Jana's Chester Made Story: So much more than just a degree

Beyond the Classroom – Putting My Learning into Practice

When I think back to my time at Chester, what stands out most is how much I was able to get involved beyond the classroom. I came to university to study Marketing Management, but my experience became so much more than just my degree. I had the opportunity to take on leadership roles, get involved in university sport, volunteer, complete a placement and work on projects that allowed me to put what I was learning into practice.

I Applied My Practical Learning to Real-world Projects

I particularly loved how practical my Marketing Management course was. I enjoyed learning about areas such as digital marketing, consumer behaviour, branding and social media, and then being able to apply those ideas to real-world projects. My dissertation, which explored how TikTok-driven aesthetics and FOMO influence Gen Z engagement with viral food products, was another highlight because it allowed me to explore an area of marketing that I was genuinely interested in.

Memories of Captaining and Coaching the Women's Basketball Team

A huge part of my university experience was also being involved with the Women's Basketball team, where I became captain and coach. One of my favourite memories was seeing the team make it to Varsity and qualify for the following season's cup after several years of not qualifying. It was incredibly rewarding to see the progress we had made together and taught me a lot about leadership, communication and creating an inclusive environment where people feel supported.

The photos in this blog mean a lot to me because this group of girls has meant so much to me throughout my time at Chester. The team was one of the first communities that welcomed me when I arrived at Chester, and it quickly became a place where I felt I belonged. Year on year, the people in the team may have changed, but the sense of community, support and love for the sport never did.

From being a player to becoming captain and coach, basketball has been a huge part of my university experience and has given me some of my favourite memories. Whether that was team socials, movie nights, away games, practice times or Christmas meals. I'm a big advocate for women's sport, and being part of this team has shown me how powerful sport can be in bringing people together.

Experiencing Work During My Placement Year

My placement year was another experience that had a lasting impact on me. I completed my placement at Siemens Manchester, working across HR and Marketing. It gave me the opportunity to work on real campaigns, employer branding, social media, recruitment events and early careers initiatives, while working alongside people from different teams and organisations. It helped me understand what I enjoyed about marketing and gave me much more confidence about the career I wanted to pursue. Then after the placement, I stayed on part-time while completing my final year as an extension of that internship, and have now moved back to working full time.

The Four-year Course Gave Me the Best of Both Worlds

The four-year structure of my University course, including the Placement Year, was amazing for me. I was actually originally on the three years, but after hearing about the opportunity I switched to four years. It was the best decision because having three years of university study followed by a year in industry gave me the opportunity to understand the theory behind marketing before putting it into practice. And now I'm a fresh graduate with two years of industry experience.

My placement was particularly valuable because I was able to experience what working in a professional environment was actually like while still having the support of the University behind me. And when I continued working part-time at Siemens alongside my final year, it allowed me to bring what I was learning in lectures directly into my work and vice versa. Looking back, the four-year course gave me the best of both worlds. I developed the academic knowledge and critical thinking that come with a university degree, while also gaining professional experience. It gave me a much clearer idea of the type of work I enjoy and the direction I want to take my career and ultimately helped me feel much more prepared for life after university.

Becoming More Confident and Exploring My Interests

Overall, Chester helped me become much more confident, independent, and willing to take opportunities. It gave me the space to explore my interests while also developing the practical skills and experiences that have helped shape the person and professional I am today.

Gaining Awards for My Work

Since graduating, I have been able to build on the experiences I gained during my degree and placement. One of the things I am most proud of is the work I completed during my placement at Siemens, where I was able to contribute to marketing and early careers initiatives with a real impact. I received the Highly Commended Intern of the Year award at Siemens' Early Careers Gala, which was a really special moment for me. Then in my final year of University, I received a Dean's Commendation Award for highest module grade, which was also very rewarding. And I really do think both go hand in hand as my placement helped me excel in my studies, and my time at Chester helped me secure that internship.

Love for Marketing Means I Am Continuing with the University

What I love most about marketing is the combination of creativity and people. I enjoy creating content and campaigns, but I also love understanding an audience, working with different people and finding ways to communicate ideas that have an impact. Now I plan on returning to the university to further my education in a more specialised field enrolling in the Digital Marketing Master's this October on the University's Sport and Active Lifestyle Scholarship.

Advice for Current Students: Take Your Opportunities

My advice to current students would be to make the most of the opportunities around you, even when they might initially feel outside your comfort zone. Some of my most valuable experiences came from saying "yes" to opportunities alongside my degree. You never know which experience will open the next door for you.

How Much Being A Chester Graduate Means To Me

Being a Chester graduate means a lot to me because the University was such an important part of my development, both personally and professionally. I leave Chester with not only a degree, but also friendships, experiences, confidence, and practical skills that I will carry with me into my career.