Ben White
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Birmingham City University
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Worked in a digital marketing content agency for just under 3 years as a junior project manager and digital marketing exec, then spent 3 years at Birmingham City University marketing services to businesses. I am also a toastmaster international speaker and a scout leader.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
There was high demand when I graduated following the last recession and high unemployment. It involves a lot of creative thinking and applying yourself to all kinds of challenges, working in an agency allowed me to work on a variety of projects and experience a very high pace environment. My current job allows me to network a lot more and spend more time with local government and the public sector. Closer to my politics and history degree I did at Exeter.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was a member of Xmedia – the online TV society and the choral society for a few years.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Biggest highlight was year abroad in Korea at Ewha Woman’s University, learning about North Korean politics and history.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Great campus and lovely environment to study in, close to nature.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Great for my subject area. Good university in the rankings.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
A mix of logical and lateral thinking. An ability to take a lot of information on and apply it.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
There is loads of online resources, learn, make connections, try and get involved with as many projects as possible. My break into an agency was through an (unpaid) project I’d helped them with on the side. When I came to apply for a job they already knew I was a good fit.
What are your plans for the future?
Hoping to continue to work in B2B marketing for larger government organisations. On the side I’m also improving my professional speaking, looking at hosting a podcast and volunteer at a radio station.
