Katie Storey’s first year on BA (Hons) Media, Marketing and Advertising

The reason BA (Hons) Media, Marketing and Advertising at AUB was so appealing to me is because the world of marketing is big, and I knew that studying this course would open up many different opportunities within the industry. I wanted to be able to explore different areas of marketing, media and advertising to find out what I enjoy most.

My first year at AUB has been an exciting experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work on different projects, meet so many new people and develop skills that I know I will use in the future.

During my first year, one of my favourites was a project called Every Product Has a Story where I was tasked with working on Tilda Rice. I really enjoyed this project. I found it interesting to look at different types of consumers and understand what they want, how they think and what might influence their decisions. It helped me see marketing from a completely new perspective and understand how important it is to really know your audience when creating a brand.

As part of the Tilda Rice project, I also had to create a radio advert. I had so much fun producing the advert and bringing the idea to life. One of the best parts was being able to collaborate with students from BA (Hons) Acting to help make the advert the best it could be. Working with students from a different course gave me the chance to see how creative people can come together and bring different skills to the project. It also made the project feel much more like a real industry experience, where you’re working with different people to achieve the best result.

Projects like this have helped me develop my creative and professional skills while also showing me how many different opportunities there are within the industry. You can try different things and work out what you enjoy, rather than being limited to one area.

After finishing my first year, I was also given the chance over the summer to work with a real client and help rebrand their brochure. I wasn’t expecting to have an opportunity like this so soon, so it’s been an exciting experience. It has allowed me to put the skills I have learnt at AUB into practice and gain experience of working with a real client. It has also given me a better understanding of what it could be like working in the industry in the future.

Studying at AUB helps you gain access to so many opportunities. You also get to hear from lots of guest lecturers who share the same passions as you. I really enjoy listening to people who are already working in the industry because it gives you an insight into what you could potentially do in the future. It’s also inspiring to hear about other people’s journeys and how they got to where they are.

One of the things I love most about AUB is the location. I love how close it is to the beach. Being in Bournemouth means the coast is always nearby, which is perfect when you need a break from studying. Whether it’s going for a walk, meeting friends or just sitting by the beach, it’s nice having somewhere to go and turn off. Another positive of studying at AUB is the social life. There’s always something going on and I have really enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing university life. The AUB campus has always felt welcoming to me, and the staff and other students are so friendly. There is always something fun happening, which makes it easy to get involved.

A bit of advice for anyone starting university is to be confident when it comes to meeting people. Even if you feel nervous at first, say yes to plans, start conversations and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. I’ve found that making the effort to meet new people makes the whole university experience a lot better. Some of the best parts of my first year have come from the people I’ve met and the experiences we’ve shared.

As I move into my second year, I’m excited to continue developing my skills and seeing what other opportunities come my way. My first year has already given me so much. I’ve gained new skills, made new friends and become much more confident in my creativity.

Overall, my first year at AUB has been a positive experience. I’m excited to continue my journey into my second year and see where Media, Marketing and Advertising can take me.