Cerys studied BSc Marketing Management at The University of Brighton. She tells us more about her course and how she juggled multiple commitments
What inspired you to choose this course and university?
When studying business at A-level, the marketing module was always my favourite. I wanted to get a degree in case I decided to become a teacher in the future. Then when I was travelling, I met amazing people who happened to work in marketing; they told me about their experiences and I was obsessed.
I was originally going to study business management with marketing up north but being on a beach when meeting those who worked in marketing made me reapply, somewhere a bit closer to home and by a beach. After a quick search, I decided that marketing management at The University of Brighton was where I would get my degree.
What was the application process like?
Really simple. With a personal statement already prepared, I rewrote and tailored it to better fit my new application and new experiences. It was a lot better the second time around.
The only struggle I had was the lack of Wi-Fi. I was in Guatemala, surrounded by crocodiles, sitting in the reception trying to stay connected and saving my document every few minutes so I could meet the deadline.
How is the course structured and assessed?
First year lays the foundations in marketing principles, professional practice and digital marketing.
Second year develops your knowledge with a new skillset, looking into new areas like:
marketing analytics
research
responsibility
sustainability.
In the final year there are two core modules and four options. I chose:
communications
destination marketing
futurism
innovation.
There are no exams and no dissertation (unless you want to).
Tell us a bit about your freelance and intern work alongside your studies.
In my first year, I had the opportunity to begin my freelance career. I worked with an electric vehicle company to strengthen their social media channels, build product portfolio marketing material and attend the London EV Show to network with industry leaders.
My success with the company led to a part-time marketing assistant role, which I held alongside my studies.
An education company reached out for help boosting their visibility on LinkedIn and developing a clear strategy to position themselves as an industry voice leader. This experience resulted in a three-month internship with International Workplace Group (IWG) where I supported the global visual storytelling project.
My success with IWG resulted in extending my contract to a year-long internship working around my university timetable, during which I developed a clear understanding of how consistent storytelling strengthens brand trust and community connection.
You're also president of the Marketing Society. What does this involve?
I led the Marketing Society and grew membership, activity and visibility. I secured over £3,000 in sponsorships, built relationships with industry professionals and collaborated with organisations such as Laser Zone Brighton and the Sussex Marketing Society. I also organised and delivered events, including:
charity fundraisers
networking activities
study sessions
the Marketing Ball.
What routines or habits help you stay focused during busy periods?
The routine of going into university, attending all lectures and studying in between lectures with course mates helped to build good habits. I had an amazing group of people who supported me throughout my final year, which helped me achieve my goals.
What would you do differently if you were starting your final year again?
Delegate. It took me a few months to start asking for support from the society. The people who took on a role helped to release some of the pressure and gave me back some time.
What are your career ambitions?
I hope to work with some big brands in the hospitality and travel industry, have course mates become co-workers and eventually have a business or agency of my own.
What tips would you give to other students who are trying to juggle multiple commitments?
Use a calendar. Mark all your commitments in the diary so you can visually see what you are up to and when.
Build a strong support group. Make a good group of friends and chat with your lecturers (they’re not as scary as you think).
Delegate. If there is something a friend can help you out with, let them (especially if they offer).
