Just a quick update this week. Why? Because Christmas.
Last Wednesday, we had our second online discussion covering Week 2’s assignments for the ad copywriting course I’m taking as part of Mediabistro’s Ad Copywriting Certificate. Fewer than half a dozen students stuck around for the full hour, and the majority of the time it was just four of us and the instructor. As with any course—in-person or online—you’re going to have some scheduling conflicts. So it’s not surprising that we were short a few enrollees this time around, but with an already small class the decline in participation had a definite impact on the discussion.
If I’m honest, I’m not really digging the discussions anyway. There’s a lot going on when it comes to the homework. Then, with all of us working on completely unrelated projects, I feel split in a thousand directions at once despite taking each student’s projects one at a time. I refuse to print out everyone’s assignments to have them in front of me, so I end up trying to juggle half a dozen open documents in both Word and Acrobat on my laptop. Plus there’s the open browser window with the actual discussion going on. My monitor just doesn’t have enough real estate. Anyway, brainstorming for someone else’s project on the spot is not one of my strongest suits. I’m a muller. I need time to mull.
From a technology standpoint, the discussion was awkward for me this week too. The instructor would say something and about 3 seconds later, I’d hear it. Not sure what was causing the lag—could be something on my end—but it wasn’t ideal.
Read other review posts:
In Review Week 1: Mediabistro’s Ad Copywriting Certificate
In Review Week 2: Mediabistro’s Ad Copywriting Certificate
Emily paid the full price for enrollment in Mediabistro.com’s Ad Copywriting Certificate program and is not being compensated in any way for her reviews.
hey – are you continuing with the program/blog? interesting to follow. how’s it going?
Yes, I’ll be continuing as time permits. I have maybe one more post to write on this class, and then I won’t be taking the next until the end of March.
Hi Emily,
I really like your style, as it’s great to see other freelancers “make it” while still being heavily involved in school. I was going to be a nurse, but quickly dropped it after a year when I realized my passion was all about writing.
Hi Emily. I’m seriously thinking of getting my certification. I’d like to work in a creative environment and make a little money (I’m a stay at home mom). I am catching a vibe that you feel the coursework is valuable and worth it…am I right?
Some of it definitely is helpful, others not as much. If you don’t already have the money earmarked for professional development, I’d think very seriously about whether the price will be worth it to you. Or maybe try taking one specific course instead of the opting for the entire certificate program.
Would you consider the certification a “must have” vs. “would be nice” as far a potential employer’s are concerned?
Strictly speaking, employers are going to be much more concerned with your body of work. It’s possible to build a strong portfolio without the classes, so I’d have to say “would be nice.”
Hi Emily,
I want to earn a living as a copywriter or web content writer. I already have a certificate for communications planning and attended a portfolio school for art direction. I rather write than design. I don’t have a blog and all my social media profiles are personal. I have enough money saved. Do you think this certificate is a step in the right ( I was so very tempted to type ‘write’) direction in becoming a freelance copywriter?
Thanks for your posts on the Media Bistro Copywriting Certificate. l would really appreciate your feedback.