Meet Laura who works for the National Glass Centre
What is your job in a nutshell?
My job is to develop and maintain National Glass Centre’s audiences. My role is very broad and I am responsible for everything from liaising with media, creating point of sale artwork, literature and adverts, monitoring our digital channels as well as managing our reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
Tell us about your career journey so far? How did you get your first job?
After leaving school I started A-Levels in Art, Textiles, Psychology and Classics. Alongside studying I got a part time admin job at a large Social Housing Association. While there I expressed an interest in Marketing. I subsequently gained the opportunity to cover admin for two weeks within the Communications department at Gentoo. After making a good impression I was lucky enough to be offered a full-time job when I finished my A-Levels. After a few years I was promoted to Communications Assistant and worked there for almost 6 years in total. I now work as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at cultural attraction, National Glass Centre in Sunderland, where I am solely in charge of the organisations marketing operations
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
I am the marketing team! Therefore, I have a lot of freedom to develop my own ideas and campaigns. Currently, the National Glass Centre is heavily involved in the Sunderland City of Culture bid for 2021 which means I get to meet and work with a lot of great people on some fantastic projects for the city’s cultural sector. It’s fantastic to work with such creative people every day. I get to work with everyone from the exhibitions and learning teams to the glass blowers. I’ve even had a go at blowing glass, which is a lot harder than it looks!
What do you love about working in your industry?
It’s taken me back to something I love. I’ve always been a creative person and originally planned on completing an art degree before becoming interested in marketing. Working in the cultural sector has allowed me to express my creativity. I also really enjoy working for the University of Sunderland, I get to see talented new artist’s emerging every day!
Has studying with nesma helped you in your current role?
Absolutely. I was never suited to Uni-life, I enjoy working and the perks that come with earning an income. However, I also enjoy learning and wanted to further my education and subsequently my career. Studying with Nesma has allowed me to do both. Last year I completed my CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing and I’m currently studying for my CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing (Equiv to degree level). I was told in my interview for my current role that the panel were impressed that I was studying for my CIM alongside working full time. NESMA and CIM definitely helped towards securing my current job! I would like to consider studying the new CIM Level 7 Marketing Leadership Programme (Equiv masters) in the future.
Want to find out how we might be able to advance your career?
Let’s chat over the phone or we can meet you at your place of work.
In addition to a range of CIM, CIPR and DIM qualifications we also have a number of Skills Sessions on offer to help boost your marketing knowledge one day at a time.
