Rawan Ismail

Why Birmingham Dubai?

I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai because of its strong academic reputation, comprehensive marketing curriculum, and valuable industry connections. I wanted a programme that would not only provide academic knowledge but also help me build practical skills that I could apply directly in my professional career.

I was looking for a learning environment that encouraged growth, challenged my thinking, and provided opportunities to connect theory with real business situations. Birmingham Dubai offered exactly that.

Why did you choose to live and study in Dubai?

Dubai is an exciting place to study and build a career because of its fast-paced and diverse business environment. Being surrounded by people from different cultures and industries creates a unique opportunity to gain broader perspectives and continuously learn from others.

Studying in Dubai also meant being exposed to a market that is constantly evolving, which is particularly valuable for anyone pursuing a career in marketing.

What made Birmingham Dubai the right place to study Marketing?

I have always been interested in understanding how brands connect with people and how strategic thinking influences business success. Marketing is a field that combines creativity with analytical thinking, which was something that strongly appealed to me.

I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of areas such as marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, and digital marketing, while building skills that could support my long-term professional growth.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

My experience at Birmingham Dubai was very positive.

Course highlights

Some of the modules that stood out most to me were Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, and Research Methods.

The Marketing Strategy module helped me understand strategic planning and decision-making processes within organisations. Digital Marketing gave me practical insights into effectively using digital platforms and channels, while Research Methods strengthened my ability to conduct marketing research and transform data into meaningful insights.

These modules played a significant role in preparing me for the challenges of the marketing industry and gave me skills that I continue to use professionally.

Support from professors and academic advisors

The professors and academic advisors at the University were highly accessible and supportive throughout my studies. They maintained an open-door policy, providing one-on-one guidance whenever needed, whether for coursework or general academic advice.

Balancing work and studies

Balancing work and postgraduate study required careful planning, organisation, and time management. The programme's weekend classes, structured assignments, and collaborative group activities made it much easier to manage both responsibilities.

Open communication with my employer also played an important role in helping me maintain a healthy balance between my studies and career commitments.

One challenge I experienced involved managing overlapping business travel with my coursework. During this time, the support from the University made a significant difference. My professors were highly approachable and offered flexible arrangements and online support sessions, allowing me to continue progressing without falling behind.

My journey from Birmingham Dubai

I started my career as a Medical Representative in a pharmaceutical company before progressing to a Senior Medical Representative role and later moving into the marketing industry.

I worked for one year as a Marketing Research Specialist and then shifted into an Associate Product Manager. I completed two years as an Associate Product Manager before taking the role of a Product Manager. Each stage of my career helped shape my professional development and broadened my understanding of business and marketing.

The degree greatly contributed to my current role as Product Manager, providing essential knowledge in marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, and digital marketing. This enabled me to develop effective product strategies, understand customer needs, and leverage digital channels for product promotion.

Advice for students

I would highly recommend the MSc Marketing programme to prospective students because of the balance between academic learning and practical application.

My advice would be:

• Actively participate in discussions
• Make use of the support available from academics and peers
• Take advantage of every opportunity to connect your learning with real-world experiences

My time at Birmingham Dubai was an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience that contributed significantly to both my academic and professional journey.