Breaking into the marketing industry can feel daunting — especially when you’re aiming for that first full-time role. Students often ask: How do I stand out? What should I say? When is the right time to apply? These questions matter even more for learners navigating diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
At Acsenda School of Management, we understand this journey deeply. We believe education is most powerful when students connect theory, purpose, and real industry experience.
This philosophy inspired our recent workshop hosted by the Acsenda Marketing Club entitled “How to Land Your First Full-Time Marketing Job: What to Say, What to Do, and How to Stand Out!”. Led by Nick Stoddard—a CEO, tech entrepreneur and creative strategist with over a decade of leadership experience. This session delivered actionable insights to help students launch their careers with confidence.
The workshop drew a full house. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity, ambition, and the quiet excitement that comes when people know they’re about to gain valuable knowledge and advice.
Introducing Nick Stoddard: A Builder, Creative, and Entrepreneur
Nick Stoddard entered the room with the energy of a builder and the clarity of an experienced professional with domain expertise. Nick is the CEO and founder of Antimatter Creative Labs, a full-service marketing and web development agency that has supported more than 400 business owners across Canada.
Additionally, Nick serves as CEO of Ondash, a fast-growing software platform designed for independent sellers and entrepreneurs. Nick developed Ondash from the ground up, leveraging real-world data, lessons from setbacks, and hard-earned successes to grow it into a platform that now supports hundreds of daily users.
Nick did not arrive to speak “at” students; he came to connect with them. He came prepared to share insights on career-building, the realities of the world of marketing, and the leadership mindset needed to thrive in business.
This approach reflects Acsenda’s vision and brand values, combining global thinking with individual focus. We prepare students for the modern business world by connecting them with leaders who speak from real industry experience. Our mission is to develop graduates who are ready to take action, ready to lead, and ready to grow.
The Workshop Begins: A Room Full of Aspiring Learders
Students from Marketing, International Business, Hospitality, and other programs arrived eager to learn. The room transformed into a dynamic space filled with curiosity, ambition, and diverse perspectives. Many students came with notebooks in hand, ready to capture every insight.
Nick introduced one of the key concepts that shaped his own journey: entering a field through a parallel market. He explained this idea clearly, making it practical, accessible, and easy to apply: A parallel market is a related industry that uses the same core skills as your dream field but offers fewer barriers and more opportunities to learn.
He focused the discussion on mindset and career navigation. Many young marketers feel excluded because they aim directly for major brands or top agencies. Launching a career via a parallel market offers space to grow without waiting for permission. This part of the presentation resonated deeply with students, many of whom nodded in recognition as they connected the concept to their own job search challenges.
Industry Entry Points: Opening the Door Without Waiting for One
Nick then introduced the concept of industry entry points, a simpler and strategic way to gain real experience that leads to competitive roles later. Thus, he offered the following words of advice:
“The first job you get won’t always be your dream job. But it should be the job that gets you the job.”
This advice helped ease the pressure many students feel when they believe they must secure their dream job immediately after graduation. Nick reminded them that the first job does not define their future. What truly shapes their future is how much they learn, how much they create, and how effectively they position themselves for the next step.
Students found reassurance in this perspective. Many admitted they often felt discouraged by job postings requiring several years of experience. Nick emphasized that experience could come from multiple places, not only large companies or well-known agencies. The moment students deliver measurable outcomes; they begin building credibility that employers value. His advice aligned perfectly with Acsenda’s approach to career development, where students are encouraged to take initiative, gain real-world exposure, and build meaningful connections.
Nick’s Emphasis on Teamwork and the Power of Collaboration
One of the most memorable parts of Nick’s talk was his storytelling. He used familiar references to simplify complex ideas. He shared an analogy about a four-person team, inspired by the Ninja Turtles.
“Everyone wants to be the leader. But real growth happens when you build a team with different strengths.”
This analogy reinforced a powerful truth: students do not need to succeed alone. Collaboration accelerates growth, and working with peers builds confidence while unlocking opportunities that no one can access individually. This message reflects Acsenda’s culture, where collaboration and diversity form the foundation of our learning environment. In a leading center for management education where students represent many countries and perspectives, teamwork becomes a transformative advantage.
Throughout his talk, Nick returned to the theme of action. He encouraged students to start creating, experimenting, and building experiences even before they feel fully ready. Moreover, he also shared stories from his early career to demonstrate that progress comes from momentum, not perfection. He reminded students that the best marketers and creators learn by doing, not waiting. His message fit perfectly with Acsenda’s belief that developing global leaders requires courage, curiosity, and initiative.
An Interactive Session That Drew Students In
As the presentation progressed, students became increasingly engaged. Hands went up. Questions flowed. The conversation shifted from passive listening to active interaction. Students asked Nick about agency work, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and portfolio development — topics that reflect the ambitions of future marketing leaders.
Nick responded with openness and sincerity, offering guidance without over-explaining and sharing lessons without disclosing proprietary systems. His goal remained clear: to help students see that building a future in marketing is both possible and within reach. Consequently, many students later shared that the session transformed how they view entry-level opportunities and inspired them to act sooner rather than later.
Acsenda School of Management: Supporting Every Student’s Career Journey
Overall, workshops like this not only help students to land their first full-time marketing job but also reflect Acsenda’s commitment to community-driven growth. Our institution nurtures ambition by providing opportunities that help students stand out in competitive job markets. We equip students not just with knowledge, but with perspective. Our goal is to graduate leaders who enter industries with purpose, confidence, and global awareness.
In addition, this event reaffirmed Acsenda’s commitment to connecting students with professionals in the field. Bringing industry leaders to campus ensures students gain mentorship, exposure, and meaningful insights that elevate their education. These relationships empower students to become adaptable, resourceful, and capable of navigating evolving business landscapes.
Ultimately, this event reinforced Acsenda’s mission to prepare students for global leadership. Students left equipped with practical advice, motivation, and actionable strategies to step confidently into their marketing careers. By fostering curiosity, courage, and applied learning, Acsenda develops the next generation of professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving world.
Did Nick’s insights spark your curiosity?
Do you want the full set of strategies we covered during the session? Or maybe you’re ready to dive deeper into advanced tactics like creating loss leaders through print, SEO, and training.
Nick and the team at Antimatter Creative Labs will be sharing more content soon. In the meantime, students can visit www.antimatterlabs.ca and type “I need a strategy” in the contact form to receive the complete Career Breakthrough Guide used during our presentation at Acsenda.
Ready to build a career in marketing?
At Acsenda School of Management, we offer programs designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and industry connections you need to stand out in today’s competitive market.
Learn more about our Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Management and take the first step toward your future.
