Harry Apostolakis, alumnus, MSc International Marketing
After studying at undergraduate level, Harry knew that he wanted to continue his studies to gain a solid understanding of international marketing“I began looking for courses that had a good reputation, and LSBU’s postgraduate marketing courses had good reviews,” he said. “Along with the central location and excellent, modern facilities, it was the best choice for me to undertake a Master’s degree.”
High expectations
Enrolling onto our MSc International Marketing, Harry was pleased to find that the course matched his high expectations. “The course was very broad and really interesting,” he says. “I particularly enjoyed studying brand management – the approach was very thorough with real-life examples and brilliant guest speakers.”
Excellent support
The international nature of his cohort added another dimension to Harry’s studies in his eyes. “It was a melting pot of cultural influences and different opinions, which made brainstorming sessions and discussions in seminars really interesting and insightful,” he says. “It was all underpinned by excellent support from the academic team too, who were easy to contact and provided constant feedback for my development.”
Course highlight
Harry describes the highlight of his course as the residential weekend, which took place in Surrey during February, but now takes place in London. “I loved it,” he says. “It introduces you to your dissertation, and gives you the chance to discuss the topics around the area you have chosen to study. Karaoke and relaxing in the evening was just as welcome as the academic side of things as well!”
Campaign management
Now working as Marketing Manager for UK & North Europe for Zenith Watches, Harry is in no doubt that his Master’s degree has helped him to get where he is today. “My role involves looking after the budget especially when planning for future financial years, and rolling out campaigns to make sure we achieve our targets,” he says. “Acquisition marketing looks at various advertising opportunities to decide the best fit for our audiences, and identifying the best value for money. I’ll then develop campaign ideas from conception to delivery, making sure the concepts are on brand and meet our messaging strategy.”
Confidence with applications
It’s a broad role where no two days are ever the same, and Harry believes his time at LSBU has prepared him well for just such a challenge. “My MSc helped me to enter the marketing profession at a higher level, and differentiated me from other applicants looking for work in London,” he says. “It gave me more confidence with my applications, and secured me interviews as well.”
Strong background knowledge
In the future, Harry hopes to move on to become an international marketing director for a leading luxury brand. “My MSc will help with that because it provided me with a strong background knowledge of international marketing,” he says. “It helped me to grow as an individual as well as a professional, as I learned to understand many different perspectives and cultural influences from other students on the course.”
Simple advice
For those considering studying MSc International Marketing at LSBU, Harry has some simple yet effective advice. “Be focused and work hard,” he says. Listen to your lecturers because they do know better – but follow your dreams. After all, we do marketing because we love it.”