Emily Bournes studied MSc Marketing at Kent Business School, graduating in 2022. She has now been promoted from a part-time sales role to become a Digital Marketing Executive at Crew Clothing Company’s Head Office.
What was your dream job as a child, and what is your dream job now?
I always wanted to do something creative. When I was younger, I imagined myself as an artist or musician. My dream job now would definitely still involve being creative, and luckily in marketing there are so many ways to do that. So although I don’t have an exact role in mind, the opportunities are endless which is exciting.
Why did you choose the Kent Business School?
I chose Kent Business School because the MSc Marketing course had a really diverse set of modules, and the Business School has a reputation for being world class, which also drew me to study there.
What are your favourite memories, achievements and experiences?
I made lots of new friends in my year, many from completely different backgrounds to my own which was really refreshing. It also made our seminar discussions really interesting, as everyone could offer different perspectives. I loved living in Canterbury too, as it’s a beautiful city with great student life. An achievement I’m really proud of is winning a group marketing pitch competition for a local business.
What does your new role involve? What do you like about it the most, and what are the most challenging aspects?
My role involves looking after any paid digital advertising that the brand does. Day to day, I book in the activity, source creative imagery and text for campaigns, and meet with agencies and affiliates for strategic planning. I like how no two days are the same, it’s a fast-paced environment and there’s always loads to do. So it’s challenging to keep up sometimes but also exciting!
How do you apply the knowledge and skills you gained during your studies in your job, and what career advice would you give students and fellow alumni?
Before I did the MSc in Marketing, I had no idea what digital marketing involved. Now I apply what I learned every single day in my role, both in terms of subject knowledge and transferable skills. My advice would be if there is an area that interests you, find a way to prove it so that you can show employers. For example, by doing volunteering work or a producing a portfolio.
What are your future plans / aspirations?
There are so many areas in marketing and I’m really enjoying working in digital, but I’d love to try out some other roles too and develop a more rounded experience as a marketing professional. Maybe one day I’ll be a marketing director or even run my own business – I don’t really have a plan except to see where things take me.
What advice would you give to current students doing your course?
Make an effort to speak to your course mates and engage in the seminars. Talking through concepts really helped me understand them, and your workload might feel less daunting knowing everyone is in the same boat and can support each other. Your lecturers are there to help too, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Emily studied MSc Marketing at Kent Business School. Find out more about the course, here.