It's ok to choose a different path

When Gary McBride began his Business Studies degree at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), his plan was to go into the finance sector. But during his course, he realised that finance wasn’t for him and, with the support of his tutors, moved his focus to marketing.

Gary chose DMU for its renowned business school and began his degree in 1991. In the past, he had struggled academically but during year one he overcame his phobia of exams and excelled at coursework.

After a year on the course, Gary learned that a career in finance wasn’t for him and was brave enough to admit this to himself. Gary discovered other business-related fields during his course and realised that his real passion lay in marketing.

With the support of his tutors, wide-ranging course content and a transformative placement year in industry, Gary changed paths and specialised in marketing during his final year.

After graduating in 1995 with this newfound career focus, Gary continued with his ambitions towards marketing, particularly loyalty marketing, analytics, and leveraging data. His career journey since then has been a testament to this passion, spanning roles in agencies and client-side positions across diverse sectors like retail, finance, hospitality, and gaming.

In 2011, while working in marketing analytics for Barclaycard, Gary made the decision many of us dream of – to follow the sun and emigrate to Australia. Now living on the beautiful Southern Gold Coast, Gary is a Digital Campaigns Executive for The Lottery Office.

Gary’s time at DMU played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory, providing clarity and direction when it was most needed.

Reflecting on his journey, Gary offers invaluable advice to current students and graduates.

“It’s important to identify and nurture areas of interest within your course. Make the most of opportunities to gain practical insights and stay adaptable and open-minded in an ever-evolving professional landscape.”

This success story not only demonstrates the transformative impact of education but also serves as inspiration for aspiring marketers navigating their own career paths. DMU, through its holistic approach to education and award-winning careers support, continues to empower students to discover their passions and thrive in their chosen fields.