How the University of Chester’s CareerHub Helped Me Get a Job Ahead of My Future Master’s

Hi! My name is Marlena and I’m currently studying for a BA Graphic Design and Photography degree at the University of Chester’s Creative Campus, Kingsway.

After my degree, I have my heart set on studying for a Master’s in Digital Marketing. To do this, I knew I needed real experience, something that would help me develop skills, strengthen my CV, and give me the confidence to apply when the time comes. I wanted practical experience to show I can work on real projects as part of a team.

Through the Careers and Employability section of the University’s website, I found the CareerHub, which is full of valuable opportunities. It lists part-time jobs, internships, placements and paid projects. It also offers support with CV writing, preparing for interviews and applying for roles. It’s simple to use, and I kept checking it until I found something that felt right for me. That’s how I came across the job that’s helping to shape my future. I saw the role of marketing assistant for the Chester Festival of Ideas advertised; this is a big event that brings people across the University and the local community together. I applied and got the job!

Since then, I’ve done a lot. I’ve built landing pages on WordPress for the event, added all the event listings and set up automation to help manage tasks. I hand-drew maps to help people find event locations and created pictures to go with them. I planned the speaker schedule, kept spreadsheets up to date, created the printed event programme and designed stickers for kids. The experience has been full-on and hands-on, and has made use of all the theory/skills I’m learning now and the ones I’ve gained in the past.

Alongside this role, I’m also working as a Student Ambassador. It’s a flexible role that fits well around my studies. It allows me to develop more skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management. It’s another way to gain experience and meet people while focusing on my course.

Both roles have helped me in the following ways:

• Experience – I’ve worked on real projects with deadlines, teamwork and real outcomes.
• Skills – I’ve learned how to use digital tools, organise tasks and manage my time.
• Direction – These roles confirmed that digital marketing is the path I want to follow, and now I have the practical work experience to support my Master’s applications.

If you’re a student at the University of Chester and are thinking about your future, and how to gain hands-on experience before you graduate, visit the CareerHub. It helped me take the first step towards my Master’s, and to learn about the work I’d like to do in the future. Adding something like this to your CV, with a big name behind it, is a real advantage. If you’re thinking it’s too early or not for you just yet, I get it. I had the same doubts. I wasn’t sure if applying for something like this in my first year made sense. But I’m so glad I did.

Getting practical experience could do the same for you, putting you ahead of the competition. It also helps you build a network of professionals who might recommend you on LinkedIn if they come across a role that suits you. Get in touch with the Careers and Employability team, and check what jobs are out there on CareerHub while you’re studying here – one of those jobs might be just right for you!