Jess Howard

"I cherished my time at Bangor, but one experience stands out as truly transformative: participating in the Born to Run module."

Year graduated: 2017
Current role: Global Marketing Specialist, Carpenter Technology

How does psychology feature in your job?

Psychology plays a significant role in my job as a Global Marketing Specialist, as understanding consumer behavior, cultural nuances, and psychological factors is crucial for creating effective marketing strategies. In my role, I analyse consumer behaviour to understand what motivates individuals to make purchasing decisions. This involves studying psychological factors such as needs, desires, attitudes, and perceptions. An understanding of psychology helps me to be more adaptable and flexible in my approach when building marketing strategies for our market teams and growth platforms. I can adjust strategies based on changing consumer trends, economic conditions, and cultural shifts. My background in Psychology helps me to craft brand messages, visuals, and experiences that evoke positive emotions and create a strong brand identity.
 
How did Psychology help you get here?

Psychology has been instrumental in shaping my career journey. The critical thinking skills and analytical mindset gained during my psychology degree have proven invaluable in understanding consumer behaviour. This foundation allowed me to transition seamlessly into the world of marketing, where I leverage my understanding of psychological factors to craft compelling marketing strategies. My ability to analyse and interpret data, coupled with insights into human behaviour, has empowered me to make informed decisions in my day-to-day role. 
 
What other jobs have you done along the way? 

I have been with my company since graduating with my master’s degree, initially starting as a PR and Marketing Assistant. Over time, I progressed within the organisation. Following our acquisition by an American company, I seamlessly transitioned to the central Marketing team based in Philadelphia, USA. Throughout the years, I have gained valuable experience and expertise, and currently, I oversee the marketing strategy, conference presence, digital marketing, and content production for multiple markets and growth platforms.

What was the most valuable aspect of studying Psychology at Bangor? 

I cherished my time at Bangor, but one experience stands out as truly transformative: participating in the Born to Run module. This module equipped me with invaluable tools drawn from positive and motivational psychology, which we applied to the ambitious goal of running a marathon. It instilled in me the unwavering belief that with the right mindset and dedication, I could accomplish anything I set my sights on. I owe a debt of gratitude to the exceptional lecturers, Fran and John, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout. Since then, I've completed eight marathons across the globe. Yet, beyond the races themselves, this experience catalysed profound personal growth that has shaped the trajectory of my life. Without a doubt, I owe much of my current success and fulfillment to the lessons learned in that module.
 
Any any tips for someone considering Psychology at Bangor? 

Embrace the journey, for in the pursuit of knowledge lies the power to transform. My time studying Psychology at Bangor was not just an academic venture but a profound personal journey. The Born to Run module taught me that with the right mindset, perseverance, and a sprinkle of positive psychology, I could conquer both marathons and life's challenges. As you navigate your academic path, remember that every module has the potential to shape not just your career but the person you become.