What course are you studying and why?
My course is BA Hons Advertising and Digital Marketing Communications. Since the age of 12, I have always had exposure to what advertising agencies look like and the passion and grind that goes behind each and every campaign. I say 12 years old because that’s when I started going to my father’s office to do my summer projects. He used to be the CEO of Mediaedge (MEC) for the MENA region, now known as Wavemaker. He now has his own agency with a range of clients from the banking sector, FMCG and the UAE Government Entities. I honestly remember how everyone worked back then, it lit this spark in me to pursue a career in this field and now my future goal is to take Radix Media (my father’s agency) to the next level.
I was completely clueless about what I could do in this field when I walked in for my first induction class at the campus. Over the first 2 years I understood the academia behind the idea of ‘marketing and advertising’ and I gained exposure and an understanding of how this industry ‘works’. Later, I did a placement year, which allowed me to put what I learnt into the real world. Now these 2 years, plus having done a placement, I can say with confidence that the kid who walked in for his first class, having no clue how the industry works, now understands the work ethic, the opportunities this field offers and most importantly how vital it is that we as students engage with the modules. As a similar engagement, is required on the job as well. Keeping up to date with trends, tracking a campaign’s progress, sending weekly and post-project reports back to the client.
They are not only our teachers or mentors but also friends. For me personally, I believe the teaching staff helped me build confidence, to be open in conversation and share my opinion and most importantly, helped me be 100% sure of the course I chose.
What are the three best things about your course?
Another reason I chose this University is because, throughout my research to find the right course for me, I couldn’t find anything that covered Advertising and Digital Marketing. These are two broad subjects and have a lot underneath them, but they open up a huge opportunity in the job market, given the growing trend in Digital Marketing as compared to the past. I would say the three best things about this course are.
The assignments, I know that sounds weird, but what I mean is the kind of work we are expected to do. We get real briefs from actual companies to work on, which not only gets us ready for the real world of Advertising and Marketing but also shows us the kind of work (report writing, research, etc.) we will be expected to provide our bosses within the future. Groupwork which in turn gets us ready for teamwork in the field. For example an assignment where we had to market any human product that an animal can use, essentially, this pushes us to be creative and think outside the box.
The Guest lectures/seminars. I strongly believe that attending these lectures that our module leaders organize have a strong impact on our learnings in this course. Having industry specialists talk about their experiences kept me motivated and passionate about the choice I made to study Advertising and Marketing. Granted that books give you the knowledge and research but, a professional person’s experience and time is something a book can’t provide.
Lastly, I would have to say the staff. They are not only our teachers or mentors but also friends. For me personally, I believe the teaching staff helped me build confidence, to be open in conversation and share my opinion and most importantly, helped me be 100% sure of the course I chose. Seeing their enthusiasm and passion for this industry, it in turn made me realize why I chose this course in the first place and most definitely made me confident on what I want in the future in regards to my career.
What do you think makes Greenwich stand out?
Before I even started the University search and the degree I wanted to pursue, I heard about the University of Greenwich, or rather saw the building on a leaflet from our tour guide when I was on a trip to London. I think what ‘sealed the deal’ on my choice to apply with Greenwich was when I saw their stall at a University fair. From then until my first day on campus, the international office helped me every step of the way.
Having spent 4 years at Greenwich as a student, the architectural structure of its building’s is not the only thing that stood out for me. I would also mention:
- The extra-curricular activities set up by the Students Union.
- Updates and most importantly opportunities provided by the Business School Employability Office.
- Help and support provided to the International students. Before I was even a confirmed student, I was still getting my questions answered and helped when needed.
- Seminars arranged with experienced industry specialists, giving us insights and showing us the ropes of working in this field.
- Location, a massive stand out factor for me, considering the campus is a 10 min bus journey away from the o2 arena and 30 minutes from Central London.
But still, remembering that trip to London years ago, I am glad that I made this decision and excited to soon be a Greenwich Graduate.
I can say with confidence that the kid who walked in for his first class, having no clue how the industry works, now understands the work ethic, the opportunities this field offers and most importantly how vital it is that we as students engage with the modules.
What advice would you give to people thinking about applying to Greenwich?
I would say that if you have any questions about international matters, finance, visa etc. or concerns regarding the course, you are either overwhelmed with the modules or confused with what opportunities open up with this particular course, in fact, any questions you may have about this University, contact the respective party. Email or call. It is important that you are comfortable with the choice you make and in doing so, understand that there are people ready to help answer your queries.
Little side note, I was confused about doing a placement year but at that university fair in 2017, I asked all the questions I had, and I was comfortable in making this decision, and honestly, the best decision I made. Doing that placement year gave me the first-hand experience in this industry and showed me the work ethic and the kind of work expected.
