Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study your course.

I’ve always been a creative person who enjoys thinking outside the box. I’ve also had a strong interest in communication, culture, and the way stories connect people. Before moving to the UK, I worked in education and language teaching, and I became fascinated by how digital platforms were transforming how people learn, engage and interact. In today’s world, driven by social media, these platforms are not just sources of entertainment; they are powerful tools for brand promotion and positioning, shaping how audiences perceive and connect with brands.

That’s what drew me to Digital Marketing. It combines creativity, strategy and technology to tell stories that resonate, inspire action, and build real connections between brands and people in a meaningful and exciting way. I chose Leeds Beckett because the course offers a practical, future-focused approach. You don’t just learn the theory, you also get to apply it through live briefs and projects with real global and local brands. As an international student, it was also important to study in a diverse, friendly and inclusive city, and Leeds truly feels like home.

What have been the highlights of your course experience?

A real highlight of this course has been the opportunity to work on practical, hands-on projects that reflect the realities of the digital marketing world. Developing digital marketing plans and reports for brands across a range of markets, including retail (IKEA), sustainable fashion (Vinted, SHEIN), charity (Oxfam), and entertainment (Everyman Cinema, Leeds Film), has been both inspiring and professionally rewarding. These projects have challenged me to think analytically and creatively, adapt to different brand voices and personalities, and deliver strategies aligned with specific goals.

I’ve valued the balance between data and analytics, such as researching audience insights, customer journeys and digital marketing reports, and creative tasks like content marketing, planning and campaign design. Studying in a diverse classroom has broadened my perspective, and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by well-qualified professionals and tutors with deep expertise in the marketing field. Their professionalism and guidance have greatly enhanced my learning experience and helped me grow more confident in presenting ideas and collaborating effectively on group projects. Working closely with classmates from different backgrounds has taught me the importance of communication, flexibility, and combining different strengths to achieve shared goals. Each module has offered new learning experiences and helped me build a well-rounded foundation by applying key concepts that prepare me for my future marketing career.

How would you say the course helps you to utilise your previous experiences and skills?

My background in education and language teaching has given me a strong foundation in communication, emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, which are key skills in marketing. Teaching languages helped me understand how people learn and connect, which has been invaluable when designing user journeys and crafting brand stories. This course has allowed me to build on those skills by integrating them with digital marketing strategies and tools.

I’ve gained experience using various digital marketing tools to research audience insights, analyse customer behaviour and optimise campaigns. Combining this data-driven approach with my creative skills, such as photography, writing and graphic design, helps me create engaging, inclusive content tailored to diverse audiences.

Working on live projects with brands like Leeds Film, for instance, has shown me how my previous experiences can translate into innovative and effective marketing solutions. Overall, this course has been the perfect bridge between my past career and my new goals and ambitions, helping me develop a broad skill base for a future in content and digital marketing.

Can you tell us about your recent experience working with Leeds Film?

Working on the Leeds Film live brief as a second-year student from the Business School was one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of the course so far. We were challenged to design a campaign that would raise the profile of Leeds Film and its offerings, including LIFF, LYFF and INDIs, while increasing awareness of their mission and encouraging greater audience engagement, participation and volunteering.

My role focused on developing a content marketing plan using digital channels like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. One of my proposed ideas was an interview series highlighting the perspectives of young creators and a new generation of filmmakers. The goal was to support and nurture film culture in Leeds by making it more visible and accessible to younger, diverse audiences such as Gen Y and Z.

This project gave me the chance to apply the creative and strategic skills I’ve developed throughout the course, from audience research and content planning to campaign storytelling. Presenting our ideas live to the client was an amazing opportunity that boosted my confidence in public speaking and teamwork. It also reinforced my passion for content strategy and strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in digital marketing.

How has this experience and the Content Marketing module helped your own professional/skills development?

This module has shown me how powerful content can be in connecting people emotionally to a brand. I’ve developed my ability to research audience behaviour, design a consistent tone of voice and create messages that resonate. Working with Leeds Film improved my planning and presentation skills, especially when pitching creative ideas that align with a brand’s values. It also strengthened my confidence in campaign development, from ideation to execution. I now feel more prepared for a career in content and digital marketing, and I’m even more inspired by the role of storytelling in shaping brand identity.

What have been the highlights of working on a live project such as this one with Leeds Film?

One of the biggest highlights of working on the Leeds Film live project was the opportunity to contribute to a real organisation and see how our ideas could have a meaningful impact. It was exciting to apply what we’ve learned in class to a professional context.

A major part of my role involved creating and designing real content, including conducting interviews with filmmaking students from LBU and emerging creatives. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the creative industry but also allowed me to refine my video editing skills and gain confidence in content production. Communicating ideas through a digital content marketing plan and translating them into engaging visual formats was both rewarding and creatively stimulating.

Presenting our final campaign to the client was a standout moment. It gave me valuable experience in professional communication, public speaking and collaborative work. Networking with a live client was incredibly motivating. It helped me understand industry expectations and how creative ideas are shaped in real-world settings. All these opportunities have helped me polish my professionalism and skills, confirmed my passion for content strategy, and strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in digital marketing.

Would you recommend this course to others, if so, why?

If you’re passionate about digital marketing, storytelling and creating meaningful brand connections, this course equips you with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Whether digital marketing is new to you, or you’re looking to launch your career by building essential knowledge and practical skills, Leeds Beckett’s programme is the perfect fit. It combines creativity, strategy and hands-on experience, giving you the confidence to work with real brands and develop effective campaigns.

With supportive tutors and opportunities to collaborate on live projects, you’ll gain a strong foundation in web and social media data analytics, marketing planning and campaigns, SEO strategies and brand storytelling. The course prepares you for success in this dynamic digital landscape.

What are your plans for when you complete the course?

After completing this Digital Marketing course, I would like to focus on building my personal brand and using digital marketing to help solve real-world challenges. I’m especially interested in how marketing can support sustainability and use technology to deliver innovative solutions. I’m also passionate about social media analytics and storytelling for brands, and finding ways to connect with audiences on a deeper level through engaging and meaningful content.

My goal is to apply the creative and strategic skills I’ve gained to develop campaigns that inspire action and build strong brand relationships. Looking ahead, I also aim to pursue a master’s degree to deepen my expertise and continue growing within this fast-evolving field.