Kim Mackender
BA(Hons) Retail Marketing, 2005
'Having worked in marketing as an assistant buyer for three years, I decided to return to full-time education to gain a better academic understanding of marketing within the retail arena. I applied for a number of marketing based degrees but decided on Retail Marketing BA (hons) at the University of Brighton. This particular degree is taught at the Eastbourne campus, which has plenty to offer in terms of nightlife, with Brighton itself only being 25 minutes away. Having moved from London it was great being on the south coast and living so close to the beach!
The course itself was really good in terms of the style of learning – plenty of workshops, group work and presentations – which made it varied and enjoyable. The format of the course was great as it consisted of a number of core marketing subjects as well as general management modules. This was useful as it enabled a better understanding of how to integrate marketing theories into a business situation. A number of elective modules also allowed me to remain focused on the areas that I particularly enjoyed. In addition, my third year dissertation was a challenge I really benefited from as it enabled me to explore my interest in healthcare and retail pharmacy.
I am now working as a brand-marketing manager for Vitabiotics, one of the UK’s leading healthcare companies. My role is very varied and I have found a lot of the skills I learned have been transferable and very useful indeed. As well as the obvious academic skills, I feel I have also become a more confident and rounded person as a result. I value my experience at University of Brighton and believe I wouldn’t have been given this opportunity without it. '
