A Literary Student’s Global Marketing Journey

Name: Camille Stanley (BA 2019)
Degree subject and school: English Language and Literature, School of English, Communication and Philosophy
Destination: Canada

Which Global Opportunity did you take part in and what did it involve?

I studied marketing at a summer programme at UBC Canada. This involved 7 weeks spent in Vancouver living at the university, learning this new subject each day, as well as planned social activities with a group of international students who were studying various subjects. We also presented a project at the end of the programme.

What inspired you to apply for a Global Opportunities programme?

I was interested in trying a new subject of interest (marketing) and connecting with different international students. My degree didn’t include a year abroad so I was grateful that Cardiff also had summer study abroad opportunities.

Tell us about your career: where do you work and what’s your current role? How do you feel your time abroad has helped you professionally? 

After my study abroad I became a GO ambassador at Cardiff Uni, I welcomed and supported international students at the university and even used my studies gained while abroad during a marketing internship in the university’s GO office.

Straight after university I started in the civil service in an international marketing team, my time spent in Canada studying marketing helped me achieve this role. Marketing and communications has continued to be a role in my career. After being in the civil service for 2 years, I continued to work in London but at a charity in a corporate partnerships role.

After 2 1/2 years there, I have recently moved to Belgium to work in a corporate partnerships and marketing/communications role at a business school. I am now living close to the friends I made while studying abroad and my time spent in Canada has helped me adapt to an international workplace.

What’s your favourite memory of your time abroad?

Making strong friendships with students from around the world, experiencing the atmosphere of a North American university and the scenery of Canada.

What advice would you give to a student who is unsure whether time abroad is for them?

That you can take so many things from time spent abroad, studying or working, that you won’t regret it. Whether you leave with new friends, new academic/career experience, or having seen new parts of the world – there are so many ways to make the opportunities suit you and your aims. After university it is hard to come by such opportunities like study abroad, while being supported by your home university, so make the most of this unique opportunity and take the leap!