Skip to main content
KBS_Icon_questionmark link-ico
Rida (International Marketing MSc) ;

Postgraduate alumni: Rida's story

After studying marketing as an undergraduate, Rida (International Marketing MSc) wanted to expand her expertise and understand the topic at an international level. After talking to friends who had been to King’s College London, she knew she wanted to be part of the community. King’s offered a postgraduate course that was a natural next step and matched her ambitions. Now she’s applying her skills back in Pakistan where the marketing industry continues to catch up with other countries.

How did you hear about King’s and find the right course?

I did my undergraduate marketing degree in Saudi Arabia where my family were based at the time. I wanted to carry on to postgraduate studies as marketing is an area that’s really growing in my home country of Pakistan.

Marketing is a well-established industry here, but at the same time it needs to go further to reach international standards. This is why I decided to study how international marketing works and how to implement ideas from other countries. And King’s was one of the best universities for this.

Did you have the chance to specialise?

We had optional modules for the second semester. My favourite module was the Business-to-Business module – I had a wonderful professor and the teaching inspired me to continue working in this industry. I met people from all over world and had the chance to hear from industry experts. It helped me grow as a professional and an individual.

My dissertation topic was on brand loyalty. I focused on the fashion brands within Pakistan. My research released word of mouth was the main factor influencing brand loyalty and is the strongest form of marketing.

What were the teaching team like?

Our professors were experts in their field and carrying out research in marketing. For example, I remember one of my lecturers was leading a marketing journal. I’m still in touch with most of my professors. Whenever I’m in London, I always make sure I pay them a visit.

Were you involved with anything outside your studies?

I was part of the Pakistan society, so I’d help them out at events regularly. While I studied, I supported an organisation in Pakistan which works on water scarcity. I was a core team member as their marketing director – and I still work with them occasionally now.

There were also a lot of events at King’s. I’ve been very sociable since a young age, so networking was very important to me. During my time at King’s, I met a lot of people from around the world.

Can you tell us more about your voluntary roles?

I’ve been working as alumni mentor for a year. I’m mentoring someone who is also a graduate from the same course. It’s really valuable for them as they know you’ve gone through the same thing.

Since 2018, I’ve also been serving as the first alumni ambassador for King’s in Pakistan. I promote the University across the country and work on student recruitment, as well as engaging alumni and organising reunions. Before there was no presence for King’s, so it’s been a gamechanger. I’ve actually helped people with their application, and many have gone on to get offers.

I recently became a diversity mentor for King’s supporting BAME students and underrepresented female students. Helping others is something I’ve always enjoyed, and I’ve had some great opportunities because of King’s.

What has life been like since you graduated?

I used the careers support service at King’s as I initially wanted to work in the UK. The team helped me prepare for interviews and polish my CV.

But, after graduating, I decided to move back to Pakistan. In fact, while I was still a student, I had an interview and received a job offer. I worked as a senior programme officer supporting collaborations and partnerships with academics at institutions across the world.

Currently I’m on a short break doing freelance work before I move on to another role. I’m also a content creator on the side – it’s something I really enjoy doing. I have my own fashion and lifestyle blog where I share my ideas.

What are your goals for the future?

I’m still learning and growing. It’s been around 4 years since I’ve graduated, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far. King’s have really helped me network and learn to communicate with others. Having the badge of King’s and being an official ambassador is really important to me.

In terms of my career in marketing, I want to go further. But I’d really like to support society too. I’m thinking about pursuing an entrepreneurship venture linked to mental health. This is an area I really learnt about in the UK. It’s something that really lacks in my society and there is a stigma around it.

Do you have any advice for students?

To any student, I’d say you need to make the most of your time at King’s. You won’t get it back. Enjoy and explore London, but also learn how to balance everything. What you bring into King’s, make sure you come out even better. Be proud of being a King’s students and make sure you achieve everything you want to.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Interested in studying a postgraduate course? Join us online from 22 – 26 February at our Postgraduate Virtual Open Week and discover what it’s like to study at King’s and how to apply.

Latest news