Kate Inskip

Employer: GVA Grimley Ltd
University: Aston University

How I got into marketing

At university I took a marketing degree and as part of my sandwich course, I undertook a 12-month work placement with Cookson Precious Metals, a precious metal manufacturer. I enjoyed this and it gave me good, fundamental experience of marketing. I was able to apply the theory I’d learned, which helped significantly in my final year. The experience I gained from this also gave me a head start over other graduates when seeking a marketing job for real.

My first and current job is with GVA Grimley Ltd, commercial property advisers. My initial interview took place in Birmingham with the regional marketing manager; my second was in London, where I had to present ‘a regional marketing plan for the company’ to the head of marketing communications. I was able to demonstrate my skills in marketing, communications and teamwork through my work experience. The theory from my university course, lots of research and my marketing communications skills showed that I’d gone the extra mile – and as a result I got the job!

What my job involves

I work within the marketing and business development team but have a fair amount of autonomy as the majority of the team are based in London and I am based in Birmingham, the largest of our 12 regional offices. I administer a budget to create and implement a fully integrated marketing plan for the Midlands. This involves all elements of marketing communications, including events (such as seminars and client entertainment), online media, advertising, PR, business development and brochure production; and monitoring and evaluation of activities. I’m also responsible for the company’s intranet and field all internal marketing queries. I also run the ‘marketing champions programme’, which cascades corporate marketing information to others within the company.

Training and development

There is ongoing training within the company and a variety of courses to help with on-the-job learning. In the future I expect to get more involved in online media as we look towards cheaper methods of marketing during the current economic environment. In September, I’m starting a postgrad course for the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) which GVA Grimley will support.

I’m lucky that my role has continued to develop and I’m very happy at GVA Grimley. I particularly enjoy strategic planning and implementation of marketing plans. I also enjoy the creative elements of the job, working with our designers and reinforcing the brand.

My marketing career highlight

Last year the regional marketing plan was particularly successful. We hosted seminars and events with key professional bodies and local authorities that raised our profile in the region dramatically, and our PR achievements were excellent. Each activity in the marketing plan met its objectives and created the right message – a fully integrated marketing plan.

My advice to graduates seeking a marketing career

Don’t limit yourself. Try to find a role where you get exposure to a variety of areas of marketing as the skills you gain from each discipline are different and add to your CV. Take a real interest in the industry you are working in, otherwise you cannot apply your marketing skills to the best of your ability.