Kevin Farrick

Where are you working currently, and what do you do there?

I currently work as a Paid Media Account Manager at Galactic Fed, a US-based, 100 percent globally distributed digital marketing agency. I manage PPC advertising strategy and execution for venture-backed startups as well as for Fortune 50 companies that are seeking aggressive global growth and scale.

Can you tell us a bit about your education and career background?

I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology at the University of Western Ontario many years ago and built a career in education until making a huge pivot approximately six years ago when I completed an MBA at the Porto Business School. A consultancy internship in Milan led me down the path of brand strategy and digital marketing. From then to now I remain obsessed with communicating a brands’ differentiation to its target consumer, and especially doing so through digital platforms that allow us to use data to measure our success.

What motivated you to start digital skills training with BrainStation?

I wanted to add additional tools to my skill set and SEM was at the top of that list. After surveying the market offerings, I made contact with BrainStation, where the attention to detail along with the remarkable customer service really helped in my decision-making process.

What was the highlight of your learning experience?

I undertook this course in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic and so, one of the major highlights of this course was the online experience. Being situated in Trinidad and Tobago at the time made this additionally impactful for me. The ability for our instructor to make this experience engaging and collaborative among myself and other classmates was no small feat and had a huge positive impact on our learning.

What were your thoughts about the online learning experience? How did it compare to any others you might have participated in?

The live nature of the online learning experience was a huge bonus as materials were not pre-recorded as with many other programs. The need to be physically and mentally present during each class provided a very similar dynamic to being in an actual classroom.

How has your BrainStation experience impacted your career?

I was able to immediately incorporate the skills I learned into my role, and also into a number of speaking engagements. The additional work I was able to engage in raised my professional profile and as a result, I was scouted and eventually recruited to join the company that I am presently employed at.

What advice would you give to professionals considering a BrainStation course?

To any professionals considering undertaking a course at BrainStation, I would advise choosing a course that directly builds on their knowledge in a way that things can be immediately applied. For me, the addition of SEM knowledge, practice, and experience was instantly incorporated into my then roles and propelled my career forward very quickly. Since BrainStation provides a range of courses, there is definitely the opportunity to choose the one that best fits your future career aspirations.

Did you complete a project? If so, what elements of it have you used since graduation?

Yes, I did. I, along with my group members, completed an SEM project for a company based in Toronto. The real-life and hands-on nature of this project was very beneficial in providing actual experience in applying the knowledge we learned throughout the course and reinforcing that knowledge.

While writing this, I am coordinating with one of the Account Specialists on my team to develop keyword research for a client as we develop their PPC strategy. My work today is directly involved with SEM strategy on a daily basis, leading the development of strategy, understanding the client needs, and even developing impactful ad copy from time to time.

The learning and practical experience gained through this course at BrainStation not only drove my career forward but provided the knowledge and tools that I now use every day in my current role.