Debt, graduate unemployment, lecturers on strike, Covid-19 ‘super spreaders’, social isolation….who’d be a student today, hey? Certainly the news headlines haven’t exactly been encouraging for University leavers thinking about their next move in life! But it’s not all bad news and there are still crocks of gold to be had at the end of the rainbow if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves and search for them.
Last year, I reflected here on my Summer internship at Agent3 where I felt I made great strides in my knowledge and experience of digital marketing. The team at Agent3 was calm, patient and nurturing, but the work was fast-paced and exciting, working for some of the world’s biggest names in tech. I went back to Southampton University for my final year full of renewed enthusiasm and determined to put what I’d learned to good use.
It paid off and, in August this year, I found myself as the proud new owner of a first class honours degree in Marketing from Southampton University. Not only that, I received the Dean’s award for outstanding academic achievement for the academic year of 2019/2020 and also completed my Certificate in Digital Marketing with Institute of Data & Marketing (IDM), achieving a result of 85%
I was thrilled! But what next?
My parents had always taught me that, in life, you reap what you sow and fortunately, somewhere along the line, that sunk in. As I pointed out in my last blog, you can approach life in one of two ways: either you can stand on the sidelines and watch, or you can roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. And, when I completed my internship at Agent3 last Summer, I chose the latter, eager to absorb every nugget of knowledge shared with me.
So not only did I benefit from that experience in terms of my final exam result, but it turns out Agent3 appreciated my effort and invited me back permanently!
Now into my second month of ‘proper job’ life, I have reflected a little on how study prepares you for the real world. Here are my top 4 conclusions:
- I loved studying marketing, but nothing really prepares you for the fast-paced reality of working life. Previously reserved for coursework or exam deadlines, I am now required to use my creative thinking and problem solving abilities continuously in order to complete day-to-day tasks. It’s exciting, mentally stimulating and exhilarating to have the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained at University
- Learning all the different marketing theories and techniques at university gave me an unbelievable groundwork for my role at Agent3 and already I am finding myself able to apply those skills and knowledge. Nevertheless, in the real world of marketing, and particularly in this digital age, techniques and approaches are forever changing, so I do find myself continually having to think outside the box and innovating in any way shape and form to make that difference
- My opinion really counts! I love that the team values my opinion and seeks my input and ideas on challenges. It’s exciting to think that my contribution can make a difference to the outcome of a project for a world famous technology brand!
- OK, here’s where study really doesn’t prepare you well: Going from just a couple of lectures here and there each day to daily, nine-to-five work life has definitely been challenging but I always knew this day would come and Agent3 has smoothed things over with such a nurturing and welcoming approach from the Day 1.
I feel I am truly living the dream (well, apart from the early starts every day!) and hope this brings some inspiration to University leavers who may be doubting their next steps. It would seem my parents were right: you really do reap what you sow!
If you’re interested in starting a career in marketing, whether you’ve studied it at university or have no experience, we’re always on the look out for smart, inquisitively minded people to join the team. Find out more about working at Agent3 here.