Chris Thrower

Marketing, Advertising and PR - BA (Hons)

Getting practical, industry experience was a big factor in where Chris chose to go to university. While studying, not only has he studied and volunteered around the world, but he went on a year-long industry placement with one of the biggest toy manufacturers in the world.

"I’ve always had an interest in business, particularly marketing. Being able to go on placement and have industry experience was important to me.

When I visited the university on the Open Day, I had a good feeling about the place and the new campus. I was one of the first students who got to study in the new Curzon Building, giving us access to the latest resources for our studies.

I loved the fact I had the opportunity to study across three disciplines that were both strategic and creative; it meant I got insight into both the client and agency ways of working, which was a huge benefit for future job prospects. On top of this, I was excited to have the opportunity to go on an industry placement, study abroad placement and the chance to experience things that would benefit me as a person as well as for my chosen career.

I managed to secure a placement with Mattel Toys, where I worked within their PR department. During my year, I worked on campaigns across the Mattel portfolio which included the Hot Wheels’ 50^th anniversary, Barbie Role Model and the Thomas and Friends movie premiere. It was amazing to be given an insight into an industry that I grew up with, playing with their toys and products and now seeing how the company functions, how it has evolved and changed to meet the demands in the current children’s media market. At the same time, the company were going through many strategic transformations, so I got to see first-hand the inner mechanics of Mattel within the industry and how that affects different roles, including my own.

As well as my placement, I got to go on a cultural trip to China, and spent time studying in Barcelona, where I learnt a new language, made international connections and studied the industry with an international focus. I was a student ambassador too, meaning I got to work on events, on telemarketing campaigns and on student mentoring. I’ve had so many opportunities to build skills as a person and as a professional, and I’m graduating ready for the industry. This was all possible thanks to BCU."