Jennifer was sold on Bath when she found the International Management with Modern Languages (IMML) course, which would allow her to flourish in French and take steps to become a management expert.
When she wasn't studying, her time was spent performing with the Dance Society and absorbing the city's Hogwarts-esque scenery.
Now an Account Director at an advertising agency, Jennifer reflects on her years at Bath...
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I was looking for a joint honours combining either Management or Economics with French and found the IMML course, which has a fully integrated approach to Modern Languages and Management. The introductory course talk during one of the open days really sold it to me.
I knew I wanted to do a year in industry, so the fact that this was common at Bath reassured me that I wouldn’t get out of step with my coursemates. I also had a dream of studying at Hogwarts, so the beautiful town with its UNESCO status also played a big role!
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
Yes, I wanted to work internationally in advertising. The mix of creativity and commerciality is what appealed to me, and the multidisciplinary nature of the IMML course matched that.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here? Any favourite memories, or places to go on campus and in the city? 
My experience at Bath was largely shaped by being a member of the Dance Society, and a lot of my favourite memories are from taking part in competitions across the country and dancing the night away with fellow society members.
My favourite place is Bathwick Hill, walking down from campus and enjoying the views was a very special commute home.
Describe your career journey since graduating. What is a typical day like in your current role?
Since graduating I have worked consistently in Client Services within advertising agencies in both London and Barcelona, and I am currently an Account Director at Red Brick Road in London.
A typical day in my role does tend to vary as I’ll be working on various projects in different stages at any time, but will often involve client presentations, internal creative reviews, project and resource planning, team 1:1s and some financial admin. An especially exciting day in my job might be spent on my client’s factory floor, meeting directors for a TV project, on a shoot in the UK or abroad, or in a sound studio or edit suite.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I most enjoy working in a team with exceptional creatives and expert craftspeople. From copywriters, to retouchers, sound engineers to voice over talent I am always inspired by their skill and often openminded attitude to work.
How did your studies help to develop you, professionally and/or personally?
The IMML course covers a diverse range of studies and allows students to choose a large proportion of their courses. Becoming adept at switching between topics and learning styles daily, from Accounting to European Law and Politics has stood me in good stead for working in such a dynamic industry, and central position in a team where you must play many roles.
My placement year was spent working in the Global Marketing Team at Danone’s headquarters in Paris, which was a formative experience for me. Living and working bilingually in a foreign country gave me resilience and a deeper appreciation for different cultures. This has specifically helped me with working on many global advertising campaigns, from doing guide voiceover recordings in French to analysing findings from research groups with consumers in Vietnam.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
Look into the specific topics you can study, if you’re really interested in something, as I was in Behavioural Economics, then make sure it’s in the mix. Also be prepared to study a wide range of topics and go in with an open mind, you might discover that you’re fascinated by French laws aimed at protecting small businesses!
What would you say to students or recent grads aspiring to follow a career path like yours?
Try to get work experience or meet with professionals in the industry wherever you can and then build upon that knowledge and demonstrate that in future interviews. Don’t worry too much about the rush to apply to roles marketed as “graduate roles” in your final year, there are many more entry-level opportunities out there.
Be yourself, don’t be afraid to share your opinions and bring your unique ideas to any task you’re given – we’re in the industry of ideas. If you specifically want to make a move abroad, adjust your LinkedIn ‘open to’ settings to the various cities on your wish list!
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