Tasha M.
About me
| Tasha M. | |
| Philosophy | |
| Philosophy | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Alcuin | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Marketing Lead | |
| Spark York CIC | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Advertising, marketing and PR | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2024 |
More about Tasha
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A day in the life of a Marketing Lead in the United Kingdom
I started my career in love with the design side of marketing, but in every role I've become more fascinated by analysis and strategy.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
SPARK* is a dynamic and vibrant urban initiative, serving as a creative beacon in the heart of York, on Piccadilly. It serves as a transformative space, facilitating and supporting local entrepreneurs, creatives and members of the community to innovate, collaborate and grow.
What do you do?
Managing a team of three, I lead the development of all marketing strategies and plans to drive footfall and spend per head at SPARK*.
I coach and mentor two Marketing Coordinators and one Events Coordinator. As a member of the strategic leadership team, I also influence the strategic direction of the organisation.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I was elected as Marketing Officer for my college committee for two years running. In my second year I successfully completed a summer internship in marketing and events. Enjoying this work so much, during my third year I sought a part time marketing role in the workplace I interned at, which then led to a graduate job.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Not at all - I'm where I hoped to be.
Describe your most memorable day at work
In early 2018 the National Railway Museum was rebranding and had just welcomed Tim Peake's Soyuz capsule to the museum. As a key player in both projects, one night I found myself working in the darkness of the museum after hours, supervising a photoshoot that required low light photography. I was surrounded by massive steam locomotives and a spacecraft, while snow fell outside and threatened to trap us at the museum overnight. It was quite an evening.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Project management skills are essential. Marketing campaigns are one of the final stages of a project, so you're often up against it to deliver multiple strands of work to a tight deadline. There are lots of moving parts, including colleagues, agencies, media bookings and designers to coordinate.
Stakeholder/relationship management is also crucial. You spend a lot of time trying to understand the desires and challenges of your client or colleagues, and then you need to influence them into believing in your proposed solution or approach.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I volunteered as Marketing Officer for Alcuin College committee, a number of student societies and did some freelance voluntary work for YUSU election campaigns. All gave me some useful examples of design and marketing work for my portfolios, but on reflection it was learning to work with and influence others that was most helpful.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I'm considering a switch to Business Analysis. I started my career in love with the design side of marketing, but in every role I've become more fascinated by analysis and strategy. I love solving problems, and now I'm at a more senior level I have a broader view of the challenges my organisations face beyond marketing - I'd love the chance to solve them!
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Learn how to write an application. I practiced and perfected my CV at uni, but I was ill prepared for applications (which many sectors prefer over CVs).
Next steps...
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