My dad has always been a huge inspiration to me. Growing up, I watched him successfully run a Turkish restaurant in Cardiff, and that made me want to follow in his footsteps. That’s why I chose Business Studies as one of my A- levels.
Business Studies was great, but I soon discovered the most interesting part of the course for me was the marketing module. This was where I could use my imagination most and channel my creativity. That’s why I chose to apply for a marketing management degree course at USW. I was made up when I achieved the grades.
I’ll never forget my first year at Uni – it was such a special time. I made great friends and was studying a subject I not only enjoyed but was succeeding at too.
I even joined the Cheerleading Society. I didn’t have any experience but had taken dancing classes for seven years. I honestly thought cheerleading was something you did in the USA - not Wales - but thought I’d give it a go. I’m the team’s kit manager and create my own costumes - as well as finding and buying them online. We also enter competitions across the UK, even winning a trophy!
In my second year I had to find a work placement. Passing the course module was dependent on successfully applying for and completing one. I was thrilled at the prospect and looked forward to experiencing a marketing role in the real world. If I’m honest, I was anxious about being good enough, and if I would be able to do the tasks given me, but I was up for the challenge.
I applied for five different work placements end of last year with different organisations, but there was one that stood out. That was with Tenovus Cancer Care. I was over-the- moon to be the successful candidate at interview, and the feedback I received gave me confidence in my ability. It made me think about how great it would be to work with these people, and for a good cause. I enjoy helping others, and although cancer is a serious subject, I saw this as a chance to make an impact on other people and help raise awareness of cancer.
Working as an Intern for Tenovus has been a joyful learning experience. I’ve been working alongside the Marketing and Communications team, which manages the charity’s key messages, storytelling content on social media, as well as external press relations.
I enjoyed working on the 80th anniversary “thank you” video. It was a fun experience where I assisted the videographer on location. I’ve also met some amazing people who’ve contributed greatly to the charity, and its cause.
This included “Alan” who has been a shop volunteer for 20 years. I interviewed him and gathered his story for social media. It was a great learning experience, and it was so lovely to meet him and other volunteers too. I have also written other social media posts and undertaken my own marketing research project. It’s been great to be at Tenovus Cancer Care at such a special time as it celebrates its 80th anniversary year.
I like that Tenovus Cancer Care is a Wales based charity. My dad was born in Turkey, but I was born in Wales, like my mum. Mum was a Welsh teacher for 20 years and I went to Welsh medium primary and secondary schools. I am a fluent Welsh speaker but can also speak some Turkish. It’s the best of both worlds.
I feel my experience at Tenovus Cancer Care will help me as a future business owner in Wales, especially with the marketing side of things. I’d highly recommend work placements at the charity for other students too – it’s been fun, and I’ve learned lots too.
Goodbye Tenovus Cancer Care and thank you.
