I was really intrigued by the modules
I went on a Headington campus tour and I really loved the feel of the campus. I felt at home as soon as I stepped foot on the campus. This is what kind of swayed me more towards Oxford Brookes, and that's what made me decide to go there. Also, I attended two course webinars. Jo Feehily (Programme Lead) hosted the webinar and I really loved the feel of the course. Jo came across as really passionate about what she did. So it was nice to know that I'd be joining a course where the lecturers not only share their passion for marketing, they also want to make sure that you achieve the very best that you can.
That was a really eye opening experience
I had the opportunity to go on an international study trip to Boston, to visit many prestigious companies. Learning more about Business to Consumer companies, and Business to Business companies as well, especially since the company that I'm working at now is a Business to Business company, and it was good to have that exposure. The trip wasn't purely focused on marketing. We looked at many aspects of business including economics and HR. One thing that I noticed that was different was the worklife, homelife balance. At one of the companies, we managed to speak to the CEO. We walked down the corridors, and he'd be fist bumping all of his colleagues. I thought you're a CEO, yet you know every single person's name down to the security staff. To see that with my own eyes, was cool.
The global marketing module
That module really helped me because the company I work for now, Stryker, is an American company and global. Stryker has offices across the globe, whether that be in South America, Europe, or Asia. The module really helped me in terms of understanding the cultural differences in the ways that people work. I know that during one of our lectures we spoke about cultural differences in terms of how people approach meetings. That's definitely helped me when I've been meeting with other colleagues who are from different places around the world. Also digital marketing analytics was another module where we focused on reports and how best to use Excel and other analytical software. I now use the skills I learned on the course in my daily work life now. Especially with Excel and learning how to use all the formulas and pivot tables.
My dissertation supervisor provided so much support
While I was writing my dissertation, he really pushed me to achieve the best and especially when I started my role in Stryker. I had a month to go before I submitted my dissertation. So I was juggling a new full time graduate role and finishing my dissertation. The support was great and helped me to also think more about other marketing concepts that I could use within my dissertation. Having to focus on my dissertation and starting work in my new role was a real challenge, but I managed to overcome it. Also I found group work a challenge at first, but through group work it has provided me with the skills to work in a full time job and work with other people and learn the best practices for collaborating in a professional capacity.
I'd say, make use of academic librarians
I definitely didn't make use of them as much as I could have. I think there is a specific person assigned to marketing students. So she was there to help whenever you needed. So I definitely say, make use of them, and then also make use of your lecturers' office hours. Because the office hours are there to help you.
Oxford is really good
In terms of the companies based there, and also in terms of the transportation as well. You have the Oxford tube that easily takes you into London as well. So, even if you wanted to study at Brookes, but you wanted to get a job in London. The transportation is super easy.