Mansi Vaid

Current Employer/Organisation Name

University of Southampton

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since completing my MSc degree at Exeter, I was Marketing, Communications and Events Coordinator with London Metropolitan University’s Students Union. I was working there from October 2023 – February 2024. At this role, I got the hands on experience in various aspects of marketing and events like social media marketing, print marketing, content creation, ppc, website management, partnerships, event organization and management, etc. In this role, I got to practice a lot of things I learnt during my course at Exeter. In February 2024, I switched to the role of a Faculty Marketing Coordinator role at University of Southampton. This role comprises of undertaking faculty marketing activities for Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Environmental and Life Science. I have learnt a lot already and I am very grateful to be able to get these opportunities.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I’ve always been a very creative person and hence I’ve been looking for a career in which I could be creative as well as analytical. That’s how I landed up in Marketing. My course at Exeter helped me get a taste of different aspects of marketing which also helped me be confident about my decision of taking up marketing as a career.  The thing that I enjoy the most about my work as a marketing coordinator in higher education sector is that I get to work with students and help them in their entire student journey (pre and post studies). I am able to relate to it more as it reminds me of my journey as an international student in Exeter and hence knowing that I am able to help the students in some way or form gives me motivation.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I took part in the Buddy up scheme.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved the fact that our class had a good mix of students from different parts of the world. We did so many group projects with each other, learnt about different cultures and have still stayed in touch even after we’ve all graduated. Apart from that, I also really enjoyed the guidance and support we got from our professors –  Emma Wood, Jinqui, Sarah Sennett and Alby Kurian. They didn’t just help me with questions related to our course but also our careers and helped give recommendations as well while applying for jobs, as job application process can get really stressful.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I really enjoyed the branding classes with Dr. Sotiris Lalalounis. I always believed I would enjoy taking up branding as a career and I felt drawn to it. Prof. Sotiris classes really helped me understand branding better and I would usually find myself researching more about the things we discussed in class, after the class. Now, I’m even planning to buy Dr. Sotiris’s books so I keep learning more and probably go for a PhD as well.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose Exeter because of it reputation and being of the Russell Group Universities. I also found out the J.K. Rowling studied here, which made me even more excited to come to Exeter to study.  I really liked the modules and especially the variety of optional modules, which helped me tailor my degree as per my liking.  Moreover, I just fell in love with the city, and after being able to experience other cities in the UK, Exeter still tops my list. It is such a a wonderful and friendly city with lots of things to do, even for people who are introverts like me and just like enjoying the nature!

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Analytical thinking, content creation, copywriting,  proofreading, research skills, stakeholder management and negotiation.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Don’t listen to what others say, don’t give up and make your own way!  I was told by almost everyone I met that don’t take branding as a module because everyone fails in that module. I still took it and passed with a distinction!!  Most importantly, don’t get influenced or demotivated by looking at other’s journey especially when applying for jobs. Everyone has their own journey to take and I feel excessive unnecessary discussions will leave you demotivated. Remember why you came here in the first place and keep going. Nothing can stop you then. 

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to stay in the UK. Probably go for a PhD in a few years and then come back to teach of give back to University of Exeter in any way possible.