Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am a final-year BA (Hons) Marketing Communications student. I am originally from Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and I moved to London just before starting my degree in 2010. I am currently the Student Brand Manager for the American restaurant chain, Chipotle, which is expanding in the UK and in Europe. I am also the Assistant Marketing Manager at Westminster Business Consultants, the only Junior Enterprise in the UK, which is member of the Confederation of Junior Enterprises (JADE).
Prior to deciding to move to the UK, I attended Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing, a renowned higher education institution in Brazil, during three semesters. I studied the Marketing and Advertising bachelor’s degree, which is considered the top 1st marketing course in the country.
During my summer holidays, I have gained work experience in Brazil, as a marketing intern for a dental insurance company, in 2011. I also volunteered at an institution for disabled people, assisting disabled children on developing their executive functions through drawings, art projects and games, in 2012. It was a remarkable and amazing experience, as I had the opportunity to meet the happiest children I have ever seen.
What were the top three reasons for you to choose to study at Westminster Business School?

The first reason that motivated me to choose to study at the University of Westminster was its partnership with my previous university. I decided to contact the university international office to gather more information on how to enrol on a Marketing course. The Senior International Partnerships Officer was extremely helpful, always replying to my emails and assisting me on how to apply through UCAS. The second reason was the Marketing Communications course syllabus, which was much more attractive than any other course at other institutions. All the modules were incredibly relevant for the professional development I wanted to acquire. Finally, the third reason was its privileged location, which has enhanced my international experience, since I have had the opportunity to deal with people from different cultural backgrounds. In addition, going to a university in London stands out in the international job market.
What are some of the extra-curricular activities you are involved with on campus?

I have been involved with the Westminster Business Consultants for one year. WBC is a non-profit organisation, where students put their academic knowledge into practice by working on projects and offering consultancy services to clients. This project-based approach enables students to garner work experience, whilst simultaneously studying for their degrees. I have developed my soft skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and gained valuable experience by working on real business projects. I believe that working at the only Junior Enterprise in the UK has been a unique achievement, since our team of students has to manage a real enterprise and deal with the constraints and challenges of running a business.
As an Assistant Marketing Manager, I have administered the marketing department and advised consultants working on projects. I am also responsible for developing marketing strategies to promote WBC amongst students, including social network management and the creation of visual communications. Furthermore, I took part in a project that intended to promote the Junior Enterprise concept amongst UK universities, assisting students on how to set up an enterprise. My most remarkable experience at WBC was representing them at the Junior Enterprise World Conference (JEWC) in 2012, in Brazil. It was one week with different workshops with notorious business people, including Michelle Hunt, who served on the USA President Bill Clinton’s Transition Team.
Moreover, I am a Student Brand Manager for Chipotle Mexican Grill, a large American restaurant chain. I have been responsible for developing innovative marketing strategies to promote the brand on campus by using a variety of communication channels. I have also managed events with societies and sports teams, and coordinated PR and digital marketing strategies.
Have you got any memorable story that happened during your studies at the Westminster Business School to tell?

I believe that the three years I have been a Westminster student have been a life-changing experience. During my first year, I lived in Alexander Fleming Halls and I made life-long friends that I will never forget about, and completely experienced the British student life there. The university has always offered me the support I needed, even outside the academic environment, as I had been offered a place in halls during my final year, due to some difficulties I went through in my second year.
I also received one of the University of Westminster’s Achievement Awards, which the university has given me a certificate and £1000 for. In addition, I took part in the Coca-Cola Enterprises Digital Hackathon, which was the first ever Hackathon to be held in the UK. It was a 24-hour challenge for all the Westminster students, and one of the best experiences I had during my academic life. My group presented our project to a panel of Coca-Cola executives (including Carl Kennedy, Associate Director for IT Development and APIs who flew from Atlanta, especially for the event), the Digital Marketing Manager of Tragus Group (operator of Bella Italia & Café Rouge), and some of the university academics. My group won the competition, being awarded £1000.
Therefore, I believe that one of the most valuable life experiences I have had took place here and going to the University of Westminster has definitely been the best decision I have made in my life.
Everyone is talking about employability skills what do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?

I believe that the best way to increase employability skills is by taking part in extra-curricular activities. Our university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to endeavour to succeed professionally. We have many societies and sports teams that we can get involved with. Additionally, being the only university in the UK to have a Junior Enterprise is extraordinarily prestigious, as Junior Enterprises are present at many European universities and at almost every Brazilian university. Gaining work experience is also important to develop soft skills and build relationships with companies that might offer you a full-time job when you graduate. Furthermore, volunteering is also another way to make you stand out when applying for a job, and it can be a memorable experience.
As a fellow student what would you recommend other students in the Westminster Business School?

I would recommend them to put as much effort as possible on their academic life. It is only three years that will probably count for the rest of your life. Every time you work on an assignment or revise for an exam, aim to get a 1st. Always strive to be the best student, but maintain a good social life. Go out and experience all that London has to offer and mostly important, make as many friends as possible.
We all know that student life is hard work! How do you manage to balance your studies with all the extra-curricular activities?

Fortunately, the more responsibilities I have, the more I work. When you get involved with so many different activities, you manage your time better, as you know your time is limited. Anyone can perform well at university, whilst getting involved with extra-curricular activities and having a good social life.

What are the main lessons you have learnt by being so involved during your studies?

I have learnt that hard work pays off. The university offers great incentives to high-achieving students. In addition, many of our lecturers and tutors have connections with people involved with the business industry. Once they know you are a focused student with clear goals in mind, they might recommend you to their contacts, increasing your opportunities of acquiring an internship or a job.

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