Marketing Communications Executive Review

My role includes set up and termination of sites, creating and briefing assets and marketing work to creative agency, corresponding with key suppliers, ordering merchandise, maintaining social media presence, updating and maintaining the brand website (Eurorepar Car Service), Updating and maintaining Google My Business pages for the network, processing PO's, assisting with a budget, reporting, general enquiries, managing customer facing inbox and other ad-hoc duties.

I have learnt project management skills from delivering two national conferences to the network. This included ordering and creating assets, finding and negotiating venues and packages, sending invites, arranging suppliers, planning guest speakers, pulling together an agenda and slides for the whole day and other duties. I have also learnt key digital marketing skills, and how pay per click and search engine optimisation has a huge impact on the way a business is seen by the public.

I enjoy the programme, particularly this role as it means that I am able to get exposure to areas of the business I wouldn't have previously. In addition, I think it's a positive experience for me as, although I am busy, it is giving me invaluable experience. I feel very lucky as I am carrying out most of the role my previous manager did before leaving the business. The company benefits are great, and it feels as though staff are valued. The University programme can be somewhat disappointing at times, however I am grateful for the qualification being sponsored by my workplace.

It hasn't been the best organised programme, as we were the pilot course for the degree apprenticeship. In addition, we have had several things happen within work which has caused issues with rotations within the organisation and the exposure we got to different departments, with some rotations being extended and some cut short. The University experience can be quite frustrating, we have previously had issues with rooms not being booked properly, confusion on submission dates, etc.

I receive a great amount of support from my employer. Particular in my role, my manager is fantastically supportive. I am able to take the time I need for my studies, as well as being offered help within the workplace for my role as it is extremely busy. I feel comfortable asking for the support also.

I would say that this could be better. I don't feel as though we always get the level of support I'd like, for the work required. It is very inconsistent amongst the modules and some of the lecturers' feedback is not very helpful. However, when it is good, it is really good.

The actual qualification has allowed me to bridge the gaps at work that I wouldn't have been able to understand before. Particularly, for example, the finance and budgeting modules, as now help maintain the budget for the brand I work with. I do think that the experience for face-to-face lectures is better than online.

We do have a netball team, and there are other smaller teams to get involved in that have been created by individual departments. There are walking and cycling events made, there is a monthly 'curry club' night out in my department, and there are 'lunch and learn' workshops and networking events a couple of times per month also.

Yes

It is a nice and supportive working environment, particularly in the Coventry office. Everyone is friendly and willing to make the time to support and befriend each other. The work itself is engaging and the resources available and training opportunities are also great. Company benefits also contribute to this being a really nice place to work.

Embrace it. The industry is reactive and the business changes continuously to suit, but it is exciting and engaging and will give you so much experience. I would say that you need to be open minded and remain flexible. Also research all of the different types of job available in the industry, as there may be roles and departments you've never heard of before that are actually very interesting.