Marketing Students gain industry insights at Leeds Building Society visit
Undergraduate Marketing students recently had the opportunity to step behind the scenes of Leeds Building Society during an Industry Insight Day.
The full-day event, held at the Society’s head office, offered a unique window into the inner workings of brand and marketing within the financial services sector. Organised in collaboration with the Marketing Department, the experience was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
Throughout the day, students engaged in Q&A panel sessions with the brand, PR, communications, and marketing teams. These discussions offered students valuable perspectives on the roles and career journeys of marketing professionals, while also shedding light on current industry trends and challenges.
One of the standout features of the day was a hands-on challenge where students worked in groups to design a marketing campaign for a new product. They then presented their ideas, receiving insightful feedback and gaining practical experience in campaign planning and execution.
The event also provided multiple networking opportunities, culminating in a session on building a personal brand — a vital skill in today’s competitive job market.
Marketing undergraduate Charlie commented: “Attending the Leeds Building Society insight event allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge. Gaining a further insight into marketing roles and how individuals in the profession navigated their careers further allowed myself to develop commercial awareness and networking capabilities. Alongside taking part in a hands-on challenge, it allowed myself the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge into real-life practice, a valuable experience we don't usually get the opportunity to do!”
Dr Alessandro Biraglia, Associate Professor of Marketing, emphasised the importance of such experiences for student development:
“Student career days like the one Leeds Building Society hosted are invaluable for marketing students. They provide a real-world context to the theories we teach in the classroom, while also giving students direct exposure to industry professionals, current trends, and potential career paths. These experiences not only enhance their employability but also inspire a deeper understanding of how marketing strategies are applied in practice.”
Heather Rymer, Talent and Early Careers Manager at Leeds Building Society, praised the students' performance:
“We were thrilled to welcome students from Leeds University Business School and offer them the chance to engage with our Brand and Marketing team. They were a true credit to their university, demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm and curiosity throughout. They brought fresh perspectives and insights on our approach to marketing a new product, particularly during their group work and presentations. Our leaders thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the students and were particularly impressed by the thoughtful questions posed during the career panel discussions, showcasing their keen interest and intellect.”
This insightful and interactive day marks another successful collaboration between the University and leading industry partners, helping students make meaningful connections and explore the practical realities of careers in marketing.
Find out more about how businesses are working with and inspiring students here.
