News
From design to marketing: my transformative experience at the University of Dundee
Pooja Suresh shares her journey from a career in design to mastering marketing at the University of Dundee. Discover how the MSc in International Marketing and Management helped shape her career and future goals
Published on 17 March 2025
A Well-Balanced Learning Experience
One of the standout aspects of this course was its balanced approach to teaching. It excelled in providing strong theoretical foundations while also incorporating real-world tasks that allowed us to apply what we had learned. A key example of this was the International Marketing Strategy paper, where we were given the freedom to choose a company and strategize its entry into a new market. This hands-on approach made the learning experience incredibly engaging and practical.
Another memorable experience was the Political Marketing module, taught by the incredible Jennifer Lees-Marshment. She was deeply involved with the students, making the subject highly interactive and engaging. Her use of real-world examples helped clarify complex theories, ensuring that we could see their application in practice. She also shared her extensive work experience in the field, which made the concepts even more relatable and easier to grasp. By the time I submitted my advisory report, I had a thorough understanding of political marketing strategies and felt confident applying these skills to the industry.
Gaining Real-World Experience
Beyond coursework, the program provided excellent opportunities to gain real-world experience. One such opportunity was the Summer Pagoda Project, which allowed me to work with a company in Glasgow. This experience gave me firsthand insights into the industry in the UK and helped me understand how marketing functions in a different business environment.
Another exciting experience was participating in the Biz-a-thon event conducted by the university in partnership with NCR Atleos. This event challenged me to create and pitch a business solution within 48 hours, sharpening my ability to develop innovative ideas under tight deadlines. As one of the winners, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the NCR Atleos headquarters in Dundee and present my pitch to the executive leadership team. This experience provided invaluable insights into real-world business pitching and significantly boosted my confidence in applying strategic thinking in professional settings.
Life in Dundee: More Than Just Academics
Dundee as a city also has so much to offer. I have made some of my best friends here, and the vibrant student life has made my experience even more special. Attending as many university events as possible and joining societies was a great way to meet new people and engage in different activities.
The city itself is beautiful, with plenty of places to relax and explore. Enjoying the summer by the riverside, Magdalen Park, or taking a short walk up to Dundee Law for breathtaking views has been one of my favourite pastimes. Staying on top of writing papers weekly also helped me manage my workload effectively, ensuring that I had enough time to enjoy everything Dundee has to offer.
Shaping My Future Goals
My degree has significantly shaped my future goals by providing a well-rounded foundation in marketing and management. The combination of strategic coursework, hands-on experience, and industry exposure has reinforced my passion for marketing. I now feel equipped to take on challenges in account management and brand strategy, and I am excited to apply these skills in a dynamic and evolving industry.
Would I Recommend This Course?
Without a doubt. For those looking to transition into marketing or enhance their strategic skills, the MSc in International Marketing and Management at the School of Business is an excellent choice. The blend of academic rigor, practical exposure, and industry connections makes it an invaluable program. My journey here has been instrumental in shaping my future, and I am excited to apply my learnings in the dynamic world of marketing.