Dalton Vigario

BA Business and Marketing Management

I have always been fascinated by the world of advertising and publicity 

From watching fun toy adverts on TV when I was younger to studying how advertising agencies persuade their audiences, everything about this world amazed me. However, my mum suggested it would be better to study Business and Marketing first, as it would provide a broader foundation. Once I gained that knowledge, I could specialise in areas like Marketing, Advertising, and Publicity.

One module I particularly enjoyed was Marketing in a Digital World

We developed an entirely new product line for a real company and pitched it to the board. Another favourite was Customer and Market Insights, where we worked on a project with the Oxfordshire Football Association, developing strategies to market their Gen Z activities. It was an amazing experience to work with such talented people, an inspiring lecturer, and present our ideas to actual representatives from the Association.

I have really enjoyed the learning approach at Oxford Brookes

In every lecture, we gain a lot of theory in an educational and structured manner, and then we apply it in workshops or seminars, either individually or in groups. I absolutely love how much practical experience we get here. In my home country of Angola, we focused primarily on theory with few presentations, assignments, or tests. Here, we learn not just from textbooks but from actually creating marketing plans for real companies. 

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to the UK education system

It’s much more practical and fast-paced compared to my experience back home. The emphasis is on applying knowledge right away through group work, real-life case studies, and presentations. I’ve developed better time management skills and learned to collaborate effectively with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Another challenge was pushing myself to speak up more in seminars and workshops. Overcoming this has helped me become more confident and assertive.

I really appreciate how accessible and supportive Oxford Brookes staff are

They’re always prompt with responses via email and encourage participation and communication in class. The lecturers at Oxford Brookes are genuinely invested in students' success and are always ready to help. 

The course has thoroughly prepared me for a career in marketing and business strategy

One of my immediate goals is to secure a placement opportunity where I can gain hands-on experience and further develop my marketing and business strategy skills. I’m currently exploring different companies that align with my interests in brand management and advertising. Finding a job that allows me to grow, contribute meaningfully, and connect with impactful brands is also a major priority for me. Oxford Brookes has been incredibly supportive in this regard, offering workshops, career advisors, and placement opportunities with reputable companies. The University also provides excellent resources to help improve your CV and prepare for interviews.