From Precious
July, 2008
Dalwinderjit Kaur Cheema
Marketing and Events Assistant | Marketing & PR
Precious: Tell us about the route to your job.
Initially I was interested in Law and my degree was in Law with Marketing but after carrying out some work experience for an IT company and producing a Marketing Plan for them, I decided that Marketing would be my chosen career path. However, as I had only studied marketing as a minor subject in my undergraduate degree I decided to do my MSc in Management and chose Marketing as my specialist subject.
My Masters further broadened my knowledge in Marketing. I acquired many skills that my undergraduate degree had not provided me with, such as working with people from different nationalities, which I felt really opened me up as an individual.
My first job in marketing was working for a mobility company in the Midlands which taught me a lot of basic marketing skills, but it wasn't until my current role at the Innovatory that I got a real insight into marketing. My role constantly provides me with opportunities which enable me to learn and grow.
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
I don't really have a typical day as my days vary a great deal. Some days I might have events so it involves having an early start or working late in the evenings. If I do not have an event on, then I usually start the day by looking at the list of jobs that I have to do, which I compile before I leave work every evening so that I don't forget anything. Then I respond to the millions of emails that I have received. My list of jobs may involve sending out email shots for events, organizing other future events, liaising with publications to advertise the company's courses, etc.
Precious: What do you love most about your job?
My job is very versatile so I never get a chance to get bored. One day I'm organising events in which we have Sir Alan Sugar as a guest and the next day I might be in the office sending email shots. So there is something different to do each day. Also, I get the chance to meet many different personalities which makes the job more interesting.
Precious: Is there anything that you really dislike about it?
No not really, you get bad days and good days but that's all part of the fun!
Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?
I think the awards ceremony (in November 2004) with Sir Alan Sugar that I was involved in organising. A great deal of organisation on my part was required and I really did learn how to think on my feet. When you put so much energy into doing something and people praise you for it, all the stress and running around is really worth while.
Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
I think I am at a stage where I am continuously learning, which I am happy with. I do see myself progressing in terms of increasing my experience on different aspects of marketing and doing my Chartered Institute of Marketing Certificate, which I feel will further increase my knowledge in this field.
Precious: What do you do to relax?
Shopping, cooking and spending time with friends.
Precious: Any advice to those who wish to follow in your footsteps?
My words of wisdom would be to get as much experience in your field of interest as you can, whether it be voluntary work, work experience etc, so that you know for sure that this is what you really want to do. Continuously set yourselves goals which will enable you to develop, as there is always something new to learn in marketing. Finally if you really want something, then stay focused on your goal and don't give up because it may take time but you will eventually get what you want.
