After four years of studying Modern Languages at the University of Manchester, I’m now working at BDB, learning to master the language of PR and marketing.
BDB is an international b2b marketing communications agency that actively recruits graduates with foreign language skills, including those looking to gain further experience in the world of marketing and PR. The advantages of being a linguist in this environment are obvious: an international perspective helps in dealing with businesses all over the world; language skills are vital in researching overseas markets and liaising with foreign media; and strong communication skills are invaluable for writing marketing materials, whether online or in print.
Getting started at an international marcomms agency has been a learning curve; like trying to distinguish a whitepaper from a call to action or the difference between SEO and CEO for example, and there are definitely other challenges for a recent graduate such as myself – calling and emailing clients for the first time was pretty nerve-racking – but the variety of the work and the chance to learn a huge array of marketable new skills certainly make up for it.
In just my first month at BDB, my day-to-day tasks have included:
- Attending international conference calls with clients in France and Germany
- Communicating with translators in their native language
- Liaising with editors in Singapore, Hong Kong and across Europe
- Requesting copies of leading industry magazines
- Taking part in PR & marketing brainstorms
- Conducting an interview for a company newsletter
- Attending a webinar on social media and its marketing applications
- Taking part in a training morning on SEO keyword research and Google analytics
I’ll even be attending the University of Manchester ‘Careers Event for Language Students’ on 17th October to give an insight into how to find the perfect job.
After my first month at BDB, I feel happy that I’ve found a job with an international company, where I can not only use the foreign languages I spent so long trying to master, but also continue learning new things, developing new skills and enjoying new experiences.
BDB is always happy to hear from language graduates, please contact us to find out more about our current opportunities.
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