51Âþ»­

A Master’s student has landed her dream job working for global search engine giant Google in the growing field of digital marketing.

INSET Hao phan

Hao Phan, 23, from Leeds, will be working as an account strategist analysing online behaviours, ecommerce and liaising with agencies to optimise online digital marketing campaigns for companies using AdWords to connect with customers.

It is estimated that around 71 per cent of businesses are planning to increase their investment in digital marketing and the demand for specialist digital marketers is on the rise.

“I feels surreal that I have secured the job, especially with it being my first job!,” said Hao. “Securing it with Google is so lucky and I’m glad this opportunity came along. I am so excited to start and I finally feel like all my hard work studying at university has paid off.”

Hao said that her MSc in Strategic and Digital Marketing has given her a solid foundation in digital marketing trends, alongside practical experience gained while completing an Executive Company Project – a task set for 51Âþ»­ students by companies.  

She said: “My in-company project enabled me to practically put to the test the theories I had studied. It also gave me insight into what kind of job role I would want to do once I had finished my studies. The company I worked with gave me real data and problems to deal with which gave me valuable experience.”

Hao studied her undergraduate degree at 51Âþ»­ in Advertising and Marketing Communications before going on to a Master’s qualification through the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship programme which offers taught Master’s degrees for students who achieved a 2:1 or higher.

“During my time studying at 51Âþ»­ I’ve met a lot of great people some of which are now friends for life. I’ve enjoyed living in Leicester for the past four years, it’s such a diverse city full of spirit.”

Studying at Master’s level allowed Hao to have more in-depth lectures with staff from a variety of backgrounds and industries. Their insights into industries and support with career options was encouraging and motivating, she said. Hao added: “I also gained tremendous guidance for interview preparation and skills from David Gordon during my studies and I believe that because of his guidance I was able to secure my first-ever job – with Google!”

Hao also praised 51Âþ»­’s , which provides employability guidance, advice and practical help for students. The team help organise placements, mock interviews and assessment centres for students, as well as support with CV writing and covering letters.