Sir Jero's Digital Hub: Marketing, Finance & Technology

This blog post is a requirement for my current module in Search and Social Media Marketing (SaSMM) for my MSc in Digital Business program. In this post, I will discuss the valuable insights and applicable skills that I have acquired during my time at Salford Business School in preparation for my career in digital finance and marketing in the post-COVID world. Join me as I recount the experiences I’ve had on my journey up to this point.

Post-Covid World Challenges and Opportunities

The post-COVID world presents a variety of opportunities and challenges across a wide range of fields. A few of the challenges that COVID brought about include the strain that it placed on healthcare systems, the impact that it has had on mental health, the setbacks that it caused in economic activities, the disruption that it caused in learning and education, the vulnerabilities that it brought about in global supply chains, and the digital divide, which highlighted disparities in digital access that were necessary for the transition to remote work and online education, among other things. Despite the existence of challenges, opportunities and prospects always emerge. Within a variety of fields, the post-COVID world brings forth several opportunities for individual advancements and business developments, including the following:

1. Digital transformation involves remodeling to improve how a business operates by leveraging digital technologies to streamline processes and improve the customer experience, with the aim of building a competitive advantage through tech-driven changes.

2. Remote Work: The remote work revolution is here to stay. It presents possibilities for adaptable work arrangements, virtual collaboration, and a digital nomadic lifestyle.

3. Healthcare & biotechnology: advancements in telemedicine, wearable health devices, and personalized treatment are growing rapidly. The pandemic expedited the progress of vaccine development and bio-technological research. The drug, genetics, and immunology professions are filled with potential for growth and development.

4. Online learning: With the rapid enhancement and development of educational technologies, there are now more e-learning platforms than ever before. Content creation, course design, and the enhancement of virtual learning experiences are all growing areas.

5. Cybersecurity: The rise in digital interactions has also proportionally triggered an increase in the number of cyber dangers. There is a significant need for cybersecurity professionals to safeguard data and systems.

Digital Transformation in Post-COVID: From Studies to Application in Real-World Career

In this post-COVID world, the importance of acquiring new skills cannot be overstated. There are possibilities available for educators, trainers, and platforms that make lifetime learning easier. One of the main opportunities in the post-COVID era is digital transformation. This was a major reason why I chose to study, and I subsequently enrolled at the Salford Business School to study for a master’s in digital business. I believed that studying for a master’s degree in a business school would significantly prepare me for a rewarding career in digital finance, especially in a post-COVID world.

The impact of COVID-19 on businesses has been profound, especially in terms of digital transformation. Given the accelerated digitization during the pandemic, companies need experts who can guide them through this transformation. The master’s program in digital business has provided me with insights into the ever-evolving landscape of technology-driven transformations. I have learned about disruptive technologies, data analytics, and business agility. These skills are directly applicable to the finance sector (my area of interest), where digitalization is reshaping traditional practices. As a student of digital transformation and an enthusiast for digital finance, I have acquired the essential skills and knowledge to guide my journey towards becoming an executive-level digital finance practitioner.

The finance industry is rapidly transforming, with a strong emphasis on digital, code-driven, and data-centric approaches. Technologies like novel payment systems, blockchains (and other digital ledger technologies), digital currencies, artificial intelligence, and smart banking are reshaping the financial landscape. The master’s program in digital business has provided me with insights into these trends and prepared me to navigate this dynamic environment. While pursuing this degree, I extensively researched and learned about the following subjects, which developed my skillset for my role as a senior executive decision-maker in digital finance at the company where I work:

1.         Digital transformation and business agility

They taught us a module on information systems and digital transformation. In this module, I gained a better understanding of the constantly shifting world of technology-driven transformations and acquired knowledge regarding competitive business agility, data analytics, and disruptive technologies. The coursework gave real-life examples of the direct use of these talents in the financial sector, which is seeing a transformation of established procedures because of digitization. I am already applying concepts and new ideas learned in my current job function.

2.         Understanding Financial Technology (Fintech)

Another module of the program, on digital business and entrepreneurship, covered fintech extensively. We delved into topics like payment systems, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and AI-driven financial services, as well as their impact on businesses that adopt or do not. Because I work directly in the sector, previously at Guaranty Trust Bank Liberia Ltd. and now at Edens360, I was deeply focused on understanding these critical technologies. The knowledge and experiences gained on AI, as well as the spark of entrepreneurial drive, have led me to partner with friends and establish a fintech business that uses AI-powered tools.

3.         Data-Driven Decision-Making

In two of our digital business course modules, I became a competent person in data analysis, interpretation of trends, and making decisions. Specifically, under the information systems module, I came across key business views on integrating various systems software and hardware to interpret information. This kind of skill is very important in finance, as investments, marketing strategies, risks, and even financial planning are all based on metrics. I have managed to learn how to employ AI so that our company doesn’t need to have these competitive capabilities to compete against bigger companies. As an executive at a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), I understand quite well that, if proper AI-centric tools are employed and effectively utilized, efficiency, productivity, customer satisfaction and innovative ideas will drastically improve.

4.         Customer-Centric Approaches

The digital business & entrepreneurship modules, and search and social media marketing modules especially highlighted the need to make sure the customer experience and involvement is enhanced. I understood that any business in the area of providing digital finance must know and practice these principles on how to develop easy-to-use digital platforms, individualized financial solutions, and effective e-commerce.

5.         Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Considerations

The implementation and acceptance of digital business was given more emphasis as I had to understand how legal regulations such as privacy law, anti-money laundering law and other compliance regulations are of great importance. I also appreciate topics on forming and operationalizing an extensive governance framework that considers appropriate management styles, including data management, assurance, security and ethics

6.         Networking and industry connections

It is worth noting that the Salford Business School is multicultural and so I was able to network with colleagues and counterparts from different countries and continents to connect, make friends and share business interests. Networking with the digital business and finance practitioners has created an opportunity for business and opportunities for collaboration.

7.         Real-World Projects

Some of the courses include project work. For example, I was to write a blog with posts about certain topics, plan the online promotion of the blog, analyze and evaluate the content and social media presence of competing companies, and develop a social media marketing strategy for myself all within one course unit. Creating a digital marketing strategy required me to understand continually shifting methods, theories, trends, essential tools, and procedures in the application of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) in marketing and communications. Other projects included setting up an e-commerce platform and analyzing financial data. These practical experiences have enhanced my skills for the job market.

8.         Adaptability and resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability. Learning concepts in the master’s program for digital business equipped me to navigate uncertainties, embrace change, and thrive in a dynamic finance industry.

Conclusion

In summary, the curriculum, course material, and instructors teaching master’s in digital business at the Salford Business School have provided me with a holistic understanding of technology, business strategy, and customer-centric approaches for the digital world. These skills, combined with my passion for finance, will position me well for a successful career in digital finance. Remember, continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends are essential for long-term success.

The purpose of this blog post is to fulfill the requirements of an assignment, and I hope that it has been helpful to individuals who are striving to achieve academic greatness and who are interested in taking on new challenges. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns about selecting a plan of action and submitting an application to the Salford Business School at the University of Salford.