Writes Emma Wright

Connie Brodribb, one of our successful 2013 alumni, recently landed a graduate job working in retail marketing for high street giant Marks and Spencer.

Connie worked for M&S before she left for a work experience trip to Uganda (see blog Feb 2014) but that was only a temporary position to help raise funds for her trip. However, she made some really good contacts within her team and they asked her to give them a call when she got back – proof that making important contacts can be the difference between landing your ideal job and not!

The role that she currently has is, she says, a step up from her previous one.

Connie’s work tasks can be completely different one day to the next. However, this is something that Connie enjoys. Some days she will be glued to her desk trying to whip up a presentation that will be presented to senior members of the company. In complete contrast for example, Connie was recently sent running around Oxford Circus picking up last minute items from Marks and Spencer’s flagship store for their Vogue shoot. Other days, Connie will be back in meetings.

One of her current projects involves leading the Christmas 2014 campaign (the biggest campaign M&S do every year) with her manager which she is finding very exciting.

Connie gave some very helpful advice for others who are hoping to work in a similar industry:

‘Be confident, but not arrogant. Have your end goal in sight at all times (although be prepared to deviate away from your plan at times, as life has this wonderful habit of getting in the way!) Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, that’s how most people learn, and always be yourself.

‘Qualifications and experience are important but they are not the pinnacle of everything. I always believe that if you want a job, you’ll get one. If you want to go somewhere, you’ll go there. Perseverance and commitment is key’.

Working for M&S and in retail marketing was always in Connie’s plans and she believes it will really help her to build up experience for her career portfolio.