Lily Egleton
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Amazon
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since graduating from the University of Exeter in 2024, I have built a strong and diverse portfolio of experience across marketing, analytics, creative industries, and agency environments in London. I completed a Master’s degree in Strategic Fashion Marketing at the London College of Fashion, achieving a Distinction while also serving as Course Representative.
Alongside my studies, I held several roles at the University of the Arts London, including Copywriter, Retail Sales Assistant, and Campus Ambassador, where I developed strengths in communication, brand storytelling, customer engagement, and public speaking.
Professionally, I joined Amazon’s London office as a General Marketing Specialist, where I have gained hands-on experience in paid social, campaign delivery, trend forecasting, and storefront merchandising across European markets. In this role, I have led multi-market campaigns across Pinterest and TikTok that generated over 915 million impressions and 9.6 million engagements, while producing high-performing creative content across EU5 markets. In addition, I have undertaken side projects including Junior Operations Executive at a digital marketing agency and Social Media & Content Creator at a personal branding agency, further strengthening my commercial, operational, and creative marketing skills. I have also completed a Data Analytics programme with BrainStation and a publishing placement with HarperCollins, broadening my expertise across insight-led marketing and strategic communications.
Most recently, I was offered a full-time Account Executive role at a digital marketing agency in London, reflecting the strength of my experience and continued progression within the industry.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
Before beginning my BA English at the University of Exeter, I did not know where my career was heading. I had many hobbies, including literature, writing, fashion, media, and more, but I didn’t know where this would lead me. I chose a career in marketing because it combines creativity, strategy, and communication in a way that genuinely excites me. Studying English Literature at the University of Exeter played a major role in shaping that path. My degree taught me how to analyse audiences, understand different perspectives, communicate ideas clearly, and recognise the power of storytelling – skills that are central to effective marketing today. It also made me appreciate how language, culture, and emotion influence people’s decisions, which naturally drew me towards brand strategy and consumer engagement.
Since graduating, I have developed this interest further through roles in creative industries, agency environments, and now at Amazon, where I work across paid social campaigns, trend forecasting, and multi-market marketing initiatives. What I enjoy most about my work is the balance between creativity and results: developing ideas and campaigns that connect with audiences, while also using data and insights to measure performance and improve outcomes. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue progressing into strategic account management and senior marketing roles where I can lead campaigns, build strong client relationships, and create work that has both commercial impact and cultural relevance.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was part of the University of Exeter Tennis Society; Dance Society; Pole Fitness Society; English Society, and I was a Publicity Officer for Her Campus during my final year at Exeter.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
What I enjoyed most about my programme was the opportunity to explore literature, culture, and media in depth while developing strong analytical and research skills. I especially valued how the course encouraged independent thought and allowed me to examine topics through different critical lenses, connecting literature to wider social and cultural issues. The biggest highlight of my degree was completing my dissertation, which focused on the portrayal of female characters and sexual assault in DC Comics. It was a topic I felt deeply engaged with, and I found the research process incredibly rewarding because it allowed me to combine academic theory with contemporary cultural analysis. Investigating representation, gender politics, and storytelling in popular media helped me strengthen my critical thinking, written communication, and ability to analyse complex themes. Completing the dissertation was a proud achievement and one of the most intellectually fulfilling parts of my time at Exeter.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
What I enjoyed most about studying at Exeter was the combination of academic challenge, independence, and the strong sense of community. The English Literature programme encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and open discussion, which made studying both engaging and rewarding. I particularly enjoyed being able to explore a wide range of topics—from classic literature to contemporary media and cultural theory, which allowed me to shape my degree around my own interests. Beyond academics, Exeter offered a welcoming and vibrant student environment where I was able to grow in confidence, meet people from different backgrounds, and develop skills that have been invaluable in my career since graduating.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I chose Exeter because of its strong academic reputation, beautiful campus environment, and the quality of its English Literature programme. I was particularly drawn to the university’s balance of academic excellence and student experience, as it offered a highly respected degree while also providing a welcoming and vibrant community. The course itself stood out because of its broad range of modules, allowing students to study both traditional literature and more contemporary themes, which really appealed to my interests. I also liked that Exeter offered the opportunity to become independent in a supportive environment, with a great city atmosphere and strong opportunities beyond the classroom. Overall, it felt like a university where I could both achieve academically and enjoy a well-rounded student experience.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The skills and experiences that have been most useful in my career so far have been communication, interpersonal skills, confidence, and critical thinking: all of which were strengthened during my degree at Exeter. Studying English Literature required me to communicate complex ideas clearly, both in writing and in discussion, which has been invaluable in professional environments where clear messaging and collaboration are essential. The course also helped me develop strong interpersonal skills through seminars, group discussions, and presentations, giving me confidence when working with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. In fast-paced marketing and business environments, the ability to think critically, analyse information quickly, and approach challenges from different perspectives has been particularly valuable. My degree taught me how to interpret ideas, construct persuasive arguments, and work independently under pressure, all of which have directly supported my progression in roles across marketing, analytics, and account management.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
My advice to a current student who wishes to pursue a career like mine would be to start gaining experience as early as possible and actively engage with opportunities from the beginning of university. Industries such as marketing, media, and communications are highly competitive, so building experience early can make a real difference. That could include internships, part-time roles, volunteering, student societies, freelance projects, or even creating your own personal brand or portfolio online. I would also recommend developing strong communication skills, staying commercially aware, and learning practical tools such as social media platforms, analytics, and presentation software. Just as importantly, be proactive and don’t wait until final year to think about your career – use your time at university to explore interests, build confidence, and make connections. The more experience and initiative you can demonstrate early on, the stronger position you will be in when applying for graduate roles.
What are your plans for the future?
My immediate plan for the future is to begin my next role as an Account Executive at a digital marketing agency, where I’m looking forward to developing my client management, campaign strategy, and commercial marketing experience. I see this as an important next step in building a strong and well-rounded portfolio across agency and brand environments. Longer term, my ambition is to continue progressing within the marketing industry and eventually move into a lead marketing role within a fashion house. With my background in English Literature, strategic fashion marketing, and hands-on experience across digital campaigns, I’m particularly interested in combining creativity, brand storytelling, and data-driven strategy within the fashion sector. Ultimately, I hope to lead impactful campaigns and help shape the identity and growth of a globally recognised fashion brand.
