Marketing graduate Dom Burt is proof that when it comes to your university experience, you get out what you put in.
Dom graduated with a first class honours in 2018, having spent the last four years building his skills both inside and outside the classroom. He is now a Marketing Executive with Versapak Group, a global manufacturer of tamper evident bags and security seals used in the medical and banking sectors, as well as to help tackle doping in the sports world.
Dom had set his mind on a career in marketing while at school. When it came to choosing a university, Bournemouth stood out for its industry links and location. He said: “I was attracted to BU because of its focus on work placements. I knew this would help to prepare me for a future career. I was also attracted by the beach and everything the town had to offer - having grown up in a seaside town, it felt like a home away from home.”
Dom quickly made the most of his university experience by getting involved in a host of extra-curricular activities. This included promoting the university to potential applicants as a Student Ambassador, recording vlogs for use by the marketing department and supporting first-year students as a Peer Assisted Learning Leader. When the university’s Business School was visited by an external panel from AACSB, Dom was among the students invited to speak about his experiences. He said: “From the start of university I was aware that the graduate employment landscape was very competitive. I decided to get involved in things that would develop my skills and experiences and also set me apart from others when it came to job applications. It meant taking on things that felt daunting at the time, but ultimately it made me more confident; particularly in terms of public speaking and doing presentations.”
Dom reflects that his placement year was as useful in helping him determine what he didn’t want to do as much as what he did. Having spent time as a social media intern for a major lifestyle brand, he realised that he ultimately wanted a broader marketing role which would utilise a wider skill set. The placement year did however introduce him to a contact which led to his graduate role. He said: “I received an email from a former colleague who I had built up a good rapport with during my placement year. He had joined Versapak Group and let me know about an opening. I am now enjoying my first graduate role there, drawing on all that I learnt at Bournemouth.”
Looking back on his BU years Dom has one regret. He said: “I joined the staff team at the Old Fire Station nightclub in my final year. I had the time of my life and made some of my best friends so I just wished I had done it sooner. My sister has just started at BU and has got a job there already thanks to my recommendation.”
