Beatrice Odesanya

At sixth form, I studied Media, Business, and Psychology. Studying all three sparked my interest in marketing. What I enjoyed most in Media was seeing how ads connect with their audiences, especially through the use of sound. Over time, I realised that all three subjects were linked. Psychology helped me understand how people process information and the preconceived ideas we have about what we see,  which got me thinking about how brands can shift people’s perceptions through advertising. That curiosity led me to choose the Digital Marketing course at BCU.

My time on the BA (Hons) Digital Marketing course at BCU gave me a deeper understanding of the marketing world. I learned how to create brand campaigns, conduct research, and produce content in studio settings. Two standout modules for me were the summer module (Collaborative Practice) and the Nike brief in Content Marketing. I loved these projects because they gave me the chance to explore both the strategic side of marketing and the creative ideation process behind campaigns.

After completing my two-year course at BCU, I felt like something was missing, that’s what drew me to sign up for the Academy. I wanted hands-on experience in an agency setting, a space where I could put my knowledge from university into practice.

I think what first sparked my interest in marketing was seeing ads on social media and billboards and wondering, What was the creative process behind that? What does this ad really mean? Could I make a better one? I’ve always been curious about how brands manage to communicate their message in a way that connects and makes sense to their audience.

What led me to build my career here in Birmingham was the Digital Marketing course at BCU, it stood out to me and ticked all the boxes when it came to my interests. For a two-year course, it offered so much, and I’m really grateful I had the opportunity to be part of it.

Beyond the educational side, another reason Birmingham stood out to me was its diversity and culture. Culture is something that means a lot to me, and being in a city where different backgrounds are reflected in the creative scene is what really drew me in.

In week one, we learned about client services. One of the main things I took away was how to network and maintain strong client relationships, which is something I found really valuable. If you want clients to return, building and maintaining that trust is key.

We also had a session with Dan on brand strategy, where she shared helpful tips and tricks on how to research effectively in order to gather insights.

Another highlight of the programme was PR week. I learned so much about the different aspects of PR and was honestly surprised by how varied and creative it can be. We got to draft a press release and a media pitch, present them back to the team, and receive direct feedback, which made the experience even more valuable.

In 2-3 years I see myself working at a small agency in London working as a creative director, strategist, or working as a social media exec. Using the skills I’ve learnt from the Tribera Academy 

What I’m most passionate about is strategy. My strength lies in being able to pull insights from data and research, and then turning those insights into meaningful strategies. I really value how a brand’s strategy can tell stories and connect with audiences in a deeper way.

After being introduced to PR, I’ve become more intrigued by what it has to offer. What stood out to me is how it brings together different departments and how it is more creative than it first seems. I especially enjoyed the ideation and content side, coming up with ideas and then seeing them come to life.

I feel like all of these areas are linked in some way, but what I enjoy the most is the ideation side of marketing, using research and insights to generate creative ideas.

I’m an emerging filmmaker, currently directing my first short film titled ‘Please Take Me Home’