How did you become interested in the Marketing Society and what made you want to apply for the role of President?
I joined the Marketing Society in first year because I knew that it would be a chance for me to meet new people, engage in new opportunities and to support my studies in Marketing Management. After only a few weeks, I applied to be a member of the Unilever Power Team. This involved working with Unilever to raise awareness of their brands and the placement opportunities that they offer to students. I worked closely with the Marketing society exec at the time, which inspired me to apply for an executive role. I was encouraged to run for President as I could see how rewarding the position was and I was keen to take on real responsibility by representing the University. Most importantly though, I could see how much the previous President had enjoyed her position as she was so passionate about the society and her team members
How long have you been the President for and is it still as exciting as day 1?
It has nearly been a year now as the election period was in the third term of 2014. Running for President was one of the best decisions I have ever made, so yes, it is just as exciting as day 1 (if not more so!) I have been very lucky to have such a great team to work with. Each member is so talented at what they do with a genuine passion for the society, which is reflected in their hard work. I have learnt a lot in this role, which I feel will benefit me for the future and has provided me with a lot to talk about in interviews for placements. Let’s just say I will have a lot of advice to hand-down to next year’s President!
What would you say are the characteristics and traits a President of any society needs to have?
I feel the most important attribute is to be committed. My phone is constantly on the go as emails, calls and messages from exec members, sponsors and external bodies are constantly in communication with me. For me, this does not feel like a chore, and I want to ensure I have a full overview of the society. Hand-in-hand with this is the importance of being approachable, reliable and organised. Confidence in public speaking is always a bonus!
What have you been doing in the Marketing Society the past year? Any upcoming events?
We had a busy first term with events such as ‘Add your Ad’, ‘Sell me this’ and‘The Halloween Countdown’ which all received a great turnout from our members. We collaborated with a variety of other societies for our ‘Halloween Countdown’ which was a great success and reached students beyond the Management school. This was really successful and societies should really collaborate more often. This term is also a busy one, with guest speakers, an innovation competition through ISS ‘IMPACT LUMS’ and an Easter Party to name a few. We are keen to provide a mixture of events to suit all, whilst including a social each term in order for the members to get to know each other and have some fun as well!
As a marketing student, have you got anything planned for this summer/next year on a professional level? Any internships or placements?
My course, Marketing Management, involves an Industrial placement in 3rd year so I was lucky to receive a placement at Johnson & Johnson. I am very excited to take on this new experience and develop my understanding of Marketing further!
What would you say is the best thing about being a part of a society? (As part of the exec or just as a member)
As a member, the opportunities that the society provides are definitely worth involving yourself in! Either through the Unilever Power Team, the Events Team or as an Exec member, it is all great experience and something for your CV to give you an advantage over the next candidate. Even just the election process will provide you with an experience, similar to that of assessment centres and interviews but in a friendlier, more relaxed environment. As an executive member, the best thing would have to be the team work environment. I get on so well with the exec, both on a professional and personal level. I have learnt a lot from each team member, we are all supportive and understanding of each other and everyone’s different personalities makes the role fun and enjoyable! I would recommend running for a position on a society exec to anyone, as it is such a rewarding role to have.
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to answer these questions, Faye!