Studying Business and Marketing at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has proved a shrewd investment for Nikki Allen.
The summer 2017 graduate has secured her ideal role with the Coventry Building Society and is looking forward to starting this month.
She said: "Landing the job feels amazing - I am so happy.
"It is a fantastic opportunity to expand my knowledge and learn skills across a number of different departments."
Nikki, who will be based in Coventry during her two years on the Marketing, Customer Experience and Communications Graduate Programme, credits DMU with helping her "achieve my goals and dreams".
She said: "DMU has supported me throughout my studies and helped me secure a placement role that has ultimately led to me gaining my first graduate position to start my career."
It is four years since First-class honours graduate Nikki embarked on her degree at DMU, having been impressed by the "welcoming" atmosphere at an Open Day.
"There was a strong focus on communication between students and staff alongside employability goals. I felt comfortable to move to DMU from my family's home in Staffordshire."
She chose Business and Marketing so she could "keep her creativity and apply it to a business environment".
"My favourite modules were Brand Management and Customer Management, as they both gave me understanding of what makes marketing stand out and how a campaign fits together," she said.
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Nikki spent her third year on placement with FedEx Express, Nuneaton, working as a marketing specialist placement student within the UK and Ireland team.
"The role was incredible and included some of the best experiences I have had," said Nikki, whose most memorable achievement was designing a corporate suite for the ATP tennis finals in London.
"I attended the event on one day and got to meet top players Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal," she said.
"The experience gave me contacts, examples and training to take forward alongside developing skills such as presentations expertise.
"I would not have been able to achieve the grades I have, get my graduate job or find the confidence in myself without these skills and the strong support and advice from my various DMU tutors."
Back on campus, Nikki embraced student life, joining clubs and societies including Badminton and Innovation and Enterprise. She also took the opportunity to broaden her horizons on a #DMUglobal trip to New York.
Nikki added: "The trip enabled me to learn about a number of different cultures and expand my awareness of marketing. This helped build my confidence that I can travel and work in different countries, and opened up a number of exciting opportunities for the future.
"It also gave me the opportunity to visit a city I had only ever dreamed about, and build friendships that will continue after university."
Posted on Friday 15 September 2017