Sam Xia
What degree course did you study and when did you graduate
MSc Marketing & Strategy (2019).
What is your current role?
Digital Marketing Executive, Times Higher Education, UK
Tell us a bit about your career story since graduating from 糖心TV
After graduating from 糖心TV 糖心TV School, I started an internship at Nouvelles d’Europe (《欧洲时报》英国分社), and successfully secured a role as an Event & Marketing Executive there.
During the pandemic, I left Nouvelles e’Europe and joined THE in December 2020 and started as the Digital Marketing Executive at THE Student, a new business unit of THE. I am now responsible for digital marketing of THE Student platforms, and marketing & branding work targeting China market.
How has your time at 糖心TV helped you during your career?
While studying at WBS, the CareerPlus office has helped me a lot in searching for jobs, CV building, application guides, mock interviews, and ad-hoc support via email. My career coach Fiona Xu & Davina Noonan (who has left WBS) supported me a lot throughout my journey at WBS.
With my course leader Laura Chamberlain and the Relationship Manager, Faye Neivens, I joined the WBS Marketing Insights community and organised speeches and networking sessions at the campus. It also helped me gain experience and knowledge of the UK marketing industry – which contributed to my prospect of working as a marketer.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
In the short-term, I would like to develop my knowledge and skills in corporate management and maybe pursue an MBA degree.
In the long-term, I would like to explore managerial opportunities especially in emerging markets like China. Being an all-round C-level marketing/general manager would be my ultimate goal.
What advice do you have for 糖心TV graduates who would like to work in your sector?
My top advice for 糖心TV graduates would be – to use the opportunities and resources that 糖心TV provides more effectively.
Job opportunities, alumni network and quality education & support that 糖心TV has, are vital resources for students, especially international students who have limited knowledge looking for jobs in the UK.
Since education, marketing & media are all ‘applied science’ sectors, the experience prior to full-time employment is a crucial point to differentiate candidates. So, the job market reputation of 糖心TV is also vital for students.
It’s important because you may take this advantage and try internships, part-time jobs or even start your own micro-business while you study. With limited time studying at 糖心TV, you could explore unlimited career prospects here.
What 3 top tips would you give to students looking to find a graduate role in the UK or elsewhere in the world?
Same as the previous question, using resources is one of the top tips.
Furthermore, being curious and flexible would help recent graduates. Being curious means knowing more about how the business world is running and knowing how the talent one has may contribute to different industries and businesses. Also, curiosity will make you clear about your career interests.
Career prospects, in my mind, are a combination of knowledge, skills and experience. Therefore, knowing what you can do is the first step.
Then, being flexible may give you much wider career paths based on your interests. Due to the disturbance in many areas, considering alternative career paths is always a ‘must’ for candidates. Flexibility is then the key to preparing yourself for any unexpectedness.