Alumni

Jennie Lynn Read

Career Path: Account Manager, The Design Portfolio Marketing Services Ltd.
Location: Leeds, UK

I started temping for a marketing agency after I graduated, I was offered a full time position on the Data Analyst Team which suited me well due to my finance degree. I made my way up the company and was made redundant from a team management role, so moved into an Account Management role on the GSK account for the in-store activation of products, promotions and point of sale material. At first I really didn't want to be a Client Manager but after a few months I was really enjoying it so decided to continue.

What are you doing now?

I now work for a corporate communications agency managing multiple corporation’s annual and interim account report production, which fits quite well with my finance degree. I also oversee other projects including annual results presentations, photoshoots, corporate branding, newsletters, websites and internal intranets.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I asked my high school university guidance Councillor where the best business school was in the country, she said Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University so I applied.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

I really enjoyed the academic side of my university time, everyday I had a different type of learning environment; lectures, seminars, team projects and self-led studying. I felt all really helped fill out my knowledge base for the course.

How connected was your course with industry?

I chose to do a placement in my third year, the other thing I appreciated was that some of my lecturers also worked outside of the University, they were able to give "real life" examples and advice for scenarios.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

My placement was amazing, I had the best time and it was greatly beneficial to see how a company worked and also put some of my education into practice.

What was the best thing about your course?

Meeting friends who have similar skillsets, abilities and ambitions for their careers.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

When I interviewed for my current role the MD asked me if I'd ever seen an annual report. My response was that we did a module based on dissecting the content and numbers as part of my degree. I don't think that in the 25 years of the company anyone was able to say that they have studied the main product in detail. It definitely secured the deal!

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

I changed companies a few times since graduating where the working processes were totally different in each working environment. The one thing which has been consistent is that each has used Microsoft programs; Word, Excel, Outlook and even Access. The module I spent on mastering these programs has helped me adapt to each new role and hit the ground running.