UoS Careers and Employability Service logo

Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
← back to search results
Alice - 
Marketing Assistant

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

- Digital: creating, checking and publishing website content; building regular strand e-mails; managing social networking sites; ongoing digital campaigns and projects
- Editorial & Print: copywriting, editing and proof-reading copy for print and publications; preparing daily classical concert programmes; assisting the Marketing Manager and Senior Designer with design
amends; assisting with mailings and print distribution; proofreading
- Marketing Planning: supporting the team in devising creative marketing campaigns within a limited budget; extracting and preparing marketing data for regular reporting; point of contact for curators, promoters, artists and management to discuss marketing pans; researching future audiences
- Supporting the marketing team with medium-to-long term projects for audience growth and brand enhancement.

Typical day

- Managing e-mails
- Providing support to the Marketing Manager with print-related marketing (building and editing flyers, programmes, wall calendars etc.)
- Providing support to the Digital Marketing Executive (building e-newsletters, uploading and editing website content etc.)
- Providing support to the Marketing Director with marketing research (analysing data)

What do I enjoy about my job?

Every day is different. I get involved with the design aspects of our marketing materials on a daily basis, and it's very rewarding to see a decision you've made end up in print or online.

Challenging aspects

The arts sector pays very poorly!

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I had always loved the arts (as well as the sciences). I trained in marketing at an arts festival and wanted to stay within the sector.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

I don't think I would've got my job without a degree. I use my statistics knowledge in marketing analysis and my writing skills in producing concise marketing copy.

Training I receive as part of my job

I have received training in Adobe InDesign and Google Analytics as part of my job.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

I travelled to South Africa with Global Vision International shortly after graduating and obtained the FGASA Grade 1 (Field Guiding Association of South Africa).

Where do I see myself in the future?

I see myself remaining in the Marketing field, but perhaps for a wildlife organisation. I'd like to merge my two interests. In order to excel in marketing, I also see myself doing a further qualification in marketing (Chartered Institute of Marketing most likely).


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Aim high, but be realistic. It's been almost 4 years since I graduated and I'm only a Marketing Assistant. I did take time out (recommended if you didn't have a gap year before uni) and was unlucky with some previous jobs, but I'm now happy where I am and I know where I can go from here. Don't be driven by money. Find something you enjoy doing and you'll be much happier!

Other comments

Good luck!


Last updated: 04 Apr 2013