Rachel Butler

BA (Hons) Marketing Management

Where are you from?

Teesside

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Because it was close enough to still feel like home, but far enough away to get some independence. It also has fantastic business facilities!

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

I love Newcastle - I used to always come shopping here when I was younger because it was the nearest city to my home town. Newcastle has a great music scene, so I spend a lot of my free time going to gigs.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

One of the nicest things about Newcastle is how welcoming everyone is - it's very different to back home! I was a little nervous about moving away, but everyone is so friendly and helpful it's hard not to love the place.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Northumbria is very welcoming - all of the staff and students are really friendly. On my first day I didn't know anyone, and decided to walk up to two girls who were talking outside a lecture theatre to introduce myself and we just clicked straight away - we are all still really good friends now!

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place is the Go Café near Sports Central - it's got a great range of food in there and lots of comfy seating to chill out in. It also serves Starbucks coffee which is a godsent in assignment periods!

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I am a team leader on the Marketing Volunteer Scheme organised by Newcastle Business School, working on a voluntary basis for "Saddle Skedaddle" (a cycling holiday specialist based on Newcastle Quayside). This has been such a great experience for me, as it has helped me to apply what we learn at University to a working context, and also prepares you for the corporate world as we attend regular meetings and have to write reports on our research findings. It's also a great thing to have on your CV - don't underestimate the advantages of doing this!

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about Marketing Management is the people - everyone has a similar sense of humour and our whole course really get on with each other very well.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

The most valuable lesson I have learnt is to start all work as you get it. This seems so obvious, but it's so important to do the work while it's still fresh in your head! I definitely learnt my lesson after a couple of sleepless nights in year one!

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

Although we have covered a lot of aspects of Marketing, I have really found my feet with Digital Marketing, and I can see myself planning online campaigns for companies in the future.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I have just secured a Digital Marketing Placement at L'Oréal in London - so I'm incredibly excited to start there in June as it sounds like a fantastic experience!

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Just go for it!

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I think I have changed massively since coming to University! I took a year out to work full time and find out what I really wanted to do with my life, and I was pretty miserable! Northumbria has opened so many doors for me and given me so much experience that I now feel ready for the "real world".