Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself?
I have recently graduated from Westminster Business School with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I studied on a general pathway which allowed me tailoring my degree accordingly to my professional interests.
Can you please tell us about your published research paper and presentation of it in Athens?
In my last year I researched how Political parties in the UK use social media to communicate with citizens. This was part of the assignment for my Enterprise Social Networks module. My tutor, Nadia Amin, suggested extending the paper and submitting it to the European Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Conference on Information Systems (EMCIS). Over the course of two months we continuously worked together to ensure necessary research was completed and the paper was accepted by the conference committee. It was great to find out that my paper was accepted as this year only 41% of submissions made it through. I went to Athens in the beginning of July and presented our research to other conference members, most of whom were PhD students. It was a great experience and opportunity to present our University at the international level.
How did you decide to study at Westminster Business School?
I have always been in love with London and having an opportunity to study right in the center of it was very appealing. I visited Westminster Business School on one of the Open Days and was positively overwhelmed by staff, facilities and services that our university provided. In addition,Westminster Business School offers a variety of Business Management courses that made it possible tailoring the programme to my needs and interests.
Why did you choose to study Business Management ?
Business Management is a universal degree; with the range of modules and subjects available, it can take you anywhere. My course really provided me with a foundation of organisational processes and structures and allowed me concentrate on the area of my interest – social media. It is great to know that you can tailor your modules according to your requirements.
What are the main challenges of this course?
As I mentioned, there is a great number of modules available; therefore you need to be careful when choosing your subjects for each year of studying. For instance, in my second year I mostly concentrated on legal aspects of business but my final year focused on social media and online communications. You always need to be critical in terms of module selection and I would definitely recommend speaking to your tutors before making a final choice.
Can you please tell us about the life after graduation ?
After completing my second year at WBS, I took a placement year, which allowed me growing as a person and shaped my career choices. Upon completion of my practise, Hays, my employeer, offered the extension of my contract and so during my final year I kept working within the company on a part time basis. I had a niche position, working on internal social media strategy. It gave me a great exposure within the business. I was liasing with various stakeholders, from new employees to senior management team and learnt the benefits of social media within the business. This summer two different Hays’ departments offered me job opportunities. It was great to know that I am valuable employee and the company is keen to keep me. I needed to decide between two very attractive roles and so I have recently started in a new position.
What do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?
As a student to student, my main advice is to complete a placement year. It really is a great opportunity to go out there and be part of the real world of work. In addition, work practise allows students to network and make valuable contacts. We have great support services at Westminster Business School who provide valuable employer information and assist students throughout their year out.
Can you tell us about your current job and your future plans?
For the last two years I worked with the operational business of Hays and worked directly with over 200 employees. Last month I moved internally and started working within our Head Office. My role is a Global Social Media and Content Executive and I currently support our marketing teams across the world with their social media strategy. This is a great role as every day I am working with people across the globe and support our global business. I have a wonderful team and feel positive about my future.
Do you have any recommendations for students who are graduating this July and about to enter the job market?
I think our university has prepared us really well and we all got great employability skills. It is not a secret that job applications can be tough so my main recommendation would be not to give up, stay calm and think positive. As a fellow student what would you recommend other students during their time at Westminster Business School? Make the most of your time at University. I heard this advice so many times but it really works – join WBS societies, participate in events and extra-curricular activities. This will help you not only to make new friends but also shape your interests and add something to your CV.
What keeps you occupied outside of work and studies?
Working and studying requires a lot of mental activity, we often process information for 8-9 hours a day, which can make us feel exhausted. I believe that physical activity is key to support your well-being and help you relax. Over the last four years I’ve become much sportier: I’ve ran my first 5 mile run last summer and I’m now training for a 10km run to support Cancer Research UK. I enjoy playing tennis on a sunny day and take yoga classes to improve my concentration. I think sports is a great way to improve your physique and clear your mind.
What are the main lessons you have learnt by being involved during your studies?
Taking part in extra-curricular activities requires an effort. Whether you are part of a Society committee or are working on extra projects, you should be ready to do extra work, if you want to achieve good results. I spent most of my final year studying in the university’s library and I think we have great facilities that encourage group brainstorming as well as space for an individual work – make the most of it!
What is the best piece of advice given to you by a teacher?
I have had a lot of wonderful tutors in our university who supported me and the rest of the students throughout our studies. I think one of the most valuable feedback that I had said that I should not be afraid of expressing my opinion and making my voice heard. Our University is very international and, coming from different background and upbringing, we all have varied characteristics. I think at the beginning of studies I found it difficult to find my own self in these international groups. However, as I progressed with my studies, I have developed my own communications style and have become, as I would like to think, a valuable member of many project groups that I have worked with.
What does the future hold for you after graduation? What are your plans?
I have been lucky to secure a job straight after graduation and I would like to continue working in the field of Social Media and Digital Marketing. I hope that the next few years would be full of challenging and exciting projects that will help me develop my expertise and progress on to the next level.
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Hello
I’m studying at Regents campus, my dissertation is on celebrity culture, social media and politics so I’d love to take a look at this paper and/or get Viktorija’s email if possible, it would be great to get her work on a bibliography I’m sure.
Many thanks
Sam
Well done Viktorija! I have just landed a year’s placement and remember seeing your presentation on your placement’s experience. Reading your story is quite inspirational, especially for me as I also want to follow a career in Digital Marketing.
All the best!
André