Charlie
Baker

After completing a Media and Film & TV BA in 2022, Charlie Baker has gone on to become a freelance social media manager, creating and editing content for his clients. Charlie reflects on his time at NTU and shares his highlights and challenges since starting his own Social Media business.

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I chose NTU as the course looked good and the ability to combine two subjects was a plus for me. I'd also heard great things about the nightlife and had many friends who were currently at NTU and loved it. I think Nottingham is the optimal student town.

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures?

Having the freedom of living away teaches you a lot. You do spend a lot of time on your own being independent which makes you grow up fast.

You experience a lot of things that you couldn’t experience anywhere else so I'm glad I went to NTU.

What still makes you smile when you look back?

I think the friends I made were the best thing about university as the bond is so strong because you live together, and share memories that no one else has.

What does your current day involve?

It varies now as I am a freelance social media manager running my own clients. However, my usual day is editing lots of content for various clients and creating posts for my business pages. The gym at lunch is always a must. My evenings are then spent doing music as my main goal is still to become a recording artist.

What attracted you to this field of work?

I have always done social media for my personal brand of music, so it was something I sort of fell into and have enjoyed throughout the years.

What challenges have you faced?

I worked in marketing for a year but I was made redundant over the summer as the company wasn't doing so well. I then struggled to find a job which was a bit demoralizing. However, whilst I was working at my job I had met someone who needed social media help so I started doing it freelance but didn’t think too much of it. I then decided to set up my own business page and I was emailing and DMing as many people as I could. Slowly and surely my client list started to grow.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

The highlights are seeing my clients gain lots of traction from social media and seeing their businesses grow. The biggest challenges have been finding new clients and the first month of having a new client as you're trying lots of different things out to see what works and what doesn’t.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to try and grow my social media business as much as possible, whilst continuing to pursue my music ventures and becoming a recording artist. My sister wants to get into social media as well so WHEN I make it in music I will give the company to her to look after.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at uni?

Do more things that you enjoy!

Finally, is there anything else you would like to share?

If I was to give a piece of advice, especially to alumni coming fresh out of University it would be to take risks. Whilst you have the comfort of age, it’s a time to try many things and explore exactly what it is you want to do. You don’t just have to go and get a corporate job, there are lots of other ventures.