In a world increasingly shaped by the digital revolution, a group of individuals marked a milestone on December 6, 2024, as the inaugural graduates of the Digital Marketing Masterclass. Designed to empower participants with cutting-edge skills and strategies, this transformative program bridged the gap between ambition and expertise, equipping graduates to thrive in the fast-paced online marketplace.
At the heart of this journey was Melanie Hapisu, a celebrated digital marketing specialist and CEO of DigiPath Africa, whose personalized teaching approach turned a classroom into a community of innovators. As graduates recounted their experiences, one sentiment rang clear: Melanie wasn’t just their trainer; she was their inspiration. For many, her words of encouragement, coupled with her dynamic teaching style, redefined their perspectives, igniting a passion for growth and innovation in the digital sphere.
This four-month program offered a comprehensive exploration of digital marketing, focusing on practical applications for promoting products, services, and brands in an ever-evolving online space. The curriculum provided participants with essential tools to navigate the complexities of digital platforms, ensuring they were well-prepared to meet industry demands.
As the graduates reflected on their transformative experiences, they expressed heartfelt admiration for Melanie Hapisu, quoting Sidney Hook’s timeless adage: “Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the education system.” Melanie’s attentiveness, kindness, and understanding motivated these students, encouraging them to persevere even after long workdays.
Melanie’s journey into digital marketing began as a passion project, designing and managing brands for her friends. What started as a hobby soon transformed into a career, leading her to pivot from IT to marketing and eventually establish her agency. Reflecting on this shift, Melanie shared, “It all started as a hobby, helping friends with events and promotions. Then they began encouraging me to pursue it as a career.” This encouragement laid the foundation for her thriving career and ultimately her role as a trainer.
When invited to lead the Digital Marketing Masterclass at @iLabAfrica, Melanie embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. A proud Strathmore alumna, she saw this role as a chance to give back to her alma mater. Her personalized approach to teaching—ensuring every session felt tailored to her students’ needs—quickly won their admiration. “I promised myself that I would teach in a way that I was probably not taught,” she remarked. “Whether I’m training a group of 100, 20, or even just five, I always aim to make it feel like the session was designed specifically for me.”
This approach paid off, as students credited their success to Melanie’s unique methods. One standout example is Defense, a student who secured a position at a major corporation midway through the program. Starting with no prior knowledge of digital marketing, Defense quickly applied mobile marketing techniques—particularly using WhatsApp—to boost social media engagement and drive sales within just two months.
Melanie’s goal of creating a meaningful impact was evident in every aspect of the course. “The real reward is seeing the tangible outcomes in people’s lives,” she shared. “Whether it’s professionals enhancing their contributions to the organizations they work for, business owners learning to market themselves effectively, or individuals kickstarting careers in digital marketing—those success stories have been the true highlight of this journey.”
Beyond technical skills, Melanie emphasized the importance of critical thinking and customer service. “In the digital space, many people struggle, not because they lack the technical skills, but because they forget they’re interacting with real human beings—especially in business-to-consumer marketing,” she explained. Additionally, Melanie encouraged her students to develop self-confidence, pushing them to speak up, share ideas, and embrace learning through interaction.
As these graduates enter the world equipped with invaluable skills, the Digital Marketing Masterclass stands as a launchpad for transformative success. Whether advancing careers, growing businesses, or starting new journeys in the digital realm, this program offers the tools and mentorship to make aspirations a reality https://ilabafrica.strathmore.edu/digital-marketing-masterclass
Written by Ajuna Lindah