Kaya Stefferud BSc Marketing, 2016

Website Manager, Wisby Limited

The fact that BSc Marketing students at the University are some of the few who are accredited to do the IDM Digital Marketing qualification is really valuable!

Southampton was always my first choice when applying to universities in the UK, as an international student I found it comforting the amount of nationalities that are presented in the university, and I loved the fact the university is campus based. I also love how green the campus is and the variety of activities that you can do on campus on a daily basis.

My Southampton highlights include meeting people and making friends from all over the world, which I will keep in touch with for many many years. I’ve had a great student experience here, attending a variety of events including socials, skill workshops, and meeting professionals from a variety of industries.

During my time at UoS I have worked as a student ambassador, where I have gained a lot of confidence, talking to prospective students and their parents. I have tried a variety of societies; some for fun, and some to get out of my comfortzone and push myself and working on my employability skills. I have also completed a placement year, in which I got to work with a lot of interesting people, and networking with people from different sectors.

I joined AIESEC in my second year, in which I was elected ‘communications officer’, which was relevant to my marketing degree. I also attend presentations and (employability) events with employers and businesses I potentially would like to work for.

The fact that BSc Marketing students at the University are some of the few students who are accredited to do the IDM Digital Marketing qualification, is really valuable! I have signed up to sit that one extra exam, and will get a professional qualification which will be extremely beneficial when looking for jobs.

I have attended a variety of career fairs, skills workshops (assessment centres, CV workshops etc.) during my time here. I have also attended presentations and events from businesses I could be interested in working for (often hosted by Fish on Toast society). I am currently volunteering as a marketing and event management assistant in a local charity, have worked for the university as a student ambassador, and I have completed a year in industry. During my placement year I attended both business networking events as well as trade shows, and it really has given me a confident boost being able to approach and talk to people from different industries, in different positions and within different organisational levels.

On campus there are loads of places to study; whether you prefer studying in peace and quiet, or in relaxed and informal environments, the campus has something to offer with a broad range of study rooms, study spaces, lounges and cafés. And in the spring/summer season when the weather is nice there are lots of people taking their books outside and sit around in the campus’ many green areas. In addition to studying, Southampton has a lot to offer, both the campus and the city. Nightclubs, restaurants, coffee bars, shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences. In Southampton you’ll have everything you need, and then some.

As a new student at Southampton I would recommend you to try out as much as possible in your first few months, really putting yourself out there, trying new things and meeting new friends. It will really enhance your experience, and you might learn something new about yourself in the progress.