Diarietou Cisse, BA (Hons) Marketing
Why did you choose to study Marketing?
To be honest, I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to study. I started with a foundation in Business Management, but it didn’t spark anything in me. I’ve always been drawn to creativity, especially in how brands express who they are through visuals, storytelling, and campaigns. Marketing felt like the perfect mix of business and creativity. It’s a skill that applies to almost every industry, and I liked the idea of doing something that would give me the freedom to eventually build my own business while also feeding my creative side.
As an international student, why did you choose to study at LSBU?
One of the biggest reasons was the location. LSBU is right in central London, which means it’s well-connected and surrounded by opportunities. I also noticed how diverse the university is, and that stood out to me. When I was researching, I saw that LSBU actively supports international students and creates a welcoming environment. Coming from abroad, it was important for me to feel like I could belong somewhere, and LSBU has definitely given me that.
How do you think LSBU is preparing you for your career?
LSBU offers a lot of support when it comes to career preparation. We’ve had career fairs, CV workshops, and even specific modules designed to help us explore different paths and build professional skills. There are always events, talks, and sessions that give us insight into various industries. I think it’s helped me feel more confident and ready for the future, not just in terms of academics, but in developing practical skills and knowing what to expect after graduation.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying Marketing?
Marketing is what you make of it. It’s a broad field with room for so many different interests, whether you're into data, social media, branding, or strategy. My advice is to explore your interests early. If something excites you, look into it and start building skills around it. Talk to your lecturers, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try new things. The industry is always evolving, so staying curious and open to learning will take you far.
Favourite memory of LSBU so far?
There are so many little moments I’ll always cherish. From long evenings in the library working on group projects with friends, to casual laughs during seminars and lunch breaks at the canteen (which actually has some really good food). Most of my favourite memories are connected to friendship. The people I’ve met here made the experience feel special and full of growth.
What are your plans for when you graduate?
I’m hoping to start working in a graduate role within marketing, ideally in brand, strategy, or something creative. I’m open to exploring different areas, but I’d love to be part of a team where I can grow, contribute to meaningful projects, and keep building my skills. Long-term, I see myself working in the creative side of marketing and maybe launching my own business one day.