Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose this course?

My name is Chifae Maouelainine and I am an international student from Morocco. Three years ago, I came to England for the first time to pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing and public relations. I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in a different language, so I decided to enrol at Leeds Beckett University. Leeds Beckett was my first choice since it was the only university offering a degree combining marketing and public relations, which was the perfect fit for me and aligned with my interests most.

What would you say has been the highlight of your course experience?

The highlights of my course experience have been numerous and diverse. To start with, I have gained invaluable academic skills and knowledge over the past three years. The course also allowed me to improve my English proficiency as an international student studying abroad. Studying at Leeds Beckett University has also been an exceptional experience on a personal level since I was able to enhance my academic abilities while shaping my personality. From first year until now, I have learned how to verbally express myself more effectively and grow my confidence. Moreover, I have strengthened my teamwork skills, which have been continuously reinforced through collaborative group projects. The opportunity to meet and learn from graduates during guest-speaking lectures has been incredibly beneficial too. Hearing them discuss their career paths has provided me with valuable insights and inspiration for my future career. Overall, the course experience has been transformative both academically and personally.

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

The course has provided me with an excellent opportunity to strengthen my previous experiences and skills. Having studied marketing as my major in high school, I already had a foundation in the subject. However, I wanted to continue pursuing it in English to expand my knowledge and skills. Throughout my time here I not only improved my existing skills but also gained new ones. I learned problem-solving techniques, enhanced my teamwork abilities, and worked on developing creative PR and marketing campaigns.

Can you tell us about your experience of any practical opportunities on the course?

One of the most enriching experiences I have had as a university student was participating in the GlobCom project during my second year. This unique project, integrated into one of my modules, provided me with an exceptional academic opportunity to work in a team with international students from a variety of backgrounds. Together we developed a marketing campaign and had the opportunity to go to Boston at the end of the project. The module helped me enhance my communication skills while also increasing my ability to work successfully within a team, manage projects, and meet deadlines.

How has the course helped your own professional skills development?

Throughout the variety of modules, I continuously challenged myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning new skills. As an international student, I have always received the support and guidance I needed, especially during challenging times. This has been crucial for my academic and personal growth. Moreover, my written communication skills have significantly improved during my course. In fact, I even started uploading content on my own fashion blog. The course also helped me optimize my online presence and effectively use LinkedIn to network with industry leaders. Through taking part in various group presentations, I have also become more confident and comfortable with public speaking. This has been a significant personal development for me, and I am grateful for the opportunities provided by this course and by Leeds Beckett University.

Would you recommend this course to others?

My experience at Leeds Beckett has been extremely enriching and I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in marketing and public relations but unsure of their specific interests within these fields. I found the course to be ideal for gaining insight into various career paths, and as an international student, the support and encouragement I received from my tutors not only helped me academically, but also increased my confidence in my work.

What are your plans for when you complete the course?

After graduation, I plan to relocate to London to pursue a career in either Fashion or Film Public Relations, as these are my two career paths of interest. To achieve this, I am determined to gain as much work experience as I can through finding graduate internships and placements. At Leeds Beckett, I have developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills which I believe will be invaluable in my future career. My decision to study both Marketing and Public Relations has provided me with a diverse skillset, as well as access to a variety of career options in different industries. Moreover, as I approach the end of my university journey, I find myself more focused on exploring my creative side even further. I have developed a growing interest in the PR side of artistic industries, and I am hoping to find opportunities that allow me to combine my passion for creativity with my skills in Marketing and Public Relations.