Can you tell us a bit about your time at the University of Liverpool Management School?
The BA Marketing course was incredibly engaging, offering a dynamic and varied learning experience every day. Our lecturers understood that the subjects we were exploring weren't just about textbooks or theory, they went out of their way to provide a real-world perspective.
For example, during our Market Research module led by Dr. Rachel Spence in second year, we conducted actual market research using a real company, which was a refreshing departure from traditional lectures and monotonous assignments.
The highlight for me, however, was the Marketing Strategy lectures in the third year, taught by Dr. Ahmed Al-Abdin. Each session was uniquely captivating, covering a diverse range of marketing topics that have proven invaluable to me in the long run.
The assignments were not only enjoyable but also meaningful, further fuelling my passion for the field.
This course solidified my commitment to a career in marketing by offering me a glimpse into its real-world applications, which I found both necessary and inspiring.
How did you find studying and living in Liverpool?
Liverpool will always be my favourite city. It's an incredible student city where everything is close by, yet there's always something to do and see.
Despite its compact size, Liverpool never leaves you bored; it has a unique way of making friends feel like family, you’ll see the same people everywhere coincidentally, everyone you know is just a short walk away.
I've met many of my lifelong friends there, and each time I return, it truly feels like coming home. In short, Liverpool is the perfect choice for any student looking for a memorable university experience and a place to grow as a person.
How did you initially break into the marketing industry?
From a young age, I've always been drawn to creative fields. I loved painting and the arts, and it became clear to me in my final years of school that I wasn't meant for anything too scientific.
Interestingly, I also dreamed of being a businesswoman and diving into the world of business in general, to really understand what goes behind the scenes of any business in mind—funny enough, I initially wanted to be a surgeon which is far from where I am now.
However, I was often told that my strong-willed nature and tendency to challenge rules might not suit such a structured path.
That realisation led me to marketing, a field that thrives on creativity, breaking boundaries, and being dynamic, which perfectly matches my personality.
During my university years, I sought out as much work experience as possible to ensure this was the right career for me. I found joy in every small task, whether working at the Liverpool Guild of Students or working for the University of Liverpool’s Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory professional services team.
You worked as a Content Marketing Assistant at the Liverpool Guild of Students. Can you tell us about this role?
As a Content Marketing Assistant at the Liverpool Guild of Students, my main responsibility was to be a voice of the Guild, raising awareness about student life and sharing these experiences through social media.
I created content that resonated with the student community, from writing blog posts about current events in Liverpool or places to visit highlighting aspects of student life and current happenings.
This role taught me how to effectively communicate and tailor content to a specific audience, like making an initiative or event appealing by understanding the interests and needs of fellow students.
It helped me develop skills in using visual communication tactics, such as Instagram stories, to engage the audience I’m targeting.
Congratulations on your new job at Unilever in Saudi Arabia! What drew you to this opportunity, and how did you land this role?
Thank you! I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity. What drew me to this role was, first and foremost, Unilever itself. I've always admired Unilever as a pioneer in the business world, consistently leading the way in innovation.
The company's commitment to personal and professional growth also stood out to me, and I sensed that dedication from my very first day on the job.
I discovered the role on LinkedIn, and the application process took about seven months involving several assessments, interviews, and case studies.
These were designed to evaluate not just technical skills, but also personality and cultural fit, all aimed at identifying future leaders for Unilever.
The process was both challenging and rewarding, and I'm excited to see where this opportunity will take me. I'm most excited about joining an environment that nurtures and supports you in every way as an employee.
There are plenty of exciting things on the horizon. But you'll have to stay tuned to find out exactly what’s coming next!
What advice would you give to current marketing students or recent graduates who are looking to start a career in the marketing field?
My advice to marketing students and recent graduates is to dive headfirst into as many real-world experiences as you can. While university and coursework provide a foundation, the most valuable lessons often come from hands-on practice.
Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity—create your own. Whether it’s freelancing, helping out with a friend's project, approaching your favourite local shop, or even designing mock campaigns for companies you admire, there’s always a way to get involved.
And be sure to build a portfolio. It’s not just a collection of your work; it’s a way to show potential employers your creativity, problem-solving skills, and unique approach to marketing.
Your portfolio is your chance to prove why you’re a standout candidate in a competitive field.
Finally, what key lessons have you learned throughout your journey so far, and how can others apply them to successfully navigate the marketing industry?
The key lessons I’ve learned are that setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t define you. Even if you feel like you’ve failed, every negative experience comes with a valuable lesson.
These moments are part of the learning curve and will ultimately make you better, as long as you’re willing to learn from them. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.
Maintaining a resilient mindset is crucial, be prepared to pick yourself up and rise above challenges. Learn from everyone around you and seize every opportunity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
Each experience contributes to your overall success in the marketing industry.