Alumni Profile of Amy Walker

Name: Amy Walker
From: Denbigh, North Wales
Course studied: Business Studies & Marketing
Year graduated: 2012

How has your career developed since graduating from Bangor University, and what is your current job role?

After graduating I landed my first job in Accounts working for the Local Authority. Working in Accounts enabled me to gain experience and skills I needed to develop which were valuable to progress. I then moved to work in the Payroll department which was another vital stepping stone along the way. In these roles I was required to work to strict deadlines, promote a cost effective and quality service ensuring accuracy and prompt payments. I gained transferrable skills which I have been able to use in all of my roles. Whilst in these positions I always looked for learning opportunities and gained additional qualifications. These roles were the stepping stones which helped me gain my current job which I love, working in Marketing has always been a dream of mine. My current role as an Assistant Marketing Manager is exciting with every day being different and bringing new opportunities. In this role I am responsible for managing several campaigns end to end at any one time. The campaign process involves developing engaging communications, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external agencies in a range of channels and ensuring the campaigns are delivered on time and on budget. Campaigns can be multi-brand and it’s important their distinct communication style is reflected. To work in Marketing for a large company has always been a dream of mine and to work in a career I’m so passionate about is exciting and I am looking forward to what the future brings.

How has your degree and experiences at Bangor Business School influenced your career/life?

I chose Bangor Business School as it is one of the best in the country and carries a renowned reputation of consistently high standards of education over the years. The course and the variation of subjects appealed to me and studying at Bangor University gave me a deeper understanding of business and marketing practices. This includied Marketing Principles, Finance, Project Management and finding out about the “why” to actions businesses take. By completing a range of assessments, presentations and exams as well as my dissertation and business plan enabled me to learn to effectively prioritise, work under pressure and use strong organisational skills. During university not only did I develop my organisational skills, it enabled me to develop my soft skills and confidence.

I have used the skills I learnt at University throughout my career and I am still developing them day to day. These skills have been an important part of my career path and are vital in the working environment. I believe my time at University helped me to grow as a person, developed my vision and values and gave me the building blocks I needed to get to where I am today.

My university experience enabled me to meet different people who I have made long lasting relationships with and learned from. I have been able to pass my learnings on and help others by sharing my experience. I have also been able to give back to the community by using my passion of Running to take part in marathons and raise money for charity. I have raised over £5000 for charity by organising fundraising events and using my marketing skills to develop communications to advertise these.

What advice would you give to current Bangor students?

Going through university can be a challenging time as not only are many living away from home for the first time but there are large workloads and classes/lectures to juggle so I have some tips to share from my experience at Bangor University which I hope will help you.

Enjoy your time!

This is one of the main pieces of advice as it goes quickly and it is an experience you won’t forget throughout your life. Bangor is a great place to learn as being a small city it is easy to make friends and get to know people. It also has great student societies for all sorts of hobbies and interests as well as being a beautiful place to live with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. I would recommend trying different groups and activities as this will help you to create a social network and at Bangor there is a lot of choice so it will be a good opportunity to make some friends, have fun and maybe even find a new hobby.

Make your course right for you

Use the opportunity in the first year to try subjects that interest you most. This will help you to shape your degree as in years 2 and 3 you will be able to choose some of your modules within your main degree. Get to know people on your course and make friends - this will give you a great network of friends with similar interests and you will be able to discuss your work and revise with.

Maximise your opportunities

During university there are a number of opportunities to learn new skills. Try to not be afraid to learn new things as all experiences can be learned from and shape who you are.

Completing work experience or any voluntary work will be what sets you apart from others to employers. If your course has a sandwich year or any opportunity for work experience, seize the opportunity as this will make a huge a difference and is what a lot of employers look for on top of your degree.

Focus on your goals

One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to anybody reading this is to always focus on your goals, work hard and invest your time as nothing is unachievable. Hard work pays off and will help you to achieve your desired goals. Thinking long term will help you as it is not only important to gain the best degree result you want but also thinking about what companies want from graduates. Skills and experiences are what companies look for in addition to your degree and focussing on building these during your time at university will help you in a competitive job market.

Describe your time at Bangor University in one word

It’s hard to describe my time in one word as I found university so inspiring but the ultimate word, I would choose is life-changing