Alumni and Marketing Executive, Ellis Husband Returns to BCU to Share Tips on Career Growth, Adaptability, and Networking
Yesterday, Flourish Education’s Marketing and Communications Executive, Ellis Husband, returned to Birmingham City University to deliver an inspiring employability talk to final-year Graphic Communication students. A 2021 BCU graduate with a degree in Graphic Communication, Ellis shared her journey from design student to marketing professional, giving students an honest look at the challenges and successes she encountered along the way.
A Career Journey Built on Resilience and Redirection
After graduating with a passion for design, Ellis faced her first real-world challenge: finding the right job to launch her career. Initially returning to her hometown of Middlesbrough, she landed an interview with a graphic design company but ultimately didn’t secure the position. Determined not to give up, she took on other work and continued to build her skills, eventually transitioning into the field of marketing. Through perseverance and upskilling—including a certification in Digital Marketing from Google Digital Garage—Ellis set herself on a path that led her back to Birmingham and, eventually, to Flourish Education.
The Value of Adaptability and Building Connections
Throughout her talk, Ellis emphasized the importance of adaptability, resilience, and connections in today's job market. "Connections are everything," she noted, highlighting how networking played a crucial role in her career journey. She encouraged students to actively seek out professional relationships, attend industry events, and engage with mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Learning on the Job and Cultivating Versatile Skills
Ellis shared the diversity of her current role at Flourish Education, where she manages tasks ranging from social media and content creation to branding, SEO, and web design. This variety, she explained, allows her to leverage her graphic design background in new and innovative ways while continuously expanding her skill set. Her role at Flourish Education underscores her belief in the value of learning about company culture, being adaptable, and embracing feedback.
An Interactive Exercise on Creativity and Feedback
To give students hands-on experience with constructive feedback, Ellis led a brief activity where students designed a simple book cover, exchanged critiques, and iterated on their designs based on peer feedback. This exercise highlighted the importance of creative resilience and adaptability—essential skills for a successful transition from student to professional.
Ellis’s Top Five Tips for Life After University
Closing her talk, Ellis shared five key lessons she’s learned since graduating:
- Connections Are Everything: Building a network can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
- Learn About Company Culture: Understanding the workplace culture is key to finding a role where you can thrive.
- Don’t Take It Personally: Criticism is part of the job; learn and grow from it.
- Be a Sponge: Absorb as much knowledge as you can and keep expanding your skill set.
- Stay Creative Outside of Work: Pursuing personal projects can keep your creativity sharp and fuel your passion.
Ellis’s visit left students motivated to approach their own job searches with resilience and curiosity.
At Flourish Education, we are passionate about supporting and investing in our team, if you want to be part of something special, click here to find out more about a career with Flourish Education.