Are you ready to participate in a rigorous, industry-informed program that will help you prepare for an entry-level position in the digital advertising industry? The College of San Mateo, in partnership with the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s iDiverse Initiative, is pleased to offer the nation’s first-ever credit bearing Digital Marketing and Media Program!

"The IAB Education Foundation's iDiverse Digital Marketing and Media Program has provided a very strong foundation for a career in digital advertising and allowed me to transition smoothly into my new job. The program covered all aspects of the industry, from best practices to analytics, processes, tools, and terminology, as well as roles, responsibilities, and opportunities. In addition, it also provided input on how my current skills in software quality assurance, mapped into this industry. This program has enhanced my professional knowledge and contributed greatly to securing my first job in the industry within two months of program completion and after receiving my IAB Digital Marketing and Media Foundations Certification. I highly recommend this four-month program and commend the IAB for their foresight in providing diversification and opportunities through a well-trained workforce."
- Dorothy Davis, Ad Trafficker at H&L Partners

About the Program

This rigorous for-credit course is designed to help participants prepare for an entry-level position in the digital advertising industry by providing an in-depth overview of digital advertising and the media buying and selling life cycle.

The 16-week program will run from January 16 to May 25 and will be offered at the College of San Mateo. For-credit Digital Marketing and Media classes will be taught by College of San Mateo Professor Diana Bennett on Mondays & Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and not-for-credit Professional Skill-Building Workshops will be taught by Professional Trainers from Community, Continuing, & Corporate Education on six Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Program Funding
Total cost of the Digital Marketing and Media Program will be waived for eligible students accepted into the program due to the generosity of the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s iDiverse Initiative. Such participants will be expected to attend all special events associated with the program which may fall outside of the hours delineated for class time above.

Program Requirements
Students applying for the program must commit to attending all sessions. Three or more absences from the Monday and Wednesday Digital Marketing and Media classes and three or more absences from the Thursday Professional Skill-Building workshops will result in being dropped from the program.

Anyone who has completed a two or four-year college program or is in their final year of completing their Associates Degree is encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a solid understanding of math fundamentals/ understand high school level mathematical concepts and have sufficient English language skills to comprehend intermediate/advanced oral & written instructions.

Certification
At culmination of the course, students will take the IAB Digital Marketing and Media Foundations Certification Exam. Students must pass the course in order to sit for this exam. Those who pass the exam and gain the IAB Entry-Level Digital Marketing and Media Foudnations Certification will be supported in their efforts to secure interviews with potential employers among IAB member companies with available internships or entry-level positions in advertising operations, data analysis, sales support, and marketing.” Assistance will continue through the first few months on the job, with access to educational resources that will help new hires excel in the workplace.

Applying
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Students who are approved for funding will be invited to attend a mandatory Enrollment/Orientation Workshop prior to the start of classes.
 
A completed Expression of Interest will include ALL of the following:

1.      Completion of form: Digital Marketing and Media Program - Expression of Interest

2.      Cover Letter describing why you would like to participate in the program and why you are interested in working in the digital advertising industry

3.      Resume

For additional questions please contact Jonathan Bissell at bissellj@smccd.edu

About iDiverse
The mission of iDiverse, an initiative of the IAB Education Foundation, is to grow the media and marketing capabilities of companies by developing a professional and diverse workforce that reflects the customer through education, training, and certification. This program is designed to increase racial, gender, economic, and cultural diversity in the digital media and marketing workforce by providing participants with industry-validated, entry-level technical and soft skills needed for future career advancement.

Related Links and Photos

·       Video from pilot program

·       Video from two graduates speaking at IAB Conference

I have read and agreed to abide by the program commitments outlined in this application. I understand that not all applicants will be selected to participate in the program. I understand that selected applicants may be dropped from the program due to more than three absences from the program. I understand that successful completion of the program does not guarantee a job or internship. By registering for this program, I agree to indemnify the IAB Education Foundation and the San Mateo County Community College District, its officers, employees and agents, from any and all liabilities which may arise as the result of my participation in the program, and I also consent to the use of my pictures and video for publicity. I understand that the Digital Marketing and Media Program is part of the College of San Mateo and if deemed eligible, I would need to register with the College of San Mateo in order to participate. Registration instructions will be provided at the Enrollment/Orientation Workshop with the date TBD: