Alexander Mackwood
2016 Marketing BSc graduate Alexander is National Brand Manager at Moët Hennessy in Vancouver, Canada.
Interview
Since graduating, what have you gone on to do?
I am currently at Raptor, the Student Brand Activation agency. An agency born out of a relationship between experiential marketing and student event promotion. Raptor gains traction for brands through customer acquisition and brand awareness whilst creating unforgettable experiences for students. I worked as an Account Manager in 2016, Head of Events in 2017 and I am currently Account Director at the company. My responsibilities at Raptor include: Campaign management, event management, ambassador recruitment, internal recruitment, website development, training ambassadors, client relations, strategy development, creative concept creation, market research, PR, budgeting and social media management. I have been leading campaigns for clients such as SoundCloud, Budweiser, Deliveroo, Bumble and Kelloggs.
Is the above what you planned to do before starting university?
I didn't have too much planned. I just wanted to enjoy the early stages of my career and I was lucky enough to be offered this opportunity at Raptor.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
It sounds off but I enjoyed completing marketing plan assignments. You are rarely given creative freedom so when this opportunity comes along it is a pleasant experience.
What extra-curricular activities or societies were you involved with during your time here?
I was Editor of the Tab Newcastle (an online student publication) and Senior Manager of a weekly club night.
How do you see future technologies and new ways of working (future of work) affecting your sector?
Various recruitment tools for brand ambassadors to help find the right people. Paid advertising on Facebook is becoming more and more sophisticated.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Running my own agency.
Enjoy every minute of Newcastle – I miss it!