Lucy
Cresswell

What motivated you to enrol on your course?

I chose to enrol on the course because of my increasing interest and involvement in marketing. It was clear to me that the skills needed to support the future needs of the business and the core opportunities lay in digital marketing and so I enrolled on the DMDA course.

I had a mentor who truly believed in my potential and played a key role in pushing my development. They encouraged me to enroll in the DMDA course, seeing it as the next step in my career growth, even when I was unsure about balancing full-time work and study. Their confidence in my abilities and their consistent support made all the difference. Looking back, I couldn't be happier that I took their advice. The course not only expanded my knowledge but also transformed how I approach marketing and leadership. It was a pivotal decision that continues to shape my career in the best possible way.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

My favourite thing about the course was that it gave me the opportunity to explore different perspectives, outside of our organisation. The unseen value of courses like this lies in the conversations amongst your peers and lecturers. You benefit from speaking with people outside of your industry, gaining different perspectives and ideas. During my time on the DMDA course, I was privileged to study with a group of incredible professionals and learn from some fantastic lecturers.

Studying during COVID while working full-time was challenging, but it also shaped my resilience and adaptability. I was part of a small cohort of just six students, which created a tight-knit and supportive group where we all leaned on each other. That sense of camaraderie and shared experience made a huge difference during such a challenging time.

Would you recommend the course to other students? What advice would you give them?

I’d be happy to recommend the DMDA course to other digital marketers looking to upskill and build a solid foundation for a successful career in marketing. The course provides you with the opportunity to develop academic writing skills, expand your knowledge of marketing principles and apply your learning in your everyday role, delivering value for yourself and your employer. My advice to anyone considering the DMDA course is to go for it, but go in with the right attitude – if you’re willing to work hard and commit to applying your knowledge, the DMDA course can be transformative for both your career and your organisation. Combining studies with full-time employment is a constant balancing act and it isn’t always easy, but it can deliver real value if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves.

What do you think of the support available at NTU? Think of your course staff, student support, the Employability team, etc.

The team at Nottingham Trent University are great, from the course team through to the employability and support functions – everyone is really friendly and supportive. The course team come from a wide range of backgrounds, which makes for engaging discussions and debates, helping you gain new perspectives and ideas for your own organisation.

What does you current role involve?

My current role as Global Brand Manager at MasterMover involves setting and delivering our marketing strategy across our global territories. Having started my career in industrial B2B sales, I bring a wealth of customer insight and experience into my role. It’s a diverse role, covering content creation for brand assets, SEO and customer case studies. One day you can be creating a new landing page, the next you’re out at a factory directing the filming of a customer case study!

How has your career developed since finishing your course?

Since finishing the DMDA course, I’ve continued my focus on personal and professional development – progressing into the Global Brand Manager role and leading a team to deliver meaningful results for the business and our customers.

It’s an exciting role, playing a key part in shaping our marketing and supporting our ambitious growth plans at MasterMover.

Working with a global team, every day is different! It’s fantastic to be involved in developing the strategic direction of our marketing across our global business and exciting to play a part in the evolution of MasterMover, as we continue to develop new and innovative solutions to our customers needs.

The DMDA course played a pivotal role in shaping my career.

I've always been ambitious and naturally curious, which helped me upskill and learn from mentors but the course really helped solidify my career in marketing. It's given me the academic knowledge, experience and structure to springboard my career. The course allowed me to connect the dots between theory and real-world application, giving me the confidence and strategic thinking to excel and ultimately progress into a leadership role within marketing.

Do you have any tips for success?

My biggest ‘tip’ would be to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

People often paint a picture of development as being an easy journey, but in my experience the most significant development comes when you’re out of your comfort zone – developing new skills and gaining experience in new areas.

A curious mind is a great asset for personal development and asking the right people the right questions can be a great way to build your knowledge, identify areas for development and open up new opportunities.

What's next for you in your career?

In the next stage of my career, I’m focused on becoming the best leader I can be. In terms of marketing, my current role challenges me to think strategically and tie marketing activities back to business objectives – which is something I’m focused on developing. Over the next few years, I’m looking forward to building out my experience on a global scale, travelling to support our subsidiaries and global partner networks across EMEA and North America.