The software development industry thrives on innovation, but that spark can only truly ignite with diverse perspectives. Recognising this, Zartis is proud to have partnered with Digital Marketing Institute, the Dublin-based digital marketing training leader.
DMI has the most widely taught set of certification standards in digital marketing for learners, and they have been supporting Level Up since its commencement 4 years ago. Our alumni have secured jobs in the digital marketing field in companies such as Accenture, Virgin Media, Marriott Hotels, and more.
Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with Israel Ahanbare, one of our most promising DMI alumni, as he graduated from the programme and is now ready to dive into the job market. We sat down with Israel to discuss his experience in the Level Up Digital Marketing program and to gain deeper insights into his perspective on the program.
Israel Ahanbare – A Passionate Financial Analyst
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Can you share a little about your professional background and what motivated you to apply for Level Up and join the DMI program?
My name is Israel Ahanbare and I am a highly skilled and motivated professional with an Associate’s degree in accounting. A certified professional Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA®), Business Intelligence and Data Analyst (BIDA) CFI, Google Certified Data Analyst, An Associate Data Analyst Certified, DataCamp. As you can see, over the years, I’ve tried to gain various skills in order to use technology to advance my career.
I have 3 years of experience as a Financial Analyst. I currently work with a big E-commerce & Fintech player in Nigeria, Konga Group. My experience spans across various industries like Fintech, Healthcare, and Education.
In addition to my background in finance, data, and digital marketing, I am also a graphic designer, mainly in the area of Print production, social media design, and branding. With over 5 years of notable work experience, I’ve been working on this skill since high school. I worked on some cool real-world projects, showcased in my portfolio with other amazing products I have created and duplicated as well. I also have a good working knowledge with web development.
The knowledge I obtained from DMI as a Digital marketing professional made it possible for me to secure this role within the E-commerce & Fintech space. I have been able to apply my digital skill in analysing financial digital marketing data, simulated this into my financial model to create customer projection, customer acquisition models, financial forecast for the business – understanding customer behaviour and how they impact the business.
Joining the DMI program was born out of the desire to create my personal brand and understand my audience, how to market my ideas. For someone who also loves creating content and researching, it was a very handy tool for me to understand the global digital language and its impact in business. Today I can boldly say I have my YouTube channel setup already and other social media channels such as LinkedIn, I learned how to brand myself and much more. Something I have been procrastinating for a long time… The scholarship was helpful, certification is not everything but rather what you gain from it and this program thought me a lot.
Feel free to check my work out and reach out!
<> Personal website: https://the-hidden-gem.carrd.co/
<> Design Portfolio: https://israelahanbare-0.webnode.co.uk/
<>LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israel-ahanbare
<> https://www.behance.net/ahanbare_israel
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Having completed the course – how do you think you’ve evolved as a digital marketer? How has your career developed?
As a financial analyst, completing the digital marketing programme has enhanced my career in several ways: I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the marketing landscape, allowing me to better comprehend revenue drivers and customer acquisition strategies that impact financial performance.
I have also learned how to use a more data-driven approach. Digital marketing emphasises data analysis, which aligns with my financial & data analysis background. I can now apply data-driven insights to inform marketing decisions and measure campaign effectiveness. The programme has also taught me new skills in branding and promotion. I’ve acquired skills in digital marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and SEO, which can be applied to various business areas, like product development or customer engagement.
I also got better at crafting compelling narratives to engage audiences. This skill has helped in crafting compelling storytelling in financial reporting, making complex data more accessible and actionable for stakeholders.
At the end of the day, I wanted to do the certification, because I want to achieve career versatility. For me, marketing requires adaptability in a changing world and connecting with real users. I hope these skills will help me open doors to new roles or industries.
Not to mention, my financial analysis skills are now applied to digital marketing metrics, such as ROI, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value – allowing me to provide holistic services.
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What new skills did you gain through the program to use in your future career?
Some of the transferable skills I gained include data analysis and interpretation, storytelling & presentation, strategic thinking, and adopting a customer-centric approach. I find all of these skills very valuable not only in marketing, but also in different areas of business.
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What did you find most beneficial about studying marketing with the DMI?
Studying marketing with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) was incredibly beneficial for me, and not only because I got a recognised certification. The most valuable aspects were the structured learning and practical applications. The program provided a comprehensive, well-structured curriculum that covered all aspects of digital marketing, helping me grasp the subject thoroughly. It also emphasised practical, real-world examples, allowing me to apply theoretical concepts to actual marketing scenarios, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant.
What also stood out to me was that the instructors and course materials were industry specific, providing valuable insights and up-to-date knowledge on the latest digital marketing trends and best practices.
I also really liked that I had some networking opportunities. The DMI community offered a platform to connect with fellow professionals and industry experts, enabling me to build relationships, share ideas, and learn from others’ experiences.
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What aspects of the curriculum did you find most challenging, and how did you overcome these challenges?
Initially, the most challenging aspects of the DMI curriculum were the technical skills (e.g., Google Analytics, AdWords) and content creation. I also had to learn about ‘strategic thinking’ within the marketing context.
To overcome these challenges, I worked on personal projects and participated in group challenges. Luckily, we had a platform and DMI team members to seek feedback and support. This helped me improve as I had the chance to practise consistently.
It also took a bit of research, besides following the course material. I stayed up-to-date with industry trends. There are lots of tooling tutorials online and articles on the latest trends. These efforts helped me develop a deeper understanding of digital marketing and enhance my skills.
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In a short sentence, how would you describe your time studying at Digital Marketing Institute?
My time studying at the Digital Marketing Institute was a transformative and immersive experience that equipped me with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and a global network; empowering me to succeed in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.
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What are you currently doing and what are your future aspirations / plans for your career?
As a Financial Analyst with a background in digital marketing, I’m currently analysing financial data to inform business decisions. I work on developing financial models and forecasts, and identifying trends & opportunities for growth. You can check some of the fintech projects I’ve worked on in my online portfolio. (See here)
For the future; it’s hard to narrow it down to a single plan but I have lots of aspirations. I’d love to transition into a Marketing Finance role, combining my financial expertise with digital marketing skills. I want to come to a point where I can lead cross-functional teams to drive business growth and ROI.
There are different areas I am especially interested in. I’d love to explore opportunities in finance, healthcare, tech, B2B e-commerce, investments, digital transformation, or startups.
If we are talking about long-term goals or wishes, becoming a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO) where I can drive strategic decision-making and business growth is the ultimate goal, but I know that takes time and requires lots of experience.
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For someone hoping to apply for this Level Up program, especially if they are diversifying their career like you did, what advice would you give?
My advice for someone applying to the Level Up program, especially if they’re changing career paths, would be first to identify your transferable skills. Utilise the skills you’ve developed in your previous career that can be applied to your new career path.
Secondly, show your passion and motivation. Demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the new field, and be honest about your background. Don’t try to hide your non-traditional background; instead, showcase how your unique experience can bring a fresh perspective to the field.
Lastly, don’t be timid to network and seek guidance. This program offers you the chance to get support from the Level Up team as well as the DMI team. Connect with professionals in your desired field and ask for advice to find solutions and support.
Calling All Digital Innovators: Hire the Future
Israel Ahanbare’s story is a testament to the power of programs like Level Up. His talent and dedication, honed by Level Up’s exceptional training, make him a valuable asset to any team. But Israel isn’t alone. The Level Up program is brimming with graduates like him, eager to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the industry.
Here’s your chance to be a part of the future. Explore the Level Up Digital Marketing program and reach out to us to connect with talented individuals ready to revolutionise the digital landscape
