Sophie’s degree takes her around the world
Here we take a peek into the life of alumna Sophie Tirrell, Marketing Communications Project Manager at Bentley Motors Ltd.
Sophie graduated from Keele University in 2006 with a degree in Business Administration, Marketing and Politics.
What does you current job involve?
I project manage film and photography ensuring we choose the right creative approach to support the launch of the product globally, including pre-production, supplier selection, attending the shoot to ensure we capture everything we’ve agreed to deliver and resolve any issues that may arise onset. Then finally the post-production process is where we retouch and deliver the final assets to all of our global channels and platforms. The assets are used for the lifecycle of the product, all around the world in advertising, print and all digital platforms. I’ve been involved in some really exciting campaigns, with advertising being used in international airports and magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar.
After graduating from Keele what led to your current career?
After graduating I contracted for a few months before working at Bentley, where I initially started in aftersales marketing as a contractor for six months. As my experience and knowledge of the business grew I progressed from coordinating printed collateral and events for aftersales, through to now where I project manage film and photography for our major product launches. By working hard and having the determination to succeed I’ve been able to work in some really cool places, from the USA and South Africa through to Chile and Bolivia. During my time at Bentley I have undertaken a Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma and successfully completed two internal development programmes.
Working for such a well known company must be exciting, how do you feel about your inspiring progress since university?
I am immensely proud to work for Bentley and without my varied degree from Keele University, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now.
How has your course helped you in your career?
My Marketing modules at university made me realise 100% that’s where I wanted to be, creating desire and action to purchase products. The only question was where did I want to go after university, this was quickly answered when I thought about the type of industry I wanted to work in — luxury, closely followed by automotive. Where else is more fitting than Bentley?
What are your favourite memories of studying at Keele?
I met some truly fantastic friends at university that I still see regularly now (even though a couple are in Australia), nights out at the union, photocopying journals at the library, Keele Hall and the lake, and Horwood D block are all fond memories. One of the girls and I came for a drive around campus a couple of weeks ago, it’s certainly changed a bit since we graduated, but fundamentally looked the same, sun shining and students milling about.
