How would you describe the learning environment and support at RGU? Did you take part in any placement, internships or industry projects during your studies?

I thought it was a great balance of tutorials, lectures and industry experience. I was lucky to secure a work placement at Trend Magazine where I was involved in a fashion show project at the Marcliffe Hotel. This kind of experience at such a young age was invaluable and contributed to getting me ready for working life. 

How well do you feel RGU prepared you for your career?

The course I studied was so varied that it gave me the flexibility to choose from several different career paths. After graduating, I took roles in business development, event management, and marketing, and I also spent 7 years as an Executive Assistant to C-suite leaders in the beer and investment industries.

Even now - 14 years after graduating - I still use the skills I gained during my degree.

Tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

I’m a Marketing and Communications Executive at Evolve iMS, a digital transformation company based in Aberdeen.

I lead across all areas of marketing and communications, including social media, PR, internal communications and events, as well as working closely with charities and schools. It’s a role that offers constant variety and new challenges, which is what I enjoy most about it.

Prior to this, I worked in communications at Port of Aberdeen, where I was part of the team that delivered the opening event of the new South Harbour, including a visit from The Princess Royal - a true “pinch-me” moment. Another highlight was leading the digital strategy for the Tall Ships Races, which returned to Aberdeen for the first time in 28 years. I was responsible for the social media strategy and managing website content throughout the event, which was an amazing career milestone.

Did your time at RGU influence the person you’ve become? What’s something surprising people might not know about you?

Absolutely. What many people don’t know is that before I joined RGU - through clearing, the day before term started - I was actually planning to go to Art School. I’d even enrolled in a portfolio-building course at college, but a month in I dropped out and took a full-time job in a deli. 

At 17, I was panicked and unsure of what I was going to do. Luckily, I realised that being creative didn’t only have to mean going to Art School. I contacted RGU Clearing, and with my grades, I secured a place on the Communications with Public Relations course - and I ended up loving every minute of it.

Imagine you’re back at RGU as a guest speaker – what would you love to share with the students?

It’s completely fine not to have a clear career path in mind and not to overthink it. When I graduated, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I took opportunities as they came along. That openness led me to a career I never expected - in the best possible way!

In one word, how would you sum up your RGU experience?

Empowering