When I graduated from Teesside University in 2019 from my (BA) Business Management degree, I was certain that there was no way I would return to study. I did enjoy studying, but after three years of university I was ready for the world of work and to put my degree to good use… or so I thought.

Why did I study a postgraduate degree?

Once graduated, I got straight into the world of work. I landed a graduate role in marketing at a local logistics company in Middlesbrough and I enjoyed it, however, I wasn’t excited by the industry itself. I moved to another company working in luxury interior design just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. I was then put on furlough as many industries were not operating.

Throughout this time, I had time to think of exactly what I wanted to do with my future. I knew I had a passion for digital marketing and thought doing a master’s degree in it would complement my undergraduate degree, proving to myself and future employers that I was focused on working within a marketing role.

I applied to MSc Digital Marketing in September 2020 after weighing up the pros and cons of going back to study, last minute, I know! I got accepted and I was thrilled. My employer was happy to be flexible around my studies, allowing me to work full-time and study. Funnily enough, if Covid-19 didn’t happen, I don’t think I would have done my master’s degree, so I suppose a few good things happened during a very challenging time.

Despite most of the teaching being online, I met some amazing people, including lecturers, who I am still in contact with now three years on.

What now? 

My master’s degree opened a vast number of opportunities for me. I started a marketing and content role in B2B business managing my own apprentice, and then moved on to an e-commerce brand. I left there recently and decided to join Teesside University’s marketing team – which I absolutely love!

I felt more confident applying for jobs since I had my digital marketing master’s, proving to employers that I not only understand business management but could confidently say I am also an expert in digital marketing. My advice would always be to go for it, whatever that may be, investing in yourself is always a good decision.

By Talene.