Meet the experts behind MaKami College’s new career-focused programs

MaKami College has been building careers in Alberta since 2001. Now, as the school rounds out 25 years, it’s introducing two new programs to its roster — a testament to MaKami’s continuous growth as the job landscape evolves.

We sat down with the Digital Marketing Program Manager, Bradley Thompson, and the Director of Academics, Caterina Lazor, to get the scoop on MaKami’s new courses and what prospective students can expect. Here’s the low-down.

Building a career in digital marketing

Students can become digital marketing professionals within two years through the Digital Marketing & Social Media Management Diploma Program. Because it’s a blended program, students get an in-depth education that covers both theory and hands-on learning, which includes a 480-hour practicum placement and a 150-hour capstone project.

“It’s very unique in the sense that they actually have to solve, you know, actual business problems in digital marketing,” says Bradley. “It’s not just the terminology you’re going to learn. You’re also going to learn digital marketing tasks. You’ll learn how to use the programs, tools, strategies, and all that good stuff.”

And where, exactly, can a digital marketing professional work? The simple answer is: everywhere.

“If you’re a digital marketer, you really work in any industry,” Bradley explains. “Whether it’s education or the corporate side, if you want to work in a small business or become an entrepreneur, it’s very versatile.”

There’s also a wide variety of jobs available under the umbrella of digital marketing. A graduate could become a content creator, social media manager, SEO specialist, website designer, and so much more. Bradley’s hope is that students can take the skills and techniques that they’ve learned in the program and apply them to whatever they end up doing.

“Things have changed a lot, and now that we’re able to offer something that benefits people in the industry, it’s very unique and fun.”

A rapidly-growing career path

It’s no secret that Alberta needs more educators, and as the government has committed to hiring 1,500 new educational assistants, MaKami is prepared to train them in its Educational Assistant Program. As the first high-flex program offered at MaKami, students can learn in-person, online, or asynchronously — whatever works best for them.

“We’re able to allow students to choose their own adventure in how they consume the content and material,” says Caterina. “As a result, think that it’s breaking down barriers for students who want to enter into this profession.”

It’s a profession especially suited to people who can adapt to a variety of situations. As Caterina explains, a student-first mentality is the core quality that makes for a successful educational assistant.

“Educational assistants are so vast in the number of jobs and requirements they have. It’s so varied, depending on what type of student, what type of child, and what kind of learner you could support. It’s really about understanding what the student needs, and how you can use your skills to serve and support them the best you can.”

In order to help future educational assistants prepare for specialized needs, MaKami is also introducing its first-ever elective option. As the college grows, so do its programs, and now educational assistant students can become specialists and experts in things like assistive technology, Indigenous education, physical support, and more.

Whatever path is chosen, Caterina is optimistic that MaKami graduates will enter the workforce with the confidence required to help students in any environment.

Your future awaits

MaKami has been building careers since 2001, and it can help you build yours.

If you’re interested in learning more about these or other programs, visit the MaKami college website. You can also call the Calgary campus at 403-474-0772 or the Edmonton campus at 780-468-3454.