candidates who have both strong academic knowledge and practical skills they can use right away.
That’s why a diverse team of VIU faculty have partnered with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), an internationally recognized organization out of the UK, to bring the Digital Marketing Associates Certificate to VIU students. This means that when you complete the required VIU digital marketing courses, you don’t just earn your university credentials, you also earn a credential that carries global recognition and demonstrates your skills to employers anywhere in the world.
Add value to any degree
Jennifer Ford, Chair of the Marketing Department, highlights the certificate's versatility.
“If you’re studying business, this certificate is an ideal complement. Business programs teach you how organizations run – finance, management, human resources and more. Digital marketing gives you the tools to promote and grow those organizations. But this certificate isn’t just for business students – add it to any VIU program for a competitive advantage that goes beyond your main studies. You can find your edge, no matter what you study.”
In today’s mediated world, with attention spans shrinking and competition for visibility continuing to grow, there is an ever-increasing need to learn how to cut through the clutter. Whether you’re sharing research results, trying to grow awareness on mental health services, need to build community around cultural initiatives or want to take your creative endeavours to market, a background in digital marketing can supercharge your career, no matter your field.
Here are some examples of how this expertise can complement a variety of industries and disciplines:
Arts, Design and Performing Arts
Elevate your creative voice online, build your brand or help arts groups reach broader audiences with compelling visuals and narratives.
Education
Promote learning initiatives, produce engaging resources for students and families, or support schools in building their outreach.
English, Humanities and Social Sciences
Tell stories that matter, engage communities, and connect research or social justice initiatives to online audiences.
Health Sciences and Human Services
Share wellness messages effectively online or support public health programs with engaging digital campaigns.
Indigenous and Community-Based Programs
Use digital platforms to share cultural projects, amplify community narratives or build audience support for initiatives.
Psychology
Combine your insights into human behaviour with tools to create persuasive campaigns. Ideal for roles in consumer research, mental health outreach or organizational change.
Science, Engineering and Technology
Communicate complex research or initiatives in ways that are accessible and engaging to broad audiences.
Trades and Applied Technology
If you’re launching your own service, digital marketing becomes a powerful tool to attract clients and grow your business.
Tourism, Recreation and Hospitality
Promote your services or region with digital tactics, like hashtags, stories and visuals that invite people to explore and experience.
How to get your certificate
Earning the certificate is simple. You need to complete three VIU courses and there are no prerequisites required:
- MARK 237: Surveillance, Privacy and Analytics in a Digital Age
- MARK 360: Social Media Marketing
- MARK 430: Digital Marketing
These courses are open to all students, so you can start boosting your resume today. Learn more about the Digital Marketing Associate Certificate at VIU by connecting with Jennifer Ford, Chair of Marketing, Faculty of Management at Jennifer.Ford@viu.ca