Creatively minded Megan Campbell was intrigued by QMU’s new BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Public Relations course, which would allow her to put her passions into practice.
Interested in several different potential career paths, but unable to nail down her number one choice, BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Public Relations - which blends two rapidly growing industries together - would offer Megan many rewarding career opportunities, while learning from unrivalled expertise and having the chance to get her creative juices flowing.
Currently in her 1st year on the course, 19-year-old Megan already knows she has made the right choice and is excited for what is to come.
Why did you choose to study at QMU?
I heard that student support and wellbeing, and the student/staff relationships are a big focus at QMU which was a non-negotiable aspect I look for in a university! The campus is close to city centre and close to home and there are loads of welcoming societies and committee options to join.
What interested you about BA (Hons) Digital Marketing and Public Relations?
I have just finished my HNC in Law this year and marketing, business, law, HR & PR are all career routes I have considered over the last couple of years. However, I decided that I didn’t actually want to take the law route forward as ultimately, I wouldn’t be able to afford the further training required to be a lawyer once I finished my degree, so it felt pointless to study law at university. I therefore decided to swap over to the marketing realm!
"What particularly stood out to me with this new course at QMU was the blend of creative and practical aspects and the content around PR. I am a huge social science person and love all aspects of connecting with people and making an impact. I am also an avid photographer and enjoy being in touch with my creative side, so it stood out to me that there are film and videography aspects within the BA (Hons) Digital Marketing & PR course. "
What attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
I mostly wanted to be close to home - I’ve worked part time in the city for the past 2 years, and my partner and all my friends also live here. As I’m from Fife, which is just across the Forth Bridges, I am already so familiar with Edinburgh, so it just made sense! QMU gives me the opportunity to be close to all the city centre has to offer and is only a 6-minute train ride away, giving me space to escape city hustle and bustle and also the proximity to embrace it if I wish.
What has been the highlight of your course so far?
I have really enjoyed embracing all the extras that come with the study. I was chosen to be Course Representative and have been selected for the Student Experience Committee! These roles give me the opportunity to work on my leadership skills and get behind the scenes of my course to feedback to lecturers and be a point of contact to support peers. The social nature of this course has allowed me to work on my collaboration, communication, leadership and public speaking skills.
How have your lecturers support your learning?
Lecturers constantly ask for feedback, so they know what to adjust and adapt for students. On my course, it has been evident since day one that the lecturers are completely genuine and truly care - a level beyond it simply being their job!
In induction week, we had lectures and workshops on how to use the online library and university systems, and it was communicated clearly what departments there are to support us for different maters i.e., funding, mental health, registration etc, so we have had a sense of security that no matter the problem, nothing is too big or too small and there’s always a point of contact to support us!
What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned at university so far?
Do not sweat the small stuff and don’t lose sight of who you are. Being yourself and being the most genuine and real version of yourself is imperative thing at university. There are so many different types of people at QMU and so many different societies, there’s a place for you no matter what your personality or interests. I would follow that up by saying to also embrace it as much as possible, don’t allow yourself to burn out, but definitely grab any new opportunity you can. The next 4/5 years are important academically, but it's also your time to build yourself personally and make connections and gain experiences for your CV!
Are you part of any extra-curricular clubs or societies?
I am part of the competition team for the QMU Tap Dance Society. Rehearsal hours are a great opportunity to stop taking life so seriously, get into some comfy clothes and go have fun for a few hours! I get to bond with girls older and more experienced at university than me, and from all sorts of different courses too.
What advice do you have for any potential students looking at a degree in Digital Marketing and Public Relations?
Be ready to talk and collaborate. This course has a lot of team-working and group discussion elements which I personally love! Although it seems daunting to give presentations, these are skills that are transferable right the way through your course and into employment. Have an open mind and don’t be afraid to explore your creative side and please don’t be afraid to be wrong. Always answer questions and give your ideas. In Digital Marketing & PR no answers and no questions are silly, lecturers always validate your responses and appreciate your participation rather than you staying quiet.
What do you hope to do with your degree upon graduating?
As I’m currently in 1st year, graduation seems so far away! However, I know I’d like to work in the fashion realm - whether that’s marketing or PR. I know there’s a possibility my mind may change, and change again, and again, over the next 4 years as we have so many inspiring guest talks at QMU that make me debate where and what I want to work in! But currently, fashion is where I want to go. I have experience from working part time in high fashion retail in operations, KPI analysis and clienteling and other social and practical areas – but I would also like to bring my legal background forward again in some way. There's so many opportunities and the world is wide…I’m currently just enjoying the ride!
Find out more about our Film, Communication and Creative Industries courses.
