Why did you choose that particular degree course?

I chose my degree course with a clear vision: to specialize in marketing while building a solid foundation in business. I wanted to make strategic marketing decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of a company's overall health, aligning perfectly with my goal of becoming a marketing leader. Warwick's reputation as a top 10 school for marketing globally was a major factor in my decision. The program's academic excellence, practical insights, and industry connections promised to be invaluable for my career.

Five years into my career after studying at WBS, I have achieved my goal and become a marketing leader. The knowledge and skills I gained from Warwick have been instrumental in my success, allowing me to drive impactful marketing initiatives and make informed decisions. This course was a pivotal step in shaping my professional trajectory and contributing meaningfully to the field of marketing.

Tell us about your employer the role that you do and what attracted you to that role and organisation

I currently head Marketing and Communications for RP Group of Companies, a revered Middle-Eastern conglomerate operating in nine countries across 20 cities. While primarily a construction company, RP Group also has significant interests in hospitality, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. I manage marketing for nearly 10 subsidiary companies, supporting the management's vision of digital transformation through rebranding, developing digital collateral, and enhancing the digital footprint.

I was attracted to this role because I wanted to work within a conglomerate rather than a single company, believing that exposure to diverse industries would enhance my marketing expertise. Additionally, I was drawn to RP Group's openness to hiring young talent and trusting me with significant responsibilities. Being their first marketing head, I have the unique opportunity to shape the company's marketing efforts from the ground up, ensuring that my contributions leave a lasting impact.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

At Warwick, I acquired several key skills that have significantly contributed to my career. First, I learned the importance of strategic planning and the discipline to follow through on these strategies, which has been crucial in achieving long-term goals.

Through group work activities, I developed the ability to assert myself when necessary and recognize the right moments to stand firm, enhancing my leadership capabilities. This experience also revealed to me that I am a natural leader rather than a follower, inspiring me to pursue leadership roles early in my career.

Additionally, I honed my research skills, enabling me to make informed decisions based on data and analysis. These skills have been invaluable in navigating complex business environments and driving successful marketing initiatives.

In addition to these core skills, Warwick's rigorous academic environment and diverse student body helped me improve my communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. These competencies have been essential in managing cross-functional teams, leading digital transformation projects, and fostering innovation within my organization. Overall, the skills and experiences I gained at Warwick have been instrumental in shaping my career and achieving my professional goals.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

My greatest career challenge to date has been working with senior team members who are less familiar with digital technologies and encouraging a shift in their mindset. Additionally, establishing my credibility and holding my ground as a young leader in a traditionally hierarchical environment has been challenging.

I overcame these challenges by leveraging my persuasion skills and effectively communicating the importance of digital transformation. I presented data and case studies from companies already implementing the strategies I proposed, demonstrating the tangible benefits and potential ROI. Simplifying complex data and presenting it in an accessible way helped bridge the knowledge gap and facilitated understanding.

Furthermore, developing a thick skin and not taking harsh criticism personally was crucial. This resilience enabled me to remain focused on my goals and persist in my efforts despite setbacks. My experience and skills in data analysis, effective communication, and strategic persuasion were instrumental in overcoming these challenges and achieving successful outcomes.

What ambitions do you have for the future?

My ambitions for the future include bringing RP Group's brands up to par with leading companies in terms of brand building and digital presence. I aim to elevate our brands to be competitive in today's market by implementing innovative marketing strategies and leveraging digital transformation to enhance our visibility and engagement. Through these efforts, I hope to position RP Group as a leader in its industry, recognized for its strong and dynamic brand identity.

On a personal front, I aspire to become an impactful marketer, leaving each company I work with better than I found it. I aim to be recognized as a significant force in the marketing domain, known for my ability to drive meaningful change and achieve outstanding results.

What top tips would you give to students looking for a career in your market sector?

For Warwick graduates aspiring to excel in my sector, here are my top tips:

• Be Proactive: This sector demands initiative and drive. Identify what needs to be done and relentlessly push for progress, even when the path isn’t clearly defined.
• Adaptability: In a conglomerate, you’ll need to switch between various industries seamlessly. Develop the ability to juggle diverse responsibilities and remain agile in a dynamic environment.
• Fearlessness: Challenge the status quo with confidence. Be honest about necessary changes and propose bold, innovative solutions without hesitation.
• Team Empowerment: Build a strong, cohesive team and trust them with their responsibilities. Empower your team members to take ownership of their roles and avoid the pitfalls of micromanagement

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

What I know now that I wish I had known when applying for jobs is the importance of timing and perseverance. Despite applying to over 6,000 jobs, the roles that truly suited me eventually found me organically. This taught me that what is meant for you will not pass you by.

Additionally, I learned the value of proactive outreach. Reaching out directly to hiring managers and talent acquisition teams significantly increased my chances of securing interviews.

Another crucial insight is the importance of going to interviews with a clear plan on how you can help the company with your work. Demonstrating how your skills and experience can directly contribute to the company's success sets you apart and shows your genuine interest and initiative. This combination of patience, persistence, strategic networking, and preparation is something I wish I had fully understood earlier in my job search journey.