Looking for a unique course that blended creativity with practical skills, Essi found the MSc Digital Campaigning & Content Creation at QMU to be the perfect fit. With a balance of hands-on experience and theoretical learning, she gained the tools to explore various aspects of marketing, filmmaking, and digital content creation. During her studies, she worked as a Student Content Creator for QMU's marketing team and received the Student & Vice-Chancellor’s Development Fund to support her master’s project, a documentary filmed on the Isle of Skye.
Now working her dream job as a Content Creator and Social Media Manager at Radical Travel Group, Essi combines her love for visual storytelling and travel in her career. In this Student Story, she reflects on her journey at QMU and how it shaped her future.
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
When I was looking for a course to study in Scotland I really wanted to find something unique, and that would prepare me for my future career in the creative field. I found that the Digital Campaigning and Content Creation course was the only one of its kind in the whole of Scotland that offered such a balanced approach of theory and practice. As someone who wasn’t quite sure what they wanted to do after finishing university, I felt like this kind of course would give me balanced knowledge in many areas of PR and marketing. Also, my course offered the opportunity to obtain a certificate which was a big plus. I was also super happy to find out that QMU was a smaller university, which made it easier to get to know people and get involved.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I really enjoyed the balance between practical hands-on studies with more traditional theoretical work. I got to dive into the deep end with managing film lights and microphones while sitting it in a lecture hall making colour-coordinated notes! Because our class was quite small, we got a lot of one-on-one time with the teaching staff which was invaluable. Also, being surrounded by other creatives was just amazing!
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
I absolutely loved all the filming tasks we got to do. Whether it was filming short scenes with classmates or doing individual assessments, getting hands-on experience was the most memorable experience for me. Using different kinds of cameras, lenses and other equipment and getting to use my own creativity was great and it really taught me a lot.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
My lecturers gave me personalised support with my assessments whenever necessary. Whether I needed someone to look at my film before submitting it or help me contact different clients for assessments, my lecturers were always there to help. My biggest advice would be to ask as many questions as possible and if you have an idea of what you would like to do, don’t be afraid to bring it up! The odds are, that you will gain something invaluable.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
As an international student, it was first difficult to adapt to life in the UK, everything was so different, from normal food shops to going through day-to-day life in English! It helped seeing how friendly QMU was for international students and I felt like I got a lot of support from the International Student team and they were always happy to help out, whether I had questions about taxes, visas or anything else.
Did you take part in a placement or any work experience as part of your course?
I did an optional Industry-Based Learning module during my course, and I am so glad I did!
"My lecturers helped me find a placement that aligned with my career prospects and I was able to spend a few months with a PR Agency called Frame getting hands-on experience in the field."
This was the perfect opportunity to put what I had learnt into action as well as learn more from the professionals surrounding me.
I also worked as a Student Content Creator (an opportunity open to all QMU students) during my studies, and it was the best thing ever! I got to get involved with improving the University’s digital presence, work with different departments, gain a bit of extra cash during my studies (it never hurts as a student!) and I also made new friends that I still hang out with. Working as a Student Content Creator gave me a space to put things that I learnt from my course into action and it was the perfect job on the side of my studies, since it was so flexible. I also got to get involved as much as I wanted, or as little as I wanted, depending on my workload!
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
Just do it! Even if you’re not sure whether you want to head for a career in PR, filmmaking or marketing, the course gives you the tools and options to try everything. The lecturers really care about you not only during your studies, but afterwards as well. This is the perfect course for creatives that want to learn more, whilst still staying creative!
Did you win any awards or scholarships that helped you develop skills and experience?
For my final project, I received the Student & Vice-Chancellor’s Development Fund to support me cover the costs of the travel I took for my project. I did a 10-minute film on the Isle of Skye about Digital Detox and the fund allowed me to travel to Skye, cover for accommodation, and film in stunning landscapes, it was an absolute dream come true and it really helped me make my vision come true!
If applicable, which University services did you use to support you through your university journey and how did they help you?
I used the careers service to help enhance my CV to be the best it can be!
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Get involved! Whether it’s societies, being a Student Ambassador or a Student Content Creator, it is so worth it. Not only will you get to express yourself but you’ll also meet some amazing people and make friends for life. Also, remember that your uni experience is so much more than just studying! Get excited and explore the city and country you’re studying in.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
Everything is a learning experience, not just the hours you spend inside lecture halls. Whether it’s about relationships, networking, approaching difficult situations, or trying to balance workload with all the other fun things going on in life – everything teaches you something. Even on the days that it feels like you have no clue what you are doing (I had, and still have, many of those days) you’re still going forward and learning more about yourself and the people around you. So face everything with curiosity, you never know, where it might lead you!
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
"After my graduation, I landed my dream job at Radical Travel Group and I am currently working in the marketing team as a content creator and social media manager. I get to combine my passion with travel and content creation and it’s an absolute dream come true! "
I have travelled around Scotland to the most dreamy destinations meanwhile I get to constantly improve in a professional setting. I have also started my own business and done some freelancing in the social media sector through that. I know that this is just a start of my journey, but I am so excited and grateful for QMU for giving me the tools to make this happen!
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