Hi, I’m Jess – Sokada’s new Digital Marketing Executive. I’m very excited to get stuck into all things marketing, gaining practical experience working with Sokada’s lovely team, alongside completing an apprenticeship with Vocate Training.
About Me
Last summer, I graduated from Arts University Bournemouth with a First-Class photography degree. Although I graduated with a slightly different passion that wasn’t entirely behind the camera. Initially, my interest in digital marketing began whilst completing a BTEC in Interactive Media at Heathfield Community College. After my A-Levels, I had the tough decision to choose between photography and media to study further at university; at the time, it was photography that I leaned more towards. My interest in marketing resurfaced whilst researching and studying future career opportunities during one of my units on my course. I emailed various marketers, reaching out to receive information relevant to a potential transition into marketing after university. After meeting with a digital marketing freelancer who transitioned from studying film, I grew increasingly excited about the opportunity to explore a career in marketing after university.
Despite this transition, I still absolutely love photography, and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved during my time at university. My final year was particularly exciting as I was amongst a shortlisted cohort of students to exhibit my final photographic project at Photo London, as part of the Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award 2025. My creative practice – that explores the intersection of AI and photography, debating the threat that Artificial Intelligence has on photography as a medium – was printed on my choice of Hahnemühle fine art paper and exhibited last May in Somerset House. It was even posted in an article by The Guardian! Definitely a pinch-me moment.
Photography is, and will always be, a big passion of mine. Since I’ve graduated, my love for photography has continued through taking photographs on trips and whilst travelling. Exploring new places is an aspect of life I really enjoy, and I will almost always have my camera in my luggage. I’m off to Japan next month, and I’m really looking forward to it! Whilst I enjoy travelling, I unfortunately haven’t previously had the opportunity to travel far. I’m super excited to experience the beautiful traditional architecture and the bustling, full-of-life, busy city streets – maybe even have a go at samurai or try my hand at sumo wrestling!
I really enjoy staying active, especially running, and I’ve recently taken up pilates too. I’m currently training for a half-marathon, in the hopes of running a marathon next year. Both running and pilates have become a way for me to wind down. When I’m not behind a camera, exploring a new place or out running, you’ll most likely find me in a coffee shop with my friends or family. It’s crazy to think I used to hate the taste of it, now I couldn’t imagine going a day without my morning latte.
Before Sokada
Before University, I worked as a sales assistant in an independent gift shop, and it was a really lovely environment. I always knew I would end up working whilst studying at university, as I like to keep busy, and it was definitely nice to earn some extra money to support the student lifestyle. Working long days and late nights in a bar during my second year was challenging, despite the hours being ideal to fit around my lectures. Whilst the job was busy and tough at times, it was also incredibly social and an enjoyable environment to work in. I also worked in a restaurant during my final year, which also included hosting private events such as wedding after-parties. With my primary responsibility working in hospitality being customer satisfaction, I’ve been able to further develop my communication and teamwork skills, and it was especially rewarding knowing that I had contributed to making that person’s day or evening special.
Since graduating from university, the transition from photography to marketing has been challenging. Whilst my creative background provided some foundation, I was still without direct experience in the marketing industry. Do I continue to apply endlessly for entry-level jobs that want 1-2 years’ worth of experience? Do I apply for a master’s in marketing? Maybe I should look at apprenticeships? Whilst I was weighing up my options, I decided to look for a temporary Christmas position, and I worked in a warehouse as a gift creator – making and presenting chocolate and flower bouquets, carefully packaging products and preparing orders for distribution.
But I always knew that my passion for photography and interest in digital marketing wouldn’t go away, and I was determined to hopefully land a job in an industry that I’m really excited and passionate about.
Working At Sokada
When researching options to kickstart my career in digital marketing, I knew that an apprenticeship would be an amazing opportunity to receive hands-on, practical experience, whilst also learning as much as I can about marketing. This was only a couple of weeks before I saw Sokada’s Instagram post that they were hiring for a new marketing apprentice, and immediately, I knew I had to apply. When I received an email from Jude inviting me to an interview, I was equally as excited as I was nervous.
I had been told before the interview that the whole team at Sokada would be present. This was something I hadn’t experienced at previous jobs, and whilst I was obviously nervous, I knew how rewarding it would be to meet the whole team and to be able to ask questions about the apprenticeship process directly to the other apprentices. The interview was a great experience, and as soon as it began, I felt at ease.
Receiving the job offer was a feeling like no other. After preparing extensively for the interview in the hopes of beginning my career in digital marketing with such a friendly team, I was so pleased to receive the news. I was actually on a run! It was the easiest run I’ve ever been on; I felt like I was on cloud nine.
I already feel so welcome by the team here at Sokada, and I’m really excited and eager to begin my journey in the industry, whilst also developing my skills and expanding my knowledge by completing a digital marketing apprenticeship.