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

My name is Charlotte, and I am a final-year undergraduate student studying Marketing and Public Relations. I have experience in a variety of work in marketing, PR, and business development, whilst also working in retail and hospitality jobs around Leeds. Outside of university, I enjoy going to see live music and hunting for vintage fashion items. I also plan to travel to South-East Asia once I finish my degree.

As the first person in my family to go to university, I put a lot of pressure on myself to pick the right course. I studied Business Studies at GCSE level and really enjoyed it, so pursued it at A-level where I studied Business Studies, Fine Art, and Maths. Originally, I applied to study International Business at university; however, I decided to switch to the Marketing and PR degree, as I felt it delved into areas that inspired me more, such as crafting creative PR campaigns and building innovative brands. Choosing a joint honours degree has allowed me to broaden my academic scope and can lead me down two distinct, yet complementary career paths. This, coupled with the flexibility of a business degree, allows me to navigate a diverse range of sectors.

What would you say have been the highlights of your course?

The highlight of my course experience would be the amazing opportunity to be a part of GlobCom 2023 in Boston, USA. GlobCom is a recurring module that connects with international universities and puts you in teams to create a PR campaign for a chosen client, which happened to be an amazing ocean conservation organisation called OCEEF. We had the opportunity to go to Boston and meet our teammates, collaborate on developing and presenting a pitch to the client, and explore the vibrant city.

I significantly improved my teamwork skills, especially in an international team consisting of different languages and cultures. The trip was a truly unparalleled experience, and gave me unique skills and unforgettable experiences. I appreciated the adaptability of modules, often being able to choose my own topic of assignments. The modules which stood out for me were Contemporary Communications and PR Dissertation. I was able to apply the skills I learned during the work experience I completed at Barbour, as part of their global PR team, and Electric Shuffle, working with the Business Development team. Throughout my time at university, my knowledge and confidence have skyrocketed.

Has the course helped you to utilise your previous experiences and skills?

With the foundations of business qualifications, the course allowed me to build on my pre-existing knowledge of marketing and strategy whilst introducing new components. PR, for example, was a completely unexplored aspect for me. I have learnt valuable skills in social media marketing, content creation, and influencer marketing which are vital in the modern-day marketing world. I have also gained many intangible skills such as critical analysis, digital literacy, and self-motivation which will be of utmost use throughout my career and personal life.

Have there been any practical opportunities on the course to apply your learning?

During the course, one module gave us the experience to work with the nearby Airedale Hospital & Community Charity to gather market research to create a PR campaign to increase perceptions and donations for the charity. It was really rewarding being able to collaborate with non-profits as it was a challenge to create low-budget campaigns that were catering towards a worthy cause. We were able to go into the hospital to meet the team, look at their current communication materials, and conduct insightful market research by talking to the local community and visitors. The module was incredibly hands-on, with many opportunities to apply the knowledge of the course material practically.

Has the course helped you hone any professional or personal skills?

The course has provided me with a multitude of skills to help bridge the gap into my professional career. I have received a well-rounded education in Marketing and Public Relations that I would not have gotten elsewhere. Although I came to university slightly later than those in my school year, I have now developed as an academic and professional in ways that I would not have done otherwise. I have honed my abilities in campaign management, media relations, crisis communications, and brand management, and I am eager to leverage my newfound skillset to meaningfully contribute to my career.

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

I would absolutely recommend this course for those with an interest in business, especially those with a creative and innovative mindset. The course offers an engaging curriculum that is both practical and theoretical. The learning opportunities, such as the chance to travel, allow you to apply what you are learning in real-life situations. The seminars are dynamic environments that inspire you to participate with interesting problem-solving scenarios. Personally, I have experienced significant growth within my understanding of the field and within myself. I now believe I am ready to take on professional Marketing and PR industries with confidence and enthusiasm.

What are your plans for when you complete the course?

 That is the question! As mentioned, I plan to travel to South-East Asia and explore the world for a while. After that, there are so many options for me. I would love to work in PR for a fashion or hospitality company, maybe I will find work in another country. It is all very exciting right now!