Monika Gopal

Monika's Story

Marketing graduate  Monika is toasting to an exciting first step on the career ladder, after securing a place on Mitchells and Butlers’ competitive Marketing Graduate Scheme in Birmingham, starting in October.

The 22-year-old, from Edinburgh, dived into the world of business during university, completing work experience placements in Scotland and Dubai, between studying for her degree and volunteering as a PR Officer with Stirling Students’ Union’s Business Society.

The vibrant, creative world of marketing has always appealed to Monika.

She said: “Growing up, I was always very aware of adverts and promotions. This was magnified when my dad rented office space within an advertising agency. I remember thinking it was such a fun, quirky environment, and could see myself working somewhere like this.

“My degree allowed me to learn the foundations of business and management, whilst developing specialist knowledge in marketing. I liked having the freedom to select my modules in marketing and tailor my degree to suit my interests. I now understand the many different areas of marketing that work alongside the creative elements.”

During her first year, Monika’s drive to succeed help her secure a summer internship with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and, in her third year, she joined the Scottish Institute for Enterprise.

Monika said: “I've been very proactive in looking for work experience, to gain an insight into the working world and develop my skills and marketing knowledge. I've had four internships which have offered me very different experiences, from working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car  in the summer to working for the Scottish Institute for Enterprise throughout the term of third year. I was given a lot of autonomy at the Scottish Institute for Enterprise and had the chance to engage with a variety of people, from students to local businesses.”

The opportunity to gain a unique, international experience came when Monika won a place on the Saltire Scholar Internship Programme, as a Marketing and Communications Intern at oil and gas training company, OPITO International, in Dubai.

She said: “Working in Dubai was a stand-out moment of my four years at Stirling. I was determined to secure an internship with the Saltire Programme after hearing about their global network of business leaders and organisations.

“I found working abroad to be an amazing experience that allowed me to grow in confidence. I feel that I can now set, and achieve, even higher goals.”

Julie Tinson, Professor of Marketing at the University, said: “Monika was an exceptional student on the BA Marketing programme and we are absolutely delighted she has secured such a prestigious graduate job. Monika has always shown drive and determination to succeed and this is evident through her internships as well as in her academic studies. Monika is an outstanding ambassador for the Marketing and Retail division and we have no doubt she will enjoy a fulfilling and noteworthy career.”

Last year, Monika was a Marketing Student of the Year finalist at the Marketing Society Star Awards – a national competition hosted by the Marketing Society in Scotland.

Monika added: “I'm very proud I was recognised as a finalist for the Marketing Student of the Year in 2016. It has opened many doors since, such as membership to the society and mentoring opportunities.

“There hasn't been a dull moment over my four years at Stirling. I've made friends for life and I'm proud of myself for maximising every opportunity, from getting involved with societies to undertaking work experience.

“It's been a great platform to grow as a person. I'll definitely look back on my time at Stirling very fondly.”