Sophie’s career is off to a flying start after a placement with British Airways

A work placement with British Airways set ambitious graduate Sophie McIntosh on her way to a high flying career in marketing.

Sophie, 23, who is graduating with an MSc Marketing Management, works as a Relationship Marketing Officer for environmental regeneration charity Groundwork North East.

She secured the one year internship through Teesside University’s Knowledge Exchange Internship (KEI) scheme, a flexible scheme which brings business together with a graduate and a team of specialist experts who transfer their technical know-how, research and innovation to help achieve key business objectives.

‘I found out about the KEI scheme through a contact at the University,’ said Sophie.

‘I now work with a contact at the University to deliver the knowledge that Groundwork North East needs.

‘My role involves helping the company improve the way they are communicating with their customers and how they build long term relationships. It is a challenging role, but I am really enjoying it.’

Work placement opportunity Sophie, who is originally from Chester, came to Teesside University in 2006 to study BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations after being impressed at an open day. During her undergraduate course she got the opportunity to complete a one year work placement with British Airways in their Marketing and Sponsorship Team.

‘The placement was brilliant,’ enthused Sophie.

‘It reaffirmed my passion for marketing and I knew that’s what I wanted to do in the future. Everything I learnt on my course, I was able to put into practice throughout the placement – it was invaluable.’

Sophie decided she wanted to push herself academically and enrolled on the MSc Marketing Management.

She said: ‘I’ve always had to work really, really hard to achieve what I have been able to achieve. The master’s was challenging and it pushed me, but it was definitely worthwhile. I am now doing a job that I love in a profession I’ve always wanted to work in.

‘Graduation is going to be very emotional. I’ve pushed myself for five years and really learnt what I can do and what I can achieve – It’s a proud moment.’

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