Rebecca Young

What course did you study for your undergraduate degree and why? 

I studied multimedia journalism, combining my passion for writing and desire to learn key skills and knowledge about media technology and equipment. I wanted to challenge myself by studying topics that were new and interesting, as well as continue to grow my academic skill set. My endgame goal for my undergraduate degree was to become an entertainment journalist.

Which postgraduate course have you chosen to study at Northumbria?

I chose digital marketing, exploring how traditional and contemporary marketing has been transformed by technology and the digital world, After finishing my undergrad, I applied for jobs and got to the final stages in quite a few of them but didn’t manage to secure a position. I decided that furthering my skill set would help to secure a job in either my original career background or a new one.

What were your reasons for changing direction? 

During my journalism degree, I really enjoyed the digital side of learning, especially working with metrics and data. I’m also quite creative and liked how contemporary journalism and digital marketing are similar but each have unique differences, especially when it comes to creating new ideas.

Also, journalism is a competitive field and the job requirements for some roles can vary. There are a number of different roles in digital marketing where I can use everything I learned from my journalism degree and combine it with what I know about digital marketing.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying an entirely new subject for postgraduate study?

I would say do your research because that’s very important - if you’re going into a new field, think about how it differs from your previous study but also think about how the skills and qualities you previously gained will benefit.

Also, don’t feel daunted about the jump into a new area of study. I knew nothing about business going into my digital marketing degree but received plenty of support from my peers and tutors to solidify my understanding. There might be areas that are new to you but that’s why you’ve picked a new subject - because you want to learn something new.

How is your current course helping to prepare you for employment? 

I’ve got to use professional standard software during assignments, as well as practising individual and group learning, I also completed a leadership and management development module in Semester One of my degree which was invaluable in preparing me for future employment.

Describe Northumbria in 3 words

Accommodating, insightful and fulfilling