Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
Since leaving Brunel I began working for a programmatic advertising agency running campaigns for clients before deciding I wanted to move into doing the marketing for the company itself. This involved me moving to the content creation side and PR side. Next month (February 2020) I will move to a rotational scheme in which I will experience various elements of the digital marketing spectrum, such as PPC and paid social.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Communicating with the sales team to understand challenges they face and how we can help overcome them by creating content; this may involve case studies or infographic documents, PR pieces, etc. Also building the brand out, such as or setting up a trust pilot page as a differentiator and as a reassurance of the quality of our product / service.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Two things: One, pitching my place to do the marketing for the company to the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer and then gaining my place to be able to run with the ideas I pitched and second, getting a blog post I wrote on the rise of mobile and video advertising published in two industry publications.
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
I believe Brunel helped me get to where I am by providing me with opportunities, such as the ability to gain a CIM qualification at a heavily subsidised rate; this stood out heavily for employers and was a good differentiator in the job marketplace. Also, the Careers team helping me prep for interviews, assessment centres and building out my CV.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I would recommend Brunel for the resources it has; there are a lot of opportunities for students to draw upon that you perhaps may not get in other places. Some of the lecturers are also amazing and have taught me things away from the curriculum that I have carried in life.
What is your best memory of studying here?
My best memory is with friends, whether that being studying in the Library until late or enjoying summer in our university house after exams were done. I have made great friends that I still see and go on holiday with to this day. The support and memories throughout university have been my best moments.
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
My advice would be to not waste opportunities; sometimes they can come far and few and you may be scared to do it or fear failure, but those are chances you have to take. For example, the CIM qualification is an underutilised tool that students on the Marketing pathway should be taking full advantage of. My second piece of advice is to balance work and play; University is a much simpler time in life, and you should make the most of the moments, which includes socialising and being with friends.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
Don’t chase the money but chase the career growth and opportunities. Many companies will just employ you as a work horse, but it’s better to find the companies that believe in their staff and will take time to grow you and invest in you. That sort of time invested in you is priceless.
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