Digital Marketing Was the Right Path for Me – Shannon Shares Her Digital Journey

My Role - There Is Always Someone New to Connect With 

I manage social media and PR, and what I love most is the creative freedom I’ve been given. I’m trusted to develop my own ideas and ways of working, which is incredibly empowering. The College is large, with three campuses, so I meet new people all the time—there’s always someone new to connect with! I’m part of a marketing team of six, and together we cover everything from events to campaigns. Since we’re a relatively new team, we work closely and support each other, which has helped me grow my skills across a wide range of areas. 

How My Degree Was a Solid Foundation 

The course gave me a solid foundation across all areas of marketing, which means I can step in and support any part of the team when needed. It helped me understand how different aspects of digital marketing are interconnected and how they influence the audience’s journey with a brand. While writing press releases was new to me, the assignments and content creation during my degree really developed my writing skills and taught me how to tailor content for different audiences. I didn’t feel fully prepared when I graduated—most people don’t—but looking back, I had all the tools I needed. I just needed the chance to put them into practice. 

A Great Mix of Creativity and Strategy 

The course is fantastic because it’s so hands-on. You get to create real content, whether it’s for your personal brand or for businesses you collaborate with. We worked on everything from social media strategies to podcasts and websites. It’s a great mix of creativity and strategy. 

Placement Highlights  

One of the biggest highlights was my placement at Morgan Digital in my first year. What started as a two-week placement turned into six months! It gave me a real insight into agency life and confirmed that marketing was the right path for me. I also did another placement on the client side, working in-house for a company, which gave me a completely different perspective. I really enjoyed the balance of working independently on some assignments and collaborating in teams on others. 

Strong Relationships at Chester  

Having grown up in Chester, I didn’t come far, but I’ve always loved the city. It’s friendly, and the campus is just the right size—you’re never lost in the crowd. You get to build strong relationships with your tutors, who are always there to support you, and it’s easy to connect with other students because you see familiar faces all the time. 

Dissertations and Marathons  

Writing my dissertation is a core memory—it was a huge challenge, but also incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I was training for a marathon, so finishing both in the same month was a huge personal achievement. The support I received from my lecturers, my workplace, and my family was amazing, and it really helped me push through. 

Why Choose University?  My Top Three Reasons  

Don’t do a degree just for the sake of it. It can be a great way to reach your career goals, but there are other routes too. Do your research—look into the industry you’re interested in and see what qualifications or experience you actually need. If you do choose university, try to base your assignments on topics you’re passionate about. It makes the research and writing process so much more enjoyable and meaningful. 

University can be a life-changing experience, both personally and professionally. If your dream job requires a degree or equivalent qualification, then university is a valuable step toward achieving that goal. But beyond the academics, it’s a unique opportunity to grow, meet new people, and explore new environments. It’s a time to challenge yourself and build confidence. Whether it’s through the friendships you form, the skills you develop, or the experiences you gain, university can open doors and shape your path in ways you might not expect. 

Interested in Digital Marketing? 

If you are interested in the exciting field of Digital Marketing why not view our course pages and find out more.  We offer both an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Digital Marketing. You can still apply for a place for this Autumn, or if you are looking at 2026 entry, our Open Days are the perfect chance to come and meet the staff and have a look around our award winning Business School!