Case studies: Marketing executive: Amy Elizabeth Russell

Amy Elizabeth Russell is studying for a degree in enterprise development. She explains how her degree has helped her in the business, and how she balances her job with studying...

I'm in the final year of my degree course at Huddersfield University. As well as studying, I currently work in the marketing department of international vehicle tracking company RAM Tracking, a provider of GPS vehicle tracking devices based in Leeds.

 

The role of a marketing executive

My job title is marketing executive, working part-time, two days a week, which may increase once I have submitted my final year dissertation.

I work closely with the firm's marketing development executive Bella Marsden and both directors in order to fulfil our marketing goals. Specific areas I work in are related to online marketing, social media, blogging and SEO, as well as creative writing, and brand development.

The managing director at RAM, Chris McClellan, was one of the judges of a Dragons Den-style competition I entered in upper sixth form. We reconnected a year or so later through the LinkedIn professional network, and he could see I was keen to learn, so he provided me with the opportunity to prove myself in a working business.

Skills required for marketing roles

Through my degree I have studied all areas of business, from finance, law and marketing to business planning and organisational behaviour, and I have been able to apply much of my knowledge to my role. Mostly I have been able to use my ability to see how certain aspects of what we do will benefit the business.

Secondly, my ability to write well has allowed me to progress and be trusted with writing articles and posts that are published to a wide audience. Understanding the importance of tailoring your wording for a specific reader and for SEO purposes is a great skill to have and this stems from my academic writing and research.

It is challenging managing my time between studying and working - I have to be disciplined with my time. I have scheduled work days and university days, and rarely do the two overlap. It is important for me to keep them separate as it can be overwhelming at times. And although I am passionate about my job, I cannot allow myself to take my work home with me.

Unlike my previous roles in the retail sector, it is more difficult to detach yourself from the job out of hours; I have a genuine interest and love for what I do and the people I work with. I have my work emails sent to my BlackBerry, so even when I am not there, I always feel in control.

I give my role everything during my working week, but university has to come first. At times this can be frustrating, but I have to keep in mind the end result - once I have my degree, I can turn all my attention to the passion for my job.

Working at RAM Tracking has given me added drive and determination to succeed both in my future career and at university.

It has shown me the importance of my education and how I can apply my skills within the workplace, and has allowed me to realise what I want from my future career and where my hard work could take me.

Read Amy's interview in full at Ram.